If you’re a Canadian looking to play at an online casino, then you are spoiled for choice. There are over 100 online casinos that operate legally in Canada. They all boast a wide variety of promotions and reasons to play at them.
There are so many casinos that it’s almost a bad thing, as it can be hard to narrow it down to just one casino to play at, and the grass may always seem greener at other casinos. If you have never played at an online casino before, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to look for or which online casino to choose.
In this article, we’re going to look at the five most important factors that Canadians should consider when they are looking to sign up at an online casino. It goes far beyond the bonus amount, and this is the best guide for any Canadians looking to sign up at an online casino.
Casino Bonuses
Please note that we listed this one as bonuses, and not just bonus. This is important.
Any promotion for an online casino that you see, whether it is on television, in a newspaper or magazine or on the internet, will no doubt list a very high cash amount beside it, promoting that you can get that amount when you sign up for an account at that particular online casino.
While that is technically true, there is a lot more to the casino bonus system than just the dollar amount, which you should consider before signing up at an online casino.
The initial deposit bonus is the first thing to consider. Not the actual amount, but what is required to actually claim that amount. Unfortunately, much of this is buried in the fine print.
Casino A may offer a deposit bonus worth $1000 while Casino B offers a deposit bonus worth $500. Just based on that, most people would consider Casino A as the best option, as they get more “bang for their buck”. However, Casino A may have a 30x wagering requirement, while Casino B only has a 20x wagering requirement. This means that you have to wager less money to actually clear the bonus and be able to withdraw any winnings.
Casino bonuses aren’t “free” money either; in combination with the house edge, wagering requirements are designed so that mathematically, it is common for people to lose both their initial deposit and the bonus cash, prior to even clearing the bonus. That is why it is essential to review the wagering requirements first.
Game availability for the bonus is another factor to consider. Some casinos offer a deposit bonus; however, they only permit certain games for you to play to clear the bonus. If you are a Blackjack player, you don’t want to deposit at an online casino to be told you can only clear the bonus at Slots or Keno.
You also need to consider more than just the deposit bonus. What other bonuses does this casino offer? Do they offer special reload bonuses on certain days? And do they accommodate your playstyle?
Many of us, when we sign up at an online casino, are looking to primarily play at that online casino and not switch to others. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the casino consistently rewards you with deposit bonuses.
Speaking of rewards…..
Rewards/Loyalty Program
At a bare minimum, any online casino you are playing at should have some sort of program to reward you for your loyalty. The most common rewards program is a comp points program. These are common at most online casinos, and if the online casino you are considering signing up at doesn’t have a rewards program, it’s recommended that, unless that casino has a low wagering requirement for their deposit bonus, you should consider elsewhere.
Every loyalty program is different, so be sure to look at everything that it has on offer. The most common system is a comp points program based on how much money you wager and allows you to cash in the comp points for money at any time. However, there are a few online casinos that go above and beyond, offering the ability to enter contests, earn free spins daily, and participate in loyalty-only tournaments. It doesn’t really matter what they have on offer; as long as they have a basic loyalty program, it helps negate the house edge.
Regulation
It is imperative that you play at an online casino that is regulated by the province in which you live.
For example, if you live in Ontario and are considering signing up for an online casino, you should check the iGaming Ontario list first, to make sure that the casino you are looking to play at is regulated.
This is for a variety of reasons, the biggest being your own protection. Regulated casinos have all their games tested on a regular basis and monitored to ensure they are fair. When applying for regulation, they must agree to a variety of rules to ensure both player safety regarding funds and responsible gaming.
If you are playing at a regulated online casino, you also have peace of mind in regard to your funds. All of the transactions you make with that casino are secure, and your payouts are guaranteed. If you encounter any issues with an online casino, you can contact the regulatory body in your province, which will oversee the situation and protect the player.
There are, of course, many other things you should consider when it comes to an online casino, although those should be more obvious. Game selection is one example. If you are a Roulette player, you will want to consider the quantity of roulette games available at each casino. If you prefer to play on your phone, you should make sure the casino has an app or a very responsive website.
However, they are more personal preferences. Every online casino player should focus primarily on the bonuses, rewards program and regulation status first and prioritise those three points.