10 Top-Rated Live Casinos in Canada
Welcome to the exciting world of Live Casino in Canada, where the thrill of traditional gaming meets cutting-edge technology. In my experience, players appreciate the real-time interaction with professional dealers and the immersive atmosphere that online platforms offer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the scene, understanding the top Live Casino providers can enhance your gaming experience significantly. Based on my observations, choosing the right platform is crucial for enjoying seamless gameplay and rewarding promotions. Dive into our curated list of the best Live Casino options available in Canada, and elevate your online gaming journey today.
Live Dealer Casinos You Can Play at From Canada
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About Canada
Known as the country that has the nicest and politest residents in the world, Canada is located in North America. The total area that this country occupies is almost 10 million square kilometers and that makes Canada the world's second-largest nation. Throughout history, various Indigenous people have inhabited this area. Ottawa is the capital and Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are the three largest metropolitan areas.
When it comes to its borders, the only country that Canada borders with is the United States of America to the south. It is interesting to mention that the border stretches 8,891 kilometers and due to its length, it is the largest bi-national land border. Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a monarchy that is part of the Commonwealth. Additionally, it is a bi-national nation as both English and French are the official languages.
As for its economy, Canada is a highly developed country that ranks extremely high on every list. It has the 17th highest nominal per-capita and 16th largest ranking in the Human Development Index. Overall, Canada’s economy is ranked 10th in the world and it mostly relies on natural resources and well-developed international trade networks.
Live Casinos in Canada
The gambling industry in Canada has a pretty complicated relationship with the government. Land-based gambling is legal in every province. Just a reminder, there are a total of 10 provinces and three territories in Canada. Alberta and Saskatchewan are the two provinces where gambling is extremely developed. An interesting fact here is that 4% of Alberta’s budget comes from gambling revenue.
But, when it comes to online gambling, this area is regulated a bit differently, which is why it is stated that the relationship that the gambling industry has with the government is a bit complicated. Residents in this country can only gamble in a few provinces – Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta.
The state gives power to the provinces to decide whether online gambling should be legal or not, which is why residents in the aforementioned provinces can access live casinos in Canada online. But, here is the thing. The only casino sites that can operate in these provinces are those that are licensed by Kahnawake (First Nations Tribe). Additionally, online casinos can only accept players from the province that they operate from.
Every live casino in Canada that is not licensed by the provinces of the Kahnawake Gambling Commission is illegal, which is why it is advised for players to stay away from these sites. Live casinos that operate illegally are prosecuted, but only if they have a physical branch in the country.
History of Gambling in Canada
The year that marked the start of the rise of the gambling industry in Canada was 1985. This is the year when the first gambling-related activities were legalized in the country, but it took several years for them to develop.
In this year, the federal government allowed the provinces to have control over the gambling industry. The lottery was among the first casino games that were legalized in Canada. The Criminal Code, which was altered in 1969, allowed these games to take place in the territory.
Winnipeg’s Crystal Casino
The first government-owned casino, which was named Winnipeg’s Crystal Casino opened its doors in 1991 and it paved the way for other land-based facilities to be established and developed. However, this famous casino closed its doors in 1999.
As time passed by, provinces were able to control the land-based gambling industry very well, but all of that changed with the rise of live dealer casinos. These sites became extremely popular, which is why the need to regulate them rose quickly. But, as the country was fast to create regulations on the online casino industry, it made them both straightforward and very confusing.
In order to operate legally, live online casinos had to possess a license, but the laws did not specify whether the players would be prosecuted for accessing unlicensed sites.
Gambling Nowadays in Canada
Since the laws are a bit unclear on live gambling, players can access both casino sites that are licensed by the provinces and by the First Nations tribe, but they are also fond of accessing unlicensed sites, which does come with a small risk. Due to the unclear regulations, the live casino industry has a very complicated relationship with the government, which is why they demand a change in regulations.
As for land-based gambling, this industry is booming as well nowadays. Many people visit land-based Canada casinos to play the best casino games quite frequently. As stated earlier, the gambling industry is even a massive contributor to the budget in some of the provinces. In Alberta, 4% of the annual budget comes from the revenue made from the gambling industry.
Future of Live Casinos in Canada
The future of live casinos online in Canada is looking positive to some extent. It is believed that the live dealer casino industry will be regulated in a much better way, thus helping the players have a better and safer experience on these sites. But, that may take time. The good thing is that the government is open to changes and it is reportedly already crafting amendments to the laws that apply to online live casinos.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that when it comes to the future of live casino games, live dealer games have the highest potential in Canada. They have quite a unique gameplay and allow players to wager on the games in real-time by joining a stream. The pleasant gaming experience that they provide Canadian players with is the reason why they have the potential to be the future of live casino gaming.
Are Casinos Legal in Canada?
On the question of whether casinos are legal in Canada, the answer is quite complicated, which is why a parallel between live casinos and land-based casinos needs to be made. When it comes to land-based casinos, they are legal to operate in almost every province. The federal government has given the power to the provinces to decide how to regulate this industry.
It is worth noting that even though gambling is legal in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, there are no land-based casinos in these regions. The First Nations tribes also have a very massive impact on the industry as many casinos are operated by them. Currently, there are a total of 643 First Nations communities in Canada and they hold around 30% of the land-based casinos in the country.
Only a Few Provinces Allow Live Gambling
But, when it comes to online gambling, the situation is a bit more complicated. Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta are the only provinces that allow live gambling. Not only that, but there is a monopoly held by First Nations tribes on live online casinos as players can only access live dealer casinos that are licensed by them.
Additionally, live casinos are only allowed to offer their services to the provinces in which they are based. To make things even more complicated, the law does not block unlicensed sites, which is why Canadian players can access them, but all of that comes at their own risk.
Regulation Laws and Authorities
Every province in Canada has its own authority through which they regulate the gambling industry. These are the following authorities in Canada:
- AGLC in Alberta
- GPEB in British Columbia
- LGCAM in Manitoba
- Gaming, Liquor and Security Licensing Branch of the Department of Justice and Public Safety in New Brunswick
- Consumer Affairs Division of Digital Government and Service NL in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Department of Municipal and Community Affairs in Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation in Nova Scotia
- Department of Health in Nunavut
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario in Ontario
- Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission and Consumer, Corporate and Insurance Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety in Prince Edward Island
- Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux and Société des loteries du Québec in Quebec
- SLGA in Saskatchewan
- Professional Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Branch of the Department of Community Services in Yukon
As mentioned earlier, the Kahnawake Gambling Commission regulates online gambling. This is a First Nations tribe commission and holds a monopoly on the market in Canada. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency regulates sports betting.
Finally, the law that regulates all gambling-related activities in Canada is the Criminal Code, or also known as The Code.
Best Live Casino Games in Canada
Live dealer games are extremely popular in Canada and as it was stated earlier, they are considered to be the future of live casinos in this country. To play these games, players must be registered at live casinos. Casino live games are hosted by real dealers and players can join the game via a stream and wager on the games in real-time.
Poker
The number one favorite game of Canadian players is poker. This is a casino game that requires a lot of skill and it is the number one chosen game for more experienced players. There are several variations of poker games. Those that have experience of casino live table games can join:
- Texas Hold’em
- Caribbean Stud
- Omaha Poker tables
- Video poker
Slots
Next up, slot games are the third most popular casino category in Canada. They are extremely simple to play and depending on the type of slot that Canadian players access, they may be in for a huge reward. Progressive slots are played often and these games have jackpots that keep increasing. In many cases, the reward can exceed several millions of dollars.
The Lottery
The last entry on the list is the lottery since this is one of the earliest casino games to be legalized in Canada. Mostly, people of elderly age are fond of this game, but nevertheless, it remains a popular choice for many Canadian players.
Live Casino Software Providers
When accessing live casinos, the live casino game provider list is among the first things that Canadian players check. They are always looking for reputable names such as Netent casinos in Canada. Other popular live casino game software is:
- Yggdrasil
- Play’n GO
- Microgaming
- Big Time Gaming
- Red Tiger Gaming
Considering the fact that live dealer games are popular as well, they are also on the lookout for Evolution Gaming as this provider is known for supplying live casinos with the best live casino games.
It is worth noting that all of these reputable providers only form partnerships with licensed live casino sites. Considering the fact that unlicensed sites also operate in Canada, players will not be able to find these names at those sites. That is why they are advised to only access licensed live casinos. Not only will they have a more secure time, but their gaming experience will be much better.
Bitcoin Games
In the last couple of years, even Bitcoin games managed to make an impact in Canada. As this cryptocurrency rose in popularity, some live casinos started offering special games that can only be accessed when players deposit with Bitcoin. These games are not as nearly as popular as the ones mentioned above, but they deserve a mention since they left a good mark on the industry.
Best Live Casino Canada Bonuses
The best Canadian online casino bonuses are welcome bonuses, cashback bonuses, and free spins. Since welcome offers are the first casino bonuses that Canadian players receive, they are the most popular bonuses in Canada.
are claimed right after players register at a certain casino site. In most cases, welcome offers provide the players with live casino deposit bonuses and Free Spins. It’s also worth noting that players might need to deposit the required minimum amount for 3-4 consecutive days to receive the full bonus amount of the welcome offer.
Cashbacks
Next up, cashbacks are the second most preferred bonuses in Canada. They are usually applicable on live dealer games, which happen to be among the most popular games in Canada. The percentage that the player receives from the lost amount on live dealer games varies from one live casino to another, as well as from the loyalty program. Loyalty programs usually offer higher percentages to cashbacks on players that are ranked higher.
Free Spins
Free Spins as a standalone bonus is also a highly preferred bonus for Canadian players. But, one thing to keep in mind with it is that these bonuses often come with numerous terms and conditions such as wagering requirements and a specific timeframe in which they are valid. Additionally, they can only be used on certain slot games.
How To Claim These Bonuses
Each bonus comes with general and specific terms and conditions that the player must fulfil. General terms and conditions state that the player must be of legal age and be registered at the casino site. Specific terms and conditions for the welcome bonus state that a minimum deposit amount is required to claim it. The offer is only available to newly-registered players and can be claimed just once. Additionally, they come with a maximum bonus amount that players can receive.
Cashback bonuses do not have very complicated terms and conditions. All players have to do is access live dealer games over a certain period. They have a minimum and a maximum amount that can be returned to the players.
Free Spins are probably the most complicated when it comes to claiming them. As stated above, they come with wagering requirements on winnings, specific timeframes, and are limited to the games that can be used on.
All of these T&Cs vary from one casino site to another, which is why it is important to give them a read.
Popular Payment Methods in Canada
Credit and debit cards, as well as e-wallets, are the most popular payment methods in Canada. Credit and debit cards take the number one spot as a huge portion of the players that access live casinos own them. Not only that, but they provide them with relatively fast and secure transactions. Deposits with them are instant, while withdrawals have a short processing period – around 3 business days.
Some of the most popular e-wallets used for deposits and withdrawals in Canada.
Even though they provide the players with much faster transactions than credit and debit cards, they are often labelled as ineligible to claim bonuses, which is why they are not used as often as cards.
Other payment methods that deserve a mention are bank transfers, ecoPayz, and Klarna.
Less Popular Payment Methods in Canada
Less popular payment methods in Canada include mobile pay such as Boku and Payforit. Bitcoin is also used from time to time due to the fact that this cryptocurrency has all of the advantages of the aforementioned methods, but none of the disadvantages.
Every transaction made with Bitcoin is instant and due to the fact that players receive a certain level of anonymity, their security is at a very high level. To make things even better, fees are not charged for withdrawals and players can claim all bonuses when they deposit with Bitcoin. Not only that, but they also gain access to unique Bitcoin games.
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FAQ's
Can players access live casinos in Canada?
Players can access online casinos in Canada, but only those that the Kahnawake Gambling Commission licenses. This is a First Nations tribe regulatory body that holds a monopoly on the market of online casinos.
Who regulates the gambling industry?
The federal government has given the provinces the power to regulate gambling activities in Canada. Each province has its own regulatory body that is in charge of overseeing all casino-related activities. As for online gambling, the Kahnawake Gambling Commission is the authority that licenses and oversees online casinos.
Is the Canadian dollar an accepted currency in Canada?
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is often accepted at online casinos, but even if the chosen site does not consider it eligible, Canadian players can easily choose another currency and then exchange it for the CAD when needed.
What is the role of the First Nations tribe in Canada?
The First Nations tribes hold numerous land-based casinos in Canada. According to the statistics, around 25 land-based casinos are owned by them, which equals to a third of the total number in Canada. Additionally, the only regulatory body that can license online casinos is owned by the First Nations tribe.
Can players withdraw their winnings using e-wallets?
Yes, players can withdraw their winnings from online casinos using e-wallets. But, one thing that they need to remember is to make sure that they have fulfilled all the terms and conditions. E-wallets might even come with withdrawal fees.
Do unlicensed sites operate in this territory?
Even though the government regulates online gambling, they haven’t imposed a system that blocks unlicensed sites. So, there are sites of this type that offer their services to Canadian players, which is why they need to be careful.
Is gambling well-regulated in Canada?
Land-based gambling is regulated very well in Canada. But, when it comes to online gambling, the laws are a bit confusing, which is why the situation is a bit complicated.
How to gain access to the most popular casino bonuses in Canada?
To gain access to the most popular casino bonuses in Canada, players must register at the chosen online casino. Additionally, they need to fulfill the specific terms and conditions.
Are credit cards accepted as a deposit method at Live Casinos?
Yes, credit cards are accepted as a deposit method at online casinos. Not only that, but they are the most commonly chosen deposit method in the country.
Are welcome offers popular in Canada?
Welcome offers are the most popular bonus in Canada. To claim them, players must register and deposit the required minimum amount.