REAL MONEY ONLINE CASINOS IN CANADA

Welcome to The Casino Heat. This is your guide to real money casino sites for Canadian players. Here you will find only safe and trusted casinos where you can play online slots and live dealer tables for real money prizes. All the casinos across our site have been reviewed and rated by our team of experts so you can be sure you are playing with trusted and legal brands and operators.

NOTE: BONUS OFFERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN ONTARIO. ONTARIANS SHOULD VISIT OUR ONTARIO ONLINE CASINOS PAGE INSTEAD.

UPDATED March 2024
TRUSTED
MOBILE FRIENDLY
FAST PAYOUTS

RANK

CASINO

BONUS OFFER

HIGHLIGHTS

SCORE

GO PLAY

  • Over 1,500 slots
  • Award winning app
  • Interac accepted
Score
9.4
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard Neteller Skrill Paysafecard Paypal iDebitWire Transfer
Withdrawal Time:  A few hours
Payout Rate:  97%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
19+, Significant Terms Apply. Terms apply.

 

  • Big, trusted brand
  • Great for VIPs
  • Excellent live dealers
Score
8.8
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard  Trustly Interac MuchBetter  Neteller Skrill Ecopayz iDebit  Wire Transfer Paysafecard
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 72 Hours
Payout Rate:  96.6%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

 

  • Big, trusted brand
  • Great for VIPs
  • Excellent live dealers
Score
8.8
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard  Trustly Interac MuchBetter  Neteller Skrill Ecopayz iDebit  Wire Transfer Paysafecard
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 72 Hours
Payout Rate:  96.6%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

 

  • Sophisticated brand
  • Massive slots catalogue
  • Interac accepted
Score
9.0
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard Skrill Neteller Interac Trustly Paysafecard Ecopayz Wire Transfer
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 48 Hours
Payout Rate:  96.02%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 35x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

 

  • Fastest withdrawals
  • Massive sign up deal
  • Excellent reputation
Score
8.8
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard Interac
Withdrawal Time:  1 to 2 Hours
Payout Rate:  95.71%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

 

  • Trusted name
  • Big progressives
  • Interac accepted
Score
8.6
Visa Debit and Credit MuchBetter iDebit Ecopayz Paypal Paysafecard Wire Transfer
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 48 Hours
Payout Rate:  93.56%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 50x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

 

  • Big, trusted brand
  • Massive progressives
  • Interac accepted
Score
8.8
Visa Debit and Credit  MuchBetter iDebit PaypalWire TransferPaysafecard
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 48 Hours
Payout Rate:  96.02%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

 

  • Best slots catalogue
  • No deposit free spins
  • Interac accepted
Score
8.8
Visa Debit and Credit  Interac Neteller Ecopayz Trustly Wire Transfer Paysafecard
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 48 Hours
Payout Rate:  96.89%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 35x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

 

  • Over 1,300 slots
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Exclusive live tables
Score
9.4
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard iDebit MuchBetter Interac Ecopayz Paysafecard
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 24 Hours
Payout Rate:  97.23%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
19+. New customers. 100% Deposit Bonus up to CAD500 min dep. CAD20, 30x wag. req. deposit+bonus+ 115 Free Spins on 9 Masks of Fire Hyperspins: 15 on reg and 100 split over first 5 days after 1st dep 30x wag. req. on bonus winnings.Game weighting applies on wagering. Max bet applies. T&Cs apply. Play responsibly • BeGambleAware® • Bonus terms. Terms apply.

 

  • Big free spins offer
  • Super-cool brand
  • Big slots selection
Score
8.6
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard Maestro Interac Trustly Neteller Skrill Paypal Paysafecard Sofort Wire Transfer
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 24 Hours
Payout Rate:  97%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 35x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

 

  • Massive slots selection
  • Interac accepted
  • Fun and trusted brand
Score
9.5
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard Interac MuchBetter Ecopayz Jeton Astropay Wire Transfer Paypal Paysafecard
Withdrawal Time:  Up To 24 Hours
Payout Rate:  96.9%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Player Only. No Wagering Requirements. Terms apply.

 

  • Over 2,000 slots
  • Fast withdrawals
  • Interac accepted
Score
9.4
Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard  Interac Skrill Neteller Paypal Trustly Paysafecard Wire Transfer
Withdrawal Time:  1 to 2 Hours
Payout Rate:  97.2%
SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+, Terms Apply. 35x Wagering Requirements On Bonus. Terms apply.

 

CANADIAN REAL MONEY CASINOS & GAMES GUIDE

This is the your comprehensive guide to real money online casino gambling for Canadian players. We have left no stone unturned in our mission to bring you the very best online casinos in Canada – whether you are an online slots fanatic, a Baccarat connoisseur or an avid live dealer player, our team will lead you to the perfect casino site to suit your playing style. Above all we make sure that we only ever list safe, legal and licensed online casinos so you don’t have to worry about getting a fair deal.

You can jump right into the action by choosing a site from our top 10 casinos and claiming a bonus right now, or take some time to read our casino reviews, compare sites, and learn some games strategies before you play. The choice is yours.

Good luck and have fun!

WHAT IS A REAL MONEY CASINO?

A real money casino is one at which you can gamble with your own money to win real cash prizes. They require every player to have a verified account which can be credited with funds through a variety of payment services. Every cent wagered on a game is deducted directly and instantaneously from the player account. And every cent won is credited instantaneously to the player account.

Every game at the casinos listed on our site is available in real money mode, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, video poker, online slots and jackpot slots. Prizes range from just a few cents to millions of dollars.

COMPARING REAL MONEY AND FREE PLAY CASINOS

When you join an online casino then you will see that almost all the games have a demo or free play mode as well as ‘play for real’.

WHAT IS FREE PLAY MODE FOR?

The free play mode allows you to test your strategies in skill-based casino games like blackjack or baccarat without risking your own money. With chance-based games like online slots you can use free play mode to start to understand how each feature works as well as getting a feel for the payout rate and variance of the game. It’s gambling … with the pressure off!

Just keep in mind that in free play mode you can’t win any real cash prizes and some of the best features of games like slots will not be accessible.

WHAT ADVANTAGES ARE THERE IN PLAYING FOR REAL?

Aside from the obvious advantage that you can win real money in real play mode, you will also have access to a greater selection of games. For example, live dealer tables are never available in free mode. Casino operators do not consider it worth paying for the cost of a croupier at tables which they don’t make money from. Of course, you can sit back and watch the action at no cost to yourself, but to take a seat at the table you will need to be ready to play for real.

In real play mode you will also be able to play for progressive jackpot slot prizes like Microgaming’s Mega Moolah with its multi-million prizes. This feature is not available as part of the free version.

HOW WE REVIEW REAL MONEY ONLINE GAMBLING WEBSITES

Our editorial team at The Casino Heat have put Canadian real money casinos under the microscope and here we bring you our selection of the best. We only review sites that we consider to be safe and legitimate. These are the criteria we use to rate each one.

BRAND, OPERATOR AND TRUST

When you play at real money gambling sites you want to know that you are playing at a casino you can trust. That is why we only list the best online casinos in Canada that are run by recognized operators with licensing from recognised jurisdictions. Usually that means the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, home to brands like Jackpot City and Spin Palace.

BONUSES AND PROMOTIONS

There are plenty of big money bonuses to be enjoyed at casinos in Canada. Most sites will offer you spins and match bonuses packaged together when you sign up and deposit. Don’t forget all bonuses come with wagering and win restrictions, so keep these in mind as they dictate how much you must deposit and spend before being able to claim a bonus and withdraw your winnings.

GAMES AND SOFTWARE

There are thousands of games available to casino players right now and the best online gambling sites in Canada have them all, from sophisticated live dealer tables to high variance slots. Popular games like Mega Moolah and Gonzo’s Quest are featured at most sites but be sure to check our reviews to make sure your favourites are available before you sign up.

CASHIER AND PAYMENTS

There are a lot of different ways in which to deposit and withdraw from a Canadian casino account. Interac is one of the most popular and we list the best Interac casinos here. Visa, Mastercard and Maestro are still popular too, as are eWallets like Paypal and Neteller which offer the fastest withdrawals. Find out which are available and how long it takes to process your winnings at each of our listed casinos.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

We’ve all had to contact the support team at our favourite casinos at one time or another. When you need help with an account or game issue you want to know that you can speak to a professional agent on live chat or phone to get a quick and efficient answer. We list all the ways in which you can contact your casino in our reviews.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

Gambling should only ever be for fun. If you feel that you are spending too much or the amount of time you spend playing casino games is too great then you should seek help. All licensed casinos must provide tools to allow gamblers to manage their spend, including self-exclude and time and spend limits. All our Canada casinos provide these options.

TRUSTED REAL MONEY CASINOS IN CANADA

Wherever in Canada you are we can help you to find a casino that you can trust. That means cashiers that are secure and safe, bonuses that are good value and easy to follow, and games that are fair with totally random outcomes in each roll of the dice, turn of the card and spin of the reels. All the casino sites published on The Casino Heat have been licensed in respected jurisdictions and their games and platforms have been audited by 3rd parties like eCorga. What does this mean for you? It means that you can enjoy your gaming with peace of mind.

Trusted real money casinos are:

  • Licensed
  • Legal
  • Tested and audited for fairness
  • Secure
  • Safe

Here are five casinos that deliver a gambling experience that you can trust. Each one is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). You can read more about the experience each site offers by clicking their ‘Read Review’ links.

Hello Casino

Up To $1,300 Bonuses

Plus 250 Free Spins

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Casimba Casino

200% Up To $5,000

125 NetEnt Spins

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Wildz Casino

100% Up To $500

200 Spins on Selected Slots

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 35x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

Temple Nile

$1,500 and 100 Spins

On First Four Deposits

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

PROS AND CONS OF REAL MONEY ONLINE CASINOS

Gambling for real money is a thrill for sure. But it’s not for everyone. To create a clear picture, here are the Pros and Cons of wagering with your own dollars.

PROS

Chance to win big – the reason we want to gamble with real money is to win the big prizes and there is no shortage of those online. Games like Mega Moolah progressive jackpot from Microgaming offer multi-million dollar payouts.
Massive online game selection – there are literally thousands of online slots to choose from with a huge variety of themes, maths models and payouts. Equally, live casinos games offer a wider range of formats than offline.
Free money offers – every casino will give away free spins and match bonuses to entice you to sign up. You can get some great value deals to test your luck for free if you shop around.
Safe and secure – Provided you play at licensed gambling sites, your financial transactions will be secure and the games you play will have been audited for fairness so you are in safe hands.
Play in comfort – You don’t have to go out to play casino games online – you can log in and play from home without any distractions.
Bespoke experience for you – there are lots of ways to enjoy playing online from the choice of game to the payment services and your wagering levels. You can tailor your gambling the way you like it.

CONS

Not sociable – Of course, gambling online is not as sociable at heading to your local casino or racetrack to bet. Unless you play live games you won’t get any interaction with other players or the dealers.
Easy to spend too much – It’s important to be careful not to gamble too much. You can spend $1,000s on slot games in just minutes. Keep responsible gambling in mind at all times.
Strict terms – There are a lot of free money offers out there but they all come with strict terms that will limit how much you can win and how much you can withdraw. So always check the conditions before you deposit.
Rogue casinos – Look out for rogue casinos that are not licensed. They are not to be trusted. We do not list those sites on The Casino Heat but they are out there!
Slow withdrawals – Always be mindful of the fact that some casinos and payment service providers will be slower than others to process your withdrawals. Use our list of fast withdrawal casinos to avoid unnecessary delays.

REAL MONEY SLOTS & SLOT MACHINES ONLINE

Slot machines are the biggest draw at both land-based casinos and the online casinos we review on our site. They are simple and easy to play and offer huge potential wins. You can read our comprehensive guide to online slots in Canada and choose a recommended slots casinos there. For now, here is some more information about the different types of slot you can find at real money casinos.

ONLINE SLOTS

Online slots are the most popular games at any casino, online or offline. These are the fixed-odds gambling machines where wins are triggered by matching identical symbols across pre-defined paylines. We all know and love these games. They come in a huge range of styles and stake levels and some are even free to play.

VIDEO SLOTS

The most common type of online slot game is the video slot. These are multi-line games with a dazzling range of themes and pay models. You can play 1c Egyptian-themed slots with low variance and small jackpots, or $10 high variance games with thrilling gameplay and top prizes of $100,000s. These all offer a simple, fun, and quickfire gambling experience. There are even video slots for free. Be sure to check out our real money slots page to find out more.

PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS

For jackpot-chasers the Progressive Jackpot slots offer the best opportunities for big, big wins. The most popular progressives are games like Mega Moolah by Microgaming which has regularly paid out multi-million dollar prizes. From every dollar staked on these games a small percentage is added to the progressive jackpot pool. The odds of winning are incredibly small but the pay-off can be huge!

3 REEL SLOTS

Classic real money online slot games with just 3 reels are still very popular at casinos in Canada. These games will usually have an old-skool fruit machine feel, with traditional symbols like lemons, melons, lucky 7s and bars. Whilst they do not share the complexity and sophistication of the latest video slots, 3-reel games are still great fun and top game developers like Play n Go are creating new ones like Sticky Joker all the time.

Everyone has their own favourite slots. Some love the big jackpots, or high variance mayhem. Others like the kind of slow-paced, casual spins that you get with low volatility slots like Starburst. There are some games that have become timeless classics that we all know and love and here we have picked our top 10 of all time.

If you want to know more about the latest trusted real money slot games you can read our slot game reviews here.

RECOMMENDED TOP 10 REAL MONEY ONLINE SLOTS

Here are 10 of the best online slots that we recommend for you to try at any of the casinos listed on this page. You can play them for free or for real. Just click the site links next to each game to get started.

OUR TOP 5 RECOMMENDED BEST REAL MONEY SLOTS CASINOS

Every casino recommended by our team features a wide range of video slots but here is our top 5 based on game selection, bonuses, payouts and reputation.

CASINO NAME

NUMBER OF SLOTS

GAME PROVIDERS

BONUS

VISIT SITE

  • Caxino

NUMBER OF SLOTS

Over 500

GAME PROVIDERS

Over 20

BONUS

100 Free Spins

  • Gate 777

NUMBER OF SLOTS

Over 1,400

GAME PROVIDERS

Over 30

BONUS

150 Free Spins

  • Play OJO

NUMBER OF SLOTS

Over 2,0000

GAME PROVIDERS

Over 50

BONUS

50 Free Spins

  • Slot Planet

NUMBER OF SLOTS

Over 1,000

GAME PROVIDERS

Over 50

BONUS

100% up to $222

  • Voodoo Dreams

NUMBER OF SLOTS

Over 1,000

GAME PROVIDERS

Over 50

BONUS

200 Free Spins

REAL MONEY ONLINE CASINO GAMES

There are many different ways to gamble at online casinos in Canada. Traditional video slots sit next to the latest exclusive live dealer gameshow formats. At most of the sites we review here at The Casino Heat you will find at least 1,000 online casino games to choose from. Some brands, like Play OJO Casino for example, feature more than 3,000 titles in their game lobbies. Here is a list of the top 10 most popular real money casino games that you can play online in Canada right now.

  • French Roulette
  • Online Baccarat
  • Slot Machines
  • Progressive Slot Jackpots
  • Texas Hold Em Poker
  • Pai Gow Poker
  • Classic Blackjack
  • Craps
  • Bingo
  • Keno
REAL MONEY BLACKJACK

One of the most popular table games of all time is Blackjack. That is because each bet, or hand, is simple and easy to play, and it has a very high Return to Player (RTP) of 99% in most casinos. That means that your bankroll stretches further as for every $100 staked, on average you will get $99 back in wins. This is higher than the figure for most slots for example, where your RTP is typically around 96%. Real money blackjack can be played at the live casino or on the classic Random Number Generator (RNG) tables in which the outcome of each hand is randomly chosen by a computer algorithm.

REAL MONEY ROULETTE

Alongside blackjack, roulette is the most popular of the traditional casino table games. At Canadian online casinos you will find both European and French roulettes. The French version gives slightly better odds as it pays back 50% of the bet if the ball lands in the Zero wheel (a feature called ‘la partage’). Real money roulette is available in both live dealer and RNG formats with a wide range of bets. You can stake from $1 up to $1,000 at most casinos and sometimes as much as $10,000 at the Salon Prive tables of some sites.

REAL MONEY POKER

There are two ways to play real money poker in Canada. You can play at the multiplayer poker sites like Poker Stars and 888 Poker, or you can choose to play one on one against the dealer on the live tables. The live tables usually feature Texas Hold Em or Carribean Stud Poker formats, and sometimes Omaha Hold Em. Poker is a little different to other casino games because it is a skill-based one. That means you can affect the odds by using strategy. Your skill at poker will improve over time as you learn to read the cards better and it can be one of the most satisfying of all the casino games online.

OUR TOP 5 RECOMMENDED REAL MONEY CASINO GAMES SITES

Here are 5 of our favourite sites featuring a good range of casino games, plenty of generous bonuses and all the popular payment services in their cashier.

21 Prive Casino

10 No Deposit Spins

Up To $1,500 Bonuses

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+, New Players Only, Terms Apply. Terms apply.

Lottomart Games

Up To $1,200 Bonuses

On First Four Deposits

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 35x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

NY Spins

200 Free Spins

100% Up To $100

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Captain Spins

Up To $1,200 Bonuses

And 260 Free Spins

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Gate777 Casino

Up To $1,500 Bonuses

And 150 Free Spins

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

REAL MONEY LIVE DEALER CASINO GAMES

The live dealer experience is the biggest revolution in online gambling of the last decade. Advances in technology and connectivity mean that casino players in Canada can now play at tables hosted by live dealers across the world. These are the most popular games.

LIVE DEALER BLACKJACK

Blackjack is perhaps the simplest of all the card games that you can play at online casinos. The objective is to get closer to a score of 21 than the dealer, starting with two cards. Basic Blackjack is available in both RNG and live dealer games. In the latter of the two types there are also many bespoke formats developed by game studios like Evolution Gaming. Blackjack formats like Ultimate Blackjack and Immersive Blackjack provide a clever twist on the original.

LIVE DEALER BACCARAT

Baccarat is a French card game in which players bet on which hand will win, the player’s or the bankers. There is also the option to bet on a tie. Baccarat is particularly popular in Asian casinos and also in the live casinos tables at Canadian online sites. Various bespoke formats have been introduced, including Baccarat Squeeze in which the tension is cranked up but a slow reveal of each new card by the croupier.

OTHER LIVE DEALER GAMES

The popularity of live casino has led to much investment into creating new and unique game formats that only appear online. The most popular of these come from Evolution Gaming who have captured the attention with some TV Gameshow-style games like Dream Catcher and Crazy Time. Typically these games are hosted by a charismatic croupier and offer plenty of drama and lots of betting options.

LIVE DEALER ROULETTE

Roulette is the most iconic of all casino games and another that is really easy to play. There are many bet options from simple red or black to individual numbers or groups of numbers. Live dealer has taken Roulette in different directions with bespoke formats like Lightning Roulette and Immersive Roulette. High rollers can even enjoy exclusive tables with just themselves and the dealer thanks to the Salon Prive experience created by Evolution Gaming.

LIVE DEALER SIC BO

Sic Bo is an gambling game with Oriental origins and very popular in Macau casinos. It is also available at the live dealer tables streamed by Evolution Gaming and hosted at many real money Canadian casinos online. It’s a dice game in which the dealer puts three dice in a small container which is then shaken before being opened to reveal the combination of numbers. There are many betting options in this simple game.

OUR TOP 5 RECOMMENDED LIVE DEALER CASINOS

If you are looking for the best Live Dealer tables then our recommendation is that you sign up with one of the five in this list – they all offer the full range of Evolution Gaming tables and generous welcome offers.

Bitstarz Casino

20 Spins - No Deposit

Up To $2,000 Bonus

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Dunder Casino

20 Spins - No Deposit

Up To $600 Bonuses

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

bCasino

$5 Free No Deposit

Up To $1,200 Bonuses

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Grand Mondial

250 Mega Vault Spins

100% Up To $250

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. Terms apply.

Jonny Jackpot

100% Up To $1,000

100 Free Spins

Read review

SIGNIFICANT TERMS:
18+. New Players Only. 35x Wagering Requirement On Bonus. Terms apply.

REAL MONEY CASINOS IN CANADA WITH THE BEST PAYOUTS

To maximise your chances of getting the best wins from the money you stake you need to look for the highest paying online casino. All trusted casinos will advertise the payout rates of each of their games, and sometimes the average of all the games put together. This is sometimes referred to as the Return to Player or RTP. Casino games normally have an RTP of around 95% to 99% and a casino will normally have an average payout of around 97%. That means for every $100 you wager, around $97 will be paid back out in prizes.  Of course, it’s important to remember that this is an average over time – you will sometimes win back a lot more, and sometimes a lot less. But it’s a good measure of how generous a game, and an operator, may be.

You may be asking ‘can we trust these numbers?’ The answer to that question is yes – as long as you are playing at legal casinos like the ones on our pages then you can trust their published payout figures. That is because these numbers will have been produced in rigorous auditing carried out by third parties organisations like eCorga. No casino operator can successfully apply for a license from one of the trusted jurisdiction like Kahnawake without auditing like this. And the same is true for the developers who supply their games.

Currently the casino with the best payout in Canada is Jackpot City whose RTP is 97.7%. The games with the highest RTP are traditionally Blackjack (99%) and Baccarat (98.5%).

Here are 5 casino slots with the highest payouts:

  • Mega Joker by NetEnt – 99%
  • 1426 Unchartered Seas by Thunderkick – 98.6%
  • Bloodsuckers by NetEnt – 98%
  • Bob the Viking by NetEnt – 98%
  • Wolfpack Pays by NextGen – 97.76%

VARIANCE OR VOLATILITY 

To get a complete picture of the likely payouts from a casino game you need to know the variance as well as the RTP. Whilst RTP gives you an overall picture of how much a game will pay out, variance tells you how the wins will be distributed. A high variance game will give an uneven distribution of wins, with high value at irregular intervals. A low variance game gives a more even distribution of wins, with lower value payouts at more regular intervals.

The variance factor is most applicable to online slots. High variance games are also high risk because the odds of winning on each spin are smaller, but with greater potential value. For this reason, high variance slots are particularly favoured by serious gamblers who enjoy the thrill of chasing down the big wins.

Whatever your risk preference, remember that variance and RTP are just indicators of how a game is likely to behave. Any win can happen at any time, so don’t rely on the payout statistics entirely.

HOUSE EDGE AND PAYOUT RATES

You will also have heard of the term ‘house edge’. It is another indicator of the payout rate of a casino game. House edge is the inverse of RTP and can be arrived at by subtracting the RTP figure from 100. For example, a game with a 95% RTP has a 5% house edge.

When looking for games with a favourable house edge it is advisable to try table games like Blackjack. In some versions of Blackjack, when played with the correct strategy, the house edge can be shaved down to just 0.05% which gives a high chance of finishing your session with a positive balance. Some video poker formats also run with a lower than 1% house edge.

As a hint, never assume that the house edge will be the same in the same game from one casino to the next. Always check the game info screen to be sure before betting.

BEST REAL MONEY ONLINE GAMBLING SITES CANADA

For those who want to enjoy the thrill of real money games without travelling to the nearest land-based casino, Canadian online gambling sites are a great alternative. Wherever you are based it is possible to sign up and start playing for dollars in just a few minutes. Finding the best gambling sites requires effort – you need to make sure the operator is licensed, the best games are available, and that you can deposit with your favourite payment service. The good news is, we have done that hard work for you and presented you with a review of every casino listed on The Casino Heat.  In each one you will be able to find out about who runs the site, the service they provide, the bonuses on offer, and everything else to help you choose where to play.

Gambling sites don’t just offer regular casino games like Blackjack, Roulette and video slots machines. You can also enjoy traditional land-based games like Keno, Bingo and Video Poker. It is this huge range of opportunities to bet that make online gambling so popular in Canada right now, and its why many Canadian players are switching to play casino games online rather than in the big land-based casinos.

BET ON ICE HOCKEY

Don’t forget that at the online sportsbook sites you can also gamble on the national sport of Canada – Ice Hockey. Following the passing of Bill C-218 gamblers in Canada will be able to place bets on single event markets including Money Line, Period and Puck Line, as well as In Play betting markets. Find out more in our Ice Hockey Betting Guide.

LEGAL GAMBLING WEBSITES

Don’t forget, you must only play at legal online gambling sites. These are sites that are licensed by trusted authorities like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Whilst most betting sites carry a license, there are some rogue and blacklisted operators who are unlicensed and unscrupulous in their behaviour towards their customers. They are to be avoided! All Canadian gambling websites listed on this page are safe and legal.

REAL MONEY CASINO PAYMENT OPTIONS

There are many different ways to deposit and withdraw from your online casino account. The casinos we review here will offer a wide range of payment services to make sure they can cover every players preference. This includes debit and credit cards, eWallets, transfer services, prepaid cards, SMS payments and cryptocurrencies. Each has its advantages but generally speaking you want a service that is quick and easy to use and above all, secure.

The good news is that all payment gateways are now very safe thanks to highly sophisticated security protocols. The speed of service however, varies from one payment option to the next. Here are six of the most popular options for players in Canada right now.

REAL MONEY ONLINE CASINOS BY PROVINCE

The ten provinces and three territories of Canada provide their residents with ample gambling opportunities both online and at land-based venues. Depending on where you are living the regulations and choices have some variation. Here are some of the highlights available to gamblers in each of the main areas.

CASINOS IN ALBERTA

Amongst the scenic backdrop of the Rocky mountains and hundreds of lakes and sprawling forest Albertans are also spoilt in the gambling stakes, with a choice of lottery, casino and horse racing betting, as well as access to hundreds of online casino sites. Small and friendly casinos like the Deerfoot Inn at Calgary and the River Cree in Enoch offer a superb range of slots and table games, and the Century Downs Racetrack is excellent for horse racing. Online the choice is as wide as any in Canada – from classic brands like 888 to new casinos like Casino Lab.

Recommended Alberta Casino – King Billy

CASINOS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

The gambling industry in British Columbia is run by the giant British Columbia Lottery Commission and gives gamblers from the Province a massive choice of offline and online sites to play at. Land based casinos like Chance Maple Ridge and Chance Missions are packed with slots and Blackjack and Baccarat tables. The BCLC’s own site is available 24/7 and stacked with classic IGT games and jackpot slots with huge prizes. And the offshore casinos all welcome British Columbians to gamble online with them.

Recommended British Columbia Casino – 888 Casino

CASINOS IN MANITOBA

Manitoba is home to 8 different land-based casinos offering a glamorous and luxurious alternative to online gambling. Club Regent in Winnipeg and South Beach in Scanterbury are worth checking out, with a wide range of big slots and poker tables. Whilst there is no government-run online casino site, there are still plenty of offshore casinos that Mantiobans can enjoy which are stacked to the rafters with top quality real money slots and live dealer games.

Recommended Manitoba Casino – Casumo Casino

CASINOS IN NEW BRUNSWICK

Residents of New Brunswick are limited to just six land-based casinos where they can enjoy some downtime and test their luck on some of the country’s biggest jackpot slot games with multi-million dollar payouts. These include Grey Rock and the Eagle’s Nest. Online the choice is far greater and whether you are interested in jackpot slots like Mega Moolah or fantastic live dealer experiences like Roulette, there are many trusted operators to gamble with.

Recommended New Brunswick Casino – Casino Planet

CASINOS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Newfoundland is one of the few Provinces that does not have any state-run land based casinos in operation at this time. Therefore, the only option for those residents of this area is to register and play at one of the many real money online casinos that are very welcoming and provide ample opportunity to scratch that itch and wager for big money prizes. These include sites licensed in Kahnawake like the Grand Mondial Casino.

Recommended Newfoundland Casino – Jackpot City

CASINOS IN NOVA SCOTIA

If you are a resident of Nova Scotia then you will be 11 land-based casinos available to you, including the Casino Nova Scotia in Sydney, the Truro Raceway and the Northside Downs. Real money gambling in the region is run by the Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Division who regulate land-based casino operations, bingo and lottery gaming, but no online casinos. There are, however, plenty of opportunities for gambling online at any of the many offshore sites that take bets from Canadian gamblers.

Recommended Newfoundland Casino – Spin Casino

CASINOS IN ONTARIO

Ontario has a great selection of land-based casinos in Ohio and the Niagara Falls area and residents of the province also have access to superb selection of trusted online casinos. Whilst the state-run Play OLG site – read our guide to the OLG – has the highest profile of these there are many other brands that are fully licensed and legal in Ontario that feature a wider selection of games. it is perfectly legal to play at these casinos and each one offers a big welcome package of free spins and match bonuses for new customers. Find out more in our guide to Ontario Online Casinos.

Recommended Quebec Casino – Casino Lab

CASINOS IN QUEBEC

There is no doubt that Quebec is home to a large number of fanatical gamblers who love casino slots and table games both at land-based venues and online. Top land-based casinos in Quebec include the Casino Montreal, home to over 3,000 slots and 115 tables and the casino to Charlevoix, where over 700 slots are in operation. Online the choice is excellent too with a big range of casinos licensed in both Kahnawake and the European jurisdictions.

Recommended Quebec Casino – Grand Mondial Casino

CASINOS IN SASKATCHEWAN

The gaming industry in Saskatchewan is run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. They have granted licenses to a number of small but decent land-based venues including the Bear Claw Casino. The slots selection is somewhat limited here at under 200, but casino players should not worry because there are plenty of online casinos offering real money gambling as an alternative. Once again, gamblers can pick from the huge range of offshore sites including big names like 888 and Bitstarz.

Recommended Saskatchewan Casino – Grand Mondial Casino

REAL MONEY VIP CASINOS CANADA

If you spend big money gambling online then you may be invited to join the VIP club at one of the casinos you play at. High rollers are given special treatment at Canadian online casinos in the same way that they are in land-based casinos. The kind of VIP casino rewards that you can expect at these sites include exclusive bonuses, faster withdrawals, birthday and Christmas gifts, personal account management and invitations to big sporting events and concerts with hospitality service. At online casinos, VIP also extends to access to Salon Prive tables in the live casino area too.

The best VIP online casinos in Canada are those from the Rewards Group who have built a reputation for first class customer service and big brands like 888 who have been in the business for years. Remember that VIP clubs are only open to players who spend a lot of money and you will need to be depositing $10,000 or more at most casinos each month to qualify.

You can read more on about how to find the best sites for high spending players on our VIP casinos page.

 

SAFE ONLINE CASINOS

Amongst your priorities when looking for a trusted casino in Canada is safety. Our team are very experienced and we know what makes an honest casino. The first consideration here is always licensing. As we have already mentioned on this page, if your online casino does not have a license from a respected international jurisdiction then you should not be playing there. The license information should be displayed clearly in the footer of the site on every page.

A license means that a casino is legal and has been put through a series of rigorous checks to ensure its games are fair.  Safe also means Responsible and that means an operator will provide the necessary tools to enable you to limit your own deposits, wagering and losses, and to close your account for a limited time, or permanently if requested.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING ADVICE

Online gambling is a fun, exciting pastime that offers the thrill of a regular high-octane adrenaline rush. But it does have a dark side too and wherever there is gambling, there is the risk of addiction. Here at The Casino Heat we are advocates of Responsible Gambling and we belive that casino games should be enjoyed in moderation and with due care. With that in mind we publish this short guide to responsible gambling with some useful tips on how to play within your means and what to do if you are spending too much.

SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT

The number one rule is to always gamble within your means. If you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend each month before you start wagering, then do it, and don’t spend beyond that. ‘Don’t chase your losses’ is a common refrain because it makes sense – if you have a losing streak, resist the urge to increase your bets to win back what you lost.  It’s better to take a break and come back another time.

USE RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING TOOLS

All licensed casino sites include responsible gambling tools on player account pages. You can use these to set your own limits for deposits, wagering and losses over a specified time period. There are also options to take Time Outs where access to your account is blocked for the time period you specify. Choosing the right payment method can also help to restrict your spend. eWallets like Paypal, for example, can be used to keep your gambling allowance separate to the rest of your everyday expenses.

DON’T GAMBLE WHILST UNDER THE INFLUENCE 

It’s very easy after a few drinks to lose perspective and wager more than we should. It’s been done many times before! Our advice is to avoid logging onto any gambling site when you’ve been drinking or when you are upset or angry.

STICK TO THE GAMES YOU KNOW

If you are trying a new game format, then don’t start betting big no each hand or spin from the start. Get to know the game first, or play in demo mode where possible to avoid losing out because you don’t understand the game. The same goes for sports – don’t gamble on obscure sports, fixtures or events that you don’t have a proper understanding of. Do your research first!

GETTING HELP

If you do feel that you are gambling too much then you should seek help. There are some good charities working in Canada that can help with gambling addiction, provide access to support groups and professional counsellors. Here is a list of useful contacts:

Responsible Gambling – Based in Toronto, they provide assistance to anyone with a gambling addiction as well as advocating high standards for safety in the industry.

National Council on Problem Gambling – Run a national helpline for problem gambler and publish lists of councillors who specialise in addiction.

Gamblers Anonymous – A high profile charity specialising in running support groups in your local area for problem gamblers.

Canada Mental Health – Provide support for those with mental health issues, including problem gambling.

FAQs

  • Are real money casinos in Canada safe to play?

    All the online casinos listed on our site are safe to play at. We know this because they are licensed by trusted jurisdictions like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Gaming regulators like these uphold high standards for their licensees which means that the games you play will have been rigorously tested for fairness by auditors like eCorga to ensure that outcome of every spin, dice roll or card hand is entirely random. Licensed casino operators are also required to use the latest technical encryption protocols to ensure that your personal data and financial transactions cannot be compromised.

  • Yes, it is completely legal to bet online at any of the casinos listed at The Casino Heat. Whilst the provincial governments operate their own online casino sites – PlayNow.com in British Columbia for example – Canadian citizens are also free to play at privately-run real money casinos provided they are based outside the country. Casinos based in Kahnawake, like Jackpot City or Zodiac Casino, fall into this category. You will  find casinos that are licensed from the European jurisdiction of Malta are popular in Canada too. Play OJO is a good example of a gambling site like this.

  • Can I trust the games at real money casinos?
    Yes, provided you are playing at licensed online casinos then you can trust the games that you play. It would not be in the interests of a casino operator to run rigged or unfair gambling games as they would risk their reputation and their business if they did. Not only are the games all audited before a license can be issued, but regular tests are carried out to ensure the games remain fair. Any casino that was caught running an unfair operation would be shut down immediately. It’s also worth remembering that casinos make enough money without needing to rig their software!
  • How do I deposit at a real money casino?

    There are lots of ways to deposit to an online casino. First you will need to set up an account which takes just a few minutes. Then head to the cashier pages and choose your deposit method. The most popular option is Interac but there are other eWallets, e-transfer and cryptocurrency options available too. All deposits are processed instantly so you will be able to start playing for real money immediately. For a full list of casino payment methods, go here.

  • What real money casino games have the biggest payouts?

    How much you can win when you play casino games online will depend on how much you stake. The games with the highest overall jackpots are the progressive jackpot slots created by Microgaming and NetEnt. Microgaming’s Mega Moolah game is famous for paying out multi-million dollar prizes every two or three months and is amongst the biggest paying slots of all time. It is also possible to win big on table games like Blackjack or Roulette but you will need to stake $1,000s per hand to hit the big time.

  • Which is the best real money casino site?
    Every gambler will have their own preferences when it comes to choosing a casino. Your priorities should be a good game selection, a generous welcome bonus, access to your favourite payment services, a trusted name, and good customer support. On this basis our favourite real money casino would be one like Jackpot City or Casumo Casino. We recommend that you check these out, but also browse through our reviews to find a casino that suits your tastes.
  • Are live dealer casino games legit?
    Yes, the live dealer games you find at Canadian online casinos are completely legit. They are streamed from game studios in Canada and across the world with professionally trained croupiers dealing the cards. You can see everything they do so you do not need to worry about rigged or unfair games. You can also speak to the dealers and other players at the same table as you whilst you bet.
  • Do you have to play for real money at Canadian online casinos?
    No, you don’t have to play for real. Real money casinos also offer free play versions of their games. That means you can try out online slots and RNG table games before you make a deposit. Live dealer tables are not available to play for free. Just remember that when you are in free play mode the prizes paid out are play money, not real money!