A look at any ancient civilization will show that game-playing is an important part of human evolution. Evidence of primitive counters, cards, and tokens has been found, dating back thousands of years and wherever humans have settled, games have been played.
Canada is no exception, and the influx of settlers from other parts of the world saw traditional games being shared and adapted among early Canadian gamers. As the role of governments evolved, the need for regulation was identified towards the end of the 19th Century when laws were introduced to ensure fair play, many of which prevail for those playing at online slots Canada today.
By 1970, the Canadian government decided to allow each province to set their own laws, with most establishing land-based casinos operating under their local codes of conduct. This system worked well until the rise in online gambling blurred the lines between the provinces, not to mention international borders.
The Canadian government has largely taken a ‘light-touch’ approach to regulating the gambling industry. When interventions have been necessary, the focus has been on the safety and security of the players and ensuring that the taxation system maximizes potential gambling revenue.
Recent Law Changes
Although each province is responsible for regulating gambling activity within its borders, successful changes in one province will often be implemented in others as well. Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission has recently identified the need for stricter controls over where online gambling sites are advertised, and there is already talk of similar changes being adopted in other provinces for the benefit of their residents.
This is good news for entertainment and online casino fans as it means that online gambling providers based in Canada will continue to prioritize the security and comfort of their players. A new tax status for online gaming sites will also contribute to the governmental coffers, so the changes have proved a welcome update for most people.
How to find a safe Canadian online casino
As with any online transaction, it pays to do a little research before entering your personal details and payment information. There are a few checks you can do to keep yourself safe and ensure you have fun while playing online:
- Check their license – a legitimate gambling website should have a license to operate in the province where you’re playing. Check their registration details to ensure that they are signed up with one of the official regulators and are operating under their code of conduct.
- Assess site security – as with any website, you want to ensure that the data you enter is secured, so check that any payment pages are secure. Legitimate sites will want to reassure players, so there should be transparent information about the protocols used to protect your data.
- Read reviews – gamers are a vocal group and tend to post online if they have had a bad experience with a site, so reading reviews can be a great way to get a feel for whether a site is legitimate or not.
- Payment methods – payment providers have their own checks on sites that use their systems, so sites that offer a range of recognizable payment methods are more likely to be legitimate. Beware of any site that asks for an unusual amount of information or isn’t clear about the payment processes it uses.
What makes an online casino fun
As well as ensuring that a site is legitimate, there are other things to look for which will make it more fun to play, including:
Bonuses – most casinos offer a range of bonuses and special offers to players, including welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and seasonal offers. Many sites offer additional discounts via mailing lists and social media, so you can take advantage of limited-time deals by following your favourite casinos online.
There are usually wagering requirements to use these offers, so make sure you read all the fine print before playing.
Easy interface – user ease and comfort should be a priority for casino sites, and the interface should be designed with players in mind. Choose a site that makes it easy to manage your account, find your favourite games, and get in touch if you need assistance.
Mobile compatibility – if you play at home and on the go, choose a site that has a good mobile app or compatible website. You should be able to see all your details no matter which device you log on with, so check that the functionality is the same on a desktop, mobile, and in any app.
Customer support – there should be multiple ways for players to contact support if needed. Choose sites that offer 24/7 live chat or toll-free phone lines so you can get answers when you need them.
Remember these simple tips to help you stay safe online and find an online casino that has everything you want.