What keeps fuelling the demand for online casino games in Canada?
Online gambling is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and Canadians are playing their part in that impressive growth. There are an estimated 19 million active online gamblers in the country, with Canada earning around $ 31 billion a year from online gambling alone. That figure is expected to rise even further in the coming years.
Gaming Laws in Canada
Canadian law states that casino sites cannot be operated from Canada unless the company has obtained a license. This rule does not currently apply to offshore gambling sites, creating a grey market with no verified rules, meaning online casinos are neither legal nor illegal.
However, the government has allowed the provinces to determine their gaming laws, resulting in many online casinos now being hosted by these provinces, providing them with valuable revenue. Which probably explains why the national government remains tight-lipped on the issue.
Before signing up for an online casino, make sure you register with a properly licensed platform. For Canadians, the regulatory body to look out for is the Kahnawake Gambling Commission, which has the power to regulate online entertainment platforms and issue licenses.
Why are online casino games so popular?
There’s no doubt that the relaxation of gaming laws has boosted the popularity of casino games in Canada. It has also led to a positive culture shift in attitudes towards gaming, with it now being seen as a fun leisure time activity. But what else has driven this boom in gaming popularity?
Accessibility
Finding and traveling to a physical casino in a country the size of Canada can be a real issue. There are also opening times, dress codes, traffic jams, and bad weather to consider.
Now, thanks to smartphones, everybody has a casino in their pocket. One that is open and ready to play, anytime and anywhere you want.
So, if you want to kick back on your couch and play some poker or check out some slots while waiting for a bus, nothing is stopping you.
Lots of choice
Thanks to the relaxed gaming laws and the booming gaming market, more and more operators are entering the Canadian market. Affiliate sites such as casinosource.ca, display the top casino providers available in Canada that are attracting so much attention.
Bonuses
Another great feature of online casinos is their ability to offer customers bonuses and promotions. These can include welcome, deposit, and birthday bonuses, such as free spins, matched deposits, matched bets, and more.
Free Casino games
A lot of operators offer payers the chance to try out casino games for free. That way players can gain experience and learn the rules in a safe environment, with no financial risk to themselves.
Understandably, Land-based casinos don’t offer free games to players, but online casinos have no physical limits to the number of gamers on their site and can afford to attract players with the chance to enjoy games for free.
Game Variety
Another advantage online casinos have over bricks and mortar counterparts, is their capacity to offer an almost limitless number of games. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to queue for your favorite game, but online there are no queues, meaning your favorite game is always there waiting for you. And with so many games on offer, there’s always something that will appeal.
The Latest Games
Competition in the sector has seen more and better games constantly being produced, especially when it comes to slot games. Online casinos can constantly add these new, more exciting games to their line-up, as well as regularly update their current offerings, giving players access to the very latest and best games.
Payment methods
Online casinos offer customers a wide variety of payment options, including PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, Neteller, and more. Meaning players can quickly and easily deposit money or withdraw their winnings.
Money
Not only are casino games fun to play, but they also have the added benefit of offering players the chance to win money. From small amounts to huge jackpots, players can pick their game and try their luck.
Tax benefits
If winning money isn’t a big enough incentive to a player’s winnings while playing at an online casino is not taxed. However, this is only true if a person gambles only for pleasure. If gaming is seen as employment-based on expected payoffs, then the situation is different. In this case, the amount of taxes will depend on the provincial tax code.
Technology
Continual advances in technology are helping to transform online casinos. Not just through making games more accessible online, but by creating ever more exciting and immersive games.
With improved sound effects, better graphics, and improved themes, the world of slots has never been more exciting, and players can choose from a huge variety of impressive games.
The future of casino gaming in Canada
With technology continuing to evolve and competition in the sector driving innovation, the online gaming market will continue to flourish. Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, 3D gaming, and more, is set to revolutionize player’s online gaming experience, bringing the sights, sounds and experience of a real-life casino, into their homes.
Gambling laws are expected to be relaxed further as the Canadian government tries to claw back billions of dollars in lost revenue to offshore online operators. This will ensure gaming continues to become a normal everyday leisure activity for everybody to enjoy, which means the popularity of both online and land-based casinos, looks set to continue for many years to come.