Canadian Guide to Online Casinos in Canada

Top Rated Online Casino Software

Although many people become attracted to a new casino based on the feel and appearance of the website or the lure of the free casino bonus, at the heart of all the best online casinos lays the casino software and the marketing management behind the software. It is the software developer that delivers the quality and variety of games; the secure infrastructure that ensures personal and financial privacy; and what many players rarely consider, the administrative systems and tools that allow a qualified casino manager to identify and reward loyal customers. There are well over 50 online casino software providers, but only a handful or two that truly stand out.

Microgaming Casino Software - Microgaming is one of the pioneers in the world of online casinos. Its first licensee, Gaming Club, was established in 1994 and is touted as the first online casino in Canada and around the world. More than just a pioneer, Microgaming is a true innovator in an industry that is characterized by products that are fairly simple to mimic. Microgaming consistently releases exciting, new variants of online slots games, new multi-player concepts such as online slot tournaments, and popular new casino bonus schemes such as the free play online casino bonus. With nearly 500 game titles in its arsenal available for download or instant play, Microgaming online casinos in Canada were the first to cater to Canadian casino players and they are our top recommendation. Try the wide selection of Blackjack games or the stunning slot machines Thunderstruck II, Tomb Raider, Lord of the Rings, and Mega Moolah - one of the biggest progressive jackpot games on the Internet. Read more about this popular software provider and its casino licensees read our dedicated page for Microgaming casinos for Canadian players.	Playtech Casino Software - Although it is the youngest of the software developers listed here, Playtech online casinos feature the best live casino environment as well as some of the best game graphics and features, namely their wide selection of Hollywood movie-theme slot machine games. Founded in the year 2000, Playtech over 300 casino games to download or to player without download for Mac casino players and other visitors that prefer not to download casino software on their computer. The live casino games that feature live blackjack dealers, live roulette dealers and live baccarat dealers are only available on the downloadable platform. However, the popular movie slots games such as X-Men, Elektra, The Pink Panther, Rocky, Cowboys & Aliens and many, many more are available to play for free or real money on either platform at any Playtech online casino for Canadians. Innovative games such as 3D Roulette and Blackjack Switch are also notable attractions. To learn more about this publically-traded software provider and its casino operators, read our dedicated page for Playtech casinos for players in Canada.
Net Entertainment (Net Ent) Casino Software - Publically traded on the NASDAQ, this Swedish developer of internet casino games took a calculated risk and developed their games based on the Java applet technology. Their gamble paid off and this technology now powers some of the most interactive games for online casinos in Canada. Net Ent casinos feature branded games such as Alice`s Wonderland and Robin Hood, but the most impressive games at Net Ent are the 3D slots games such as Gonzo`s Quest, Jack Hammer and Blood Suckers. Net Entertainment online casinos are not the most well-known among Canadian casino players, but they are definitely the quite giant of the group. Play for free or real CAD on the downloadable or no download casino platform. Learn more about Net Ent casinos.	Wager Works Casino Software - Formerly a subsidiary of a US video slot machine manufacturer, the UK-focused WagerWorks was by International Game Technology (IGT) in 2005. IGT builds nearly half of the land-based slot machines in the United States and through strategic licensing, WagerWorks offers games that are themed after popular brands such as The Price is Right, Monopoly slots and Wheel of Fortune. Although WagerWorks online casinos do not often target Canadian online casino players, several of the best Wager Works casinos offer the option to play in CAD which is always accommodating. Their flash game technology is more popular than the download casino, but both are available to play free casino game or for real money. Check out our WagerWorks casinos page to learn more.
Real Time Gaming (RTG) Casino Software - Established in 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia, Realtime Gaming was acquired by a Hastings International in 2007 and relocated to Costa Rica. The company used to produce a product dedicated to North America and, although RTG online casinos offer the option to play in CAD, their bread and butter is in the USA market. Regardless, many Canadians enjoy a simple product that is easy to understand and play which is what you can expect at a Real Time Gaming casino. Known for their breadth of video poker games and, more recently, online slots tournaments, RTG offers roughly 200 free or real-money games to download or to play without download. Learn more by visiting our RTG casinos page.	Cryptologic Casino Software - Originally established in Toronto, Ontario, in 1995, Cryptologic was listed on the TSX in 1998, then the NASDAQ in 2000 and now the company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2003. The Canadian online casino company has since moved virtually all of its operations to London, England to be closer to the majority of its operator`s target market - the UK. Over the years, poor strategic decisions have led to a slower growth than most developers, but Cryptologic online casinos continue to boast some of the best casino games in the industry such as Wonder Woman, Call of Duty and the progressive jackpot game Millionaires Club. Learn more by visiting our Cryptologic casinos page.

The Growth in Canadian Online Gambling

More than any other internet industry, online gambling has experienced the quickest growth over the last 5-10+ years. It started slowly in the 1990's, but as the word spread, more and more people began searching in Google for a new online casino in Canada to experience this new phenomenon. Undoubtedly fuelled by the popularity of online poker, many Canadians now head to their computer to play their favourite casino games from home. With the surge in demand, the industry has grown more impressively than many expected. The self-regulated industry now has a wide variety of casino game software developers pumping out 3D slots and games branded after popular Hollywood movie titles; a selection of convenient payment processors to manage deposits and withdrawals quickly and securely; the use well known auditors such as PricewaterhouseCoopers to ensure safe and trusted financial and accounting practices; as well as an array independent associations that have been established to advocate ethical practices and fair gaming.

Most Canada casinos set the payout percentage of slot machines to 85-90% (and casinos on Indian reserves can be even less). When you combine this with the payout percentage of table games such as blackjack and craps, the payouts average 80-85% for every CAD spent. Comparatively, the best online casino for Canadians features 94-98% payouts on most casino games and online slots payout upwards of 99.8%. These incredible payout rates mean you win more often which allows you to play longer with your bankroll. That not only extends the length of your casino entertainment and the value of your dollar, it also increases your chances of winning one of those life-changing, huge progressive jackpots.

The list of competitive advantages grows when you consider cash incentives that Canadian online casinos offer such as the free casino signup bonus; or the benefits that the at-home privacy can offer such as using winning casino strategies (slots strategy, blackjack strategy chart, card counting, etc) to help you beat the casino. It's no wonder the online gambling industry has grown leaps and bounds over the past 10-15 years. Even during the recession when Canadian casinos struggled with attendance and revenue, online casinos experienced tremendous growth.