Online Gambling Canada
Gambling online is one of the oldest activities in Canada. After John Cabot’s voyage hit the Canadian shores in 1497, many gaming activities, including playing cards, were introduced to the land. With the activities developing, several rules also emerged gradually to guide the industry.
Is gambling safe?
Like many other services that involve money, hackers try to take advantage of customers. Therefore, it’s important to stay away from fake gambling providers. And don’t get deceived by scammers. The iGaming industry has a long history in online safety. The first company started around the 90s. With the rise of the internet, gambling also become very popular. Nowadays, the biggest worries of gamblers are safety and security. Think about topics such as payments, random number generation software or personal information.
In this article, we explain these topics in detail. Furthermore, we provide tips to guarantee your safety and security. At last, we suggest the best options that cover these topics with 100% safety.
Let’s start with safety in general. The first sign to watch out for is encryption. SSL-encryption is a modern technology used to protect data sent over the internet. The host must install the encryption on its server. In other words, the operator of the website must apply SSL-encryption to ensure a safe connection. Search for the lock icon in the address bar to check whether the website applies the technology. And stay away from operators that don’t apply the encryption.
Random number generation (RNG) software calculates the outcome of gambling games. The software runs an algorithm based on a start value. The outcome of the algorithm is the new start value for the next cycle. The cycle keeps repeating over and over again. For this reason, people claim they can predict the jackpot. However, If you have some knowledge of RNG, you know this is impossible.
Still, there is rigged software on the market which serves in favour of the website. Prevent yourself from scammy software with this simple tip. Only play at websites with certifications from eCOGRa. This organization regulates the fairness of gambling software and systems. Most of the time, gambling platforms who offer certified games have a seal of approval on their website.
Now the part which gives the most headaches, withdrawals. A complaint about withdrawal is the most common complaint in the industry. The operators try to bypass withdrawals as much as possible. On the other hand, customers try to claim the most of their winnings. However, both parties have to deal with terms and conditions. Therefore, we advise reading the terms and conditions before getting involved with an online casino in canada.
Another way to avoid trouble around withdrawals is by researching organisations. Read reviews of other customers or check out multiple sources that provide information about the platform. As a result, you filter the good options from the lesser ones.
To conclude, most companies are safe. However, there is a small probability you might encounter a rigged gaming platform. That’s why our team advises doing your own research before registering. Moreover, before depositing money into your account. Therefore, you are always accountable for your actions.
At last, Stashbird offers a selection of the best options. The selection is available in the sidebar on the right. And remember a safe environment is the first step to the best gambling experience.
5 tips to protect yourself
Below we have listed five tips to check your online safety. This is important because when you decide to play you have to be sure you are playing in a safe environment. With these tips you know where to pay attention to.
Check whether the website has a license or registration
Always check if a company is registered at verified organisations such as Malta Gambling Authority or UK Gambling Commission. These organisations regulate gambling and gaming laws. First, these parties are in charge of handing out new licenses.
Furthermore, they monitor registered platforms to detect any misbehaviour. Lastly, they revoke licenses from companies who misbehave. Always make sure to check whether the company has a license to make sure you play at safe online gambling operators.
Read the terms and conditions
Read the terms and conditions before you register. A company must suit your preferences. This includes the terms and conditions. As of May 2018, there is a new regulation for data protection.
This regulation allows for more control of your data. Watch out for operators who do not act by the General Data Protection Regulation.
Check the deposit and withdrawal options
A healthy company should offer multiple trusted deposit options. Relatively few deposit options could be considered a risk. If you want to sure check which providers the gambling offers. Well known providers like Neteller, PayPal and Visa are usually a good sign. The withdrawal options are also important to research.
Every company is obligated to describe how to make a request for withdrawal and how long does it take to process your request? Furthermore, be sure to check what options the organisation offers to withdraw your money.
Find information about the organisation on the internet
Once you find an attractive offer that suits your preferences. Check online for reviews. The internet offers a lot of information about gambling online. Besides StashBird many sites offer information about the website you found.
Therefore, it is important to check the trustworthiness of the source. Be sure to note that a single negative review is inconclusive. We recommend that you do not play at a website if you find numerous complaints about the website.
Only play at online gambling providers through us
StashBird only offers legitimate companies. Our team thoroughly checks every organisation that is visible on our website. We guarantee that you always play at legitimate operators through us. Check the side for popular organisations with the high scores on safety!
- Games from top developers
- High-class VIP program
- Chat not easily accessible
- Lots of bonus offers
- Designed for mobile use
- Game selection could be larger
Why is responsible gambling important?
Gambling operators and bookmakers for the Canadian market can be extremely fun, but it can also become your worst nightmare. The thrill of excitement is the element that makes online gambling attractive and similarly addictive. Therefore you must know the importance of responsible gambling, but what is responsible for gambling? It is gambling for fun and excitement while you are aware of the risks. Even more that you are aware of the probability of losing money.
Our goal is to help you achieve the best experience. To achieve this experience we wrote a guide for responsible gambling. Learn more about responsible gambling with these quick tips. And make sure you do not lose control over yourself and gambling.
Do not try to beat the game
Do not expect to beat the game nor the platform. Online gambling companies could not exist without making a profit. The odds are always in favour of the website. Therefore, it is impossible to beat websites. When you try to beat an online gambling Canada operator, it will only result in you losing money. Once you are on the losing side we strongly advise you to leave the game. Go try your luck another time or somewhere else.
Control your bankroll
You must manage your bankroll. First, you must prioritize how much money you can afford to lose. Second, you can deposit to your preferred account. Some websites provide controls for deposit limits, so you can set limits to your gambling expenses. Finally, once you win a prize do not forget to withdraw your profit.
Learn to stop
Keep your head clear, especially when you are losing money. Do not expect to win twice as much if you keep playing. Just stop the game and leave the gambling platform. When you do not stop it will most likely result in more losses. Hitting a jackpot is only reserved for a few lucky people. Therefore you must never expect to will happen on your account.
Take your losses
You must accept your losses. Losing money is not funny. But do not feel beat up about it. Losing money is part of gambling. After you lost a lot of money you will generally get emotional. Gambling, while you are emotional, is a stupid thing to do. Take your losses and just stop for now.
Seek help
Whenever you feel that your gambling online activities become irresponsible to make sure you seek for help. Especially when you are sensitive to addiction. Gambling online can become a serious addiction with disastrous consequences. Rather than feeling ashamed, you must try to talk about your gambling addiction. BeGambleAware is a free organisation that is there for you when you have a gambling problem.
Ready to gamble responsibly?
We strongly advise you to gamble with these tips in mind. It will make sure that you gamble with more responsibility. Our team researched the best options that emphasize the importance of responsible gambling. Check the most popular options in the sidebar.
What are gambling laws?
Gambling laws are the rules and regulations set out by a jurisdiction to control and regulate gaming and gaming activities within the borders. Canadian gambling laws were set out by the country to control gaming activities and cater to all citizens’ welfare.
The gambling constitution in Canada, just like many jurisdictions around the world, can be quite complex and confusing. After permitting games like blackjack or roulette in the early days, gaming was later, in the late 1800s, illegalized in the country, with the government placing restrictions on most gaming activities. These restrictions continued for a while. But with the laws evolving (in the 1900s), the terms became more favourable again.
A history of the laws in Canada
The Canadian Criminal Code (enacted in 1892) included statutes and limitations regarding gaming. It provided the conditions on the permission of gaming activities but still permitted the activities through tight rules.
In 1910, the Canadian gambling laws were loosened to allow part-Mutuel betting for horse-racing. A series of other games of chance were permitted strictly for religious and charitable purposes.
After days of citizens demanding freedom to play the games, the country government decided to let the provinces take charge of making gaming decisions by the 1970s. This relaxation of restrictions was then followed by a series of activities that saw Canadians build and frequent land-based gaming operators as they desired.
In 1985, the country government officially placed the role of overseeing gaming activities on the provinces within their respective borders. This decision was instrumental in steering the gaming industry, with the first operator being erected in Winnipeg in 1989 and others following suit in Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia.
Before the Criminal Code changes were implemented, race tracks had already been built and continued to break through as one of Canada’s most popular forms of wagering.
Many provinces then approved the installation of video lottery terminals to generate revenue for the governments. Since then, lotteries have been instituted all over Canada, and wagering is primarily accepted as a form of income generator for religious groups, charities, and governments.
Even so, the rules kept evolving into the 1900s, and recently, almost the entire gaming decision lies with the citizens.
Generally, Canadian gambling laws are enacted only to oversee the activities and protect Canadian citizens. The final gaming decisions, however, are subjected to individual players to take precautions and gamble responsibly.
Is online gambling legal in Canada?
Generally, this is where there’s stark ambiguity in the Canadian gambling laws. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, taking a chance is only legal in gambling providers operated by either the country governments or the provincial governments. The law further states that hosting a web-based online gambling platform is illegal in the country.
Unfortunately, the country’s government doesn’t offer the local companies a license to run one or more online gambling platforms. On the other hand, the provincial governments are permitted by law to decide whether to allow poker or gambling activities within their borders. These same authorities also have permission to authorize specific betting forms that may be run through computers within their provincial boundaries.
That means no online providers are permitted by law to operate locally in Canada, except the Kahnawake Mohawk nation website. However, citizens are not prohibited from participating in online gambling operated offshore. As a result, Canadian residents can take part in licensed and authorized operators without limitations.
Offshore gamble agencies’ loose rules have made Canada a primary target for many international online gaming platforms. This trend is also a result of the rapidly growing number of gamblers and poker participants. As a result, it’s upon the player to verify the reputation and license of the online gaming platform of choice before making a decision.
What laws are specific to gambling online?
The law doesn’t permit online gaming in Canada. However, the individual provincial governments have the permission to authorize online gaming activities that they desire, with close adherence to section 207(4) of the legislation. The section demands that provincial government-permitted lottery schemes do not include recording or making bets, pool selling, or sportsbooks. Therefore, legal online sports betting doesn’t permit wagering on single games or other forms of sporting events.
Is the promotion of gambling allowed?
The Canadian gambling law tasks the individual provinces with the responsibility to regulate casino activities within their borders. As a result, the permission and form of marketing and advertising online gambling activities depend on where the activity occurs and the provincial gambling statutes. For instance, an entity that supplies its relevant products to OLG (Ontario’s Lottery Corporation) must adhere to OLG’s marketing and advertising terms, which in turn incorporates the marketing and advertising standards established by AGCO (Ontario Gaming regulator).
How do online gambling laws affect a player?
Since the Canadian gambling law doesn’t grant a license to local platforms to operate on the internet, players can only take part in offshore gambling agencies. The trend is equally boosted because most local platforms offer a considerably limited choice of games that do not quench the thirst of games for gamblers. Online operators, on the other hand, provide a wide variety of game choices.
In this context, as a player, you may have to join the offshore gaming providers. This activity puts you “as a player” at many risks since some online operators aren’t legit. Simultaneously, some are not safe enough and may present a security threat to your personal information. The good news is that the Canada Gaming Commission works devotedly to ensure the safety of all citizens. Organizations such as eCOGRA and the licensing bodies also regularly audit the companies to ensure that they’re legit and safe for use.
Similarly, you have permission to file for recourse if you spot any unfair or malicious activity with an online gaming website. If the website is proven guilty of the offence, then the organization can end up losing its license. To find out more or to see updates about the law, check Canadian Gaming Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still confused on some aspects of online gambling? We tried to answer the most commonly asked questions from our visitors below. If your question is still unanswered, you can always get in touch with us. We are happy to help you out!
- What is the definition of online gambling?
Online gambling is defined as the act of playing games at a gambling website or placing bets through an online bookmaker. The goal is simple: make a profit using the money you wager. Video slots, various table games, live blackjack and poker are all available on online gambling platforms.
- Is it legal to gamble online in Canada?
In Canada, using gambling websites is currently entirely legal and allowed. Although it is illegal to run your own internet online gambling platform in Canada, it is perfectly fine to make a wager and win real money as long as you’re using a properly licensed gambling provider located outside of Canada.
- How can I be sure that gambling platforms in Canada are trustworthy?
Any reputable online gambling platform will provide fully random outcomes in games. Online gambling companies use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning on any given round. We do not review an online gambling provider on our website if it does not meet the requirements for a fair and trustworthy gaming experience.
- Is it possible to gamble online on mobile devices?
Absolutely, Apps for Android and iOS phones are available for most gambling and sports betting websites. In many situations, though, downloading an App isn’t even necessary as you may access the sites by just logging in using your device’s web browser.
- Is it possible to gamble for free?
Thankfully, it is. In addition to their real-money games, the majority of online gambling websites include free-play games. It may not even be required to create an account on certain platforms. Simply visit your favorite gambling site and enjoy their best gambling games for free.