Since the launch of Ontario’s regulated iGaming industry in April 2022 and the consequent emergence of a thrilling range of online casino sites available on mobile devices nationwide, the Canadian online casino scene has gone from strength to strength.
With many new casino sites and game providers joining this burgeoning online gambling landscape, the competition to attract and maintain customers is fiercer than ever with the latest online casinos enticing Canadian players with several exciting new features.
While some have focused on developing the quality of their casino games and online slots, improving in-play graphics and gameplay mechanics as well as introducing more immersive experiences such as live casino games, others have homed in on ensuring juicy casino offers and generous bonuses are provided to their customer base.
One of the more interesting developments made by mobile casino sites in recent years, however, has been the adoption of cryptocurrencies as a valid payment method. With digital currencies now starting to shake up businesses worldwide, it has become apparent that adopting a crypto-friendly approach is a way for online casinos to futureproof their operations and maintain solid player numbers.
Therefore, it is no surprise that some of Canada’s top new online casinos are now developing cryptocurrency methods for use in online games. Let’s look at the current situation surrounding cryptocurrencies in online casino games and assess just how impactful they may be for the future of iGaming.
Background on cryptos
While the concept of digital currencies has been around since the 1980s, the idea only really broke through into the popular consciousness around the mid-2010s following the meteoric rise of crypto stalwart, Bitcoin. Created by the elusive Sakoshi Nakamoto utilizing groundbreaking blockchain technology, the digital currency promised to revolutionize global financial systems, providing a decentralized and transparent digital currency that would shift the power away from banks into the hands of everyday people.
Through blockchain methods, currencies such as Bitcoin allowed for a faster, more secure online method of payment while also significantly reducing the risk of fraud or theft. Despite initial excitement regarding the potential of Bitcoin and the continued rise of its market price, the concept of cryptos as a legitimate form of currency stalled over the following decade.
Fast forward to the present day, however, and the cryptos world has seen significant growth with the technology now being used across multiple industries across the globe. It has most notably established itself in the finance and banking industry with market behemoths Visa, Mastercard, JPMorgan, and Citi revealing a plan for mass adoption earlier this year.
With a multitude of emerging fintech companies like Cash App and Coinbase now specializing in crypto-specific operations, it has become clear that cryptocurrencies are becoming part of the conversation when it comes to how people will spend their money in the future.
As ever, the forward-thinking iGaming industry isn’t too far behind with many of the latest casino games available to play in Canada now accepting, and in some cases encouraging, cryptocurrencies when playing online.
How could cryptocurrencies improve the user experience?
The realization of crypto’s potential in recent years has aligned with the emergence of the Canadian casino scene in what can be seen as a perfect storm, with the momentum that each industry holds being used symbiotically. New Canadian casinos have understood how cryptocurrencies can maximize user experience, providing these platforms a market edge over more established casino brands that refuse to change with the times. So just how do cryptos improve the online experience?
- Faster transactions – unlike traditional payment methods, cryptocurrencies allow for near-instant deposits and withdrawals into and from casino site accounts. For many players, this is an immediate benefit, as lengthy processing times in the industry are a well-known issue.
- Enhanced security– when playing online, there can be a risk of fraud or account hacking when using traditional payments, particularly when playing on unlicensed casino sites. Blockchain-backed cryptocurrencies offer far more security, with it nearly impossible for hackers to access player funds.
- Improved privacy– the laborious sign-up processes of many mobile casinos and the extensive amount of personal data required to set up an account can be a turn-off for many. While these measures are for the good of the player, providing the first layer of security against malicious activity, those who value discretion may look elsewhere to potentially more dangerous sites where these details are not required. The inherent nature of crypto payments and the anonymity that they provide is an ideal alternative, ensuring those who would like less personal intrusion still use safe and responsible platforms.
What is the current situation of cryptocurrencies in online casinos in Canada?
Despite the obvious benefits of incorporating crypto payments into online casino sites, the legality of using cryptos in a Canadian casino is currently quite complex, and subsequently, before trying a new casino site, it is important to be fully aware of the current laws in place. While cryptocurrencies are perfectly legal in Canada and there are no laws stating that they cannot be used for online gambling, their use is currently unregulated. Therefore, state-regulated online gambling sites currently don’t accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment from Canadian players.
For players wanting to play slots or poker with crypto, however, there is the possibility of exploring the wealth of offshore casino sites that accept crypto. Some of the top new online casinos in Canada like Lukki and JustCasino which are licensed outside of the country but can be accessed freely, now accept currencies like Bitcoin when playing online. Due to the lack of regulation in the country, caution should be exercised when trying a new crypto-gambling site, making sure to check the casino reviews to ensure its reputability.
What does the future hold regarding crypto payments in online casinos in Canada?
The abundance of new casinos now offering crypto payments to Canadian players and the increasing popularity of using crypto in online casino games will certainly be on the radar of the gambling regulatory bodies throughout the nation’s provinces.
While some remain cautious of these new payment methods, many policymakers understand the demand is out there, and that legislative changes are required not only to allow this lucrative industry to continue to add to Canada’s economy but also to ensure responsible gambling practices are maintained for Canadian players.
As crypto continues to become a more vital part of how we spend our money, it seems highly probable that it will become a normal aspect of slot games and virtual poker tables.
What are the newest online casinos in Canada and what do they offer?
There are several exciting new casinos in Canada now available offering a range of intriguing features, lucrative deposit bonuses, and new casino games. Here are some of the top-rated platforms:
WinMaker
One of the most highly-rated new casinos is WinMaker. With an impressive welcome bonus of up to $10,000 and 700 free spins, this platform provides players a whole host of different slot games and table games to choose from with Rich Piggies and Bamboo Rush just two examples of the high-quality games on offer.
With a deposit bonus available to players for the first five in-game payments, the free spins seem to keep on coming. In addition, WinMaker’s impressive loyalty program provides players the opportunity to claim even more lucrative bonuses.
Lucky Ones Casino
If it’s casino bonuses you’re after, then look no further than Lucky Ones Casino. This stylish new casino offers players a wealth of promotions, including a welcome bonus of up to $20,000 plus 500 free spins as well a first deposit bonus of up to $3000 and more free spins. Furthermore, with an extensive list of live casino games to choose from, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, Lucky Ones truly provides players with a luxurious high-end online casino.
Just Casino
For those looking for a wide selection of online slots to choose from, JustCasino could be the one. With an impressive library of over eight thousand slot games, many of them created by leading developers such as Playtech and Pragmatic Play, JustCasino is one of the best new online casinos when it comes to gameplay quality. With a range of table games and live casino elements as well, this platform is one of the most versatile out there. Make sure to take advantage of the 500 free spins and generous deposit bonus when you get started.
Finally, one thing these new casinos all share is their crypto-friendly nature, with all three platforms accepting cryptocurrencies to play. While defining which platform is the best online casino is a hard question to answer, these three are for sure in the mix when it comes to new online casinos.
How do you choose a top new online casino?
- Head to a trusted gambling guide
A great place to start when looking for a new online casino is to head to a well-respected gambling guide like Casino.org which reviews online casinos and makes recommendations on which new casino sites offer the best games, deposit bonuses, and player security. By starting here, you are already on the right path to ensure that you find a top-quality casino online.
- Read their expert reviews
As well as making recommendations on which platforms to choose, gambling guides usually offer expert reviews that take a more in-depth look at new online casinos assessing everything from gameplay to security and customer support. Furthermore, these reviews will give you an indication of the welcome bonus or deposit bonus you can expect to receive as well as any free spins on offer. Before choosing a new casino, make sure to check out the expert review to ensure the platform is not only fun but 100% safe.
- Check out the top-rated shortlist
Another high-quality feature that you should utilize when browsing through new casino sites is their specially curated top-rated shortlists which provide players the chance to compare between the best sites available based on expert reviews. Here you can see the different casino bonuses on offer at various platforms as well as the methods of payment available and the payout speed. This is a great tool when you want to fine-tune which new casino suits your desires best.
- Visit the site
After browsing through the guide and finding a new online casino that suits you, the next step is to head to the site itself. Here, you can take a closer look at the terms and conditions of the online casino, making sure you meet the requirements for the welcome bonus and ensuring the casino games available are the ones that you would like to play.
- If you like what you see, sign up.
After these four steps, you should have a solid idea of which online casino you would like to try. When on the site, look for a ‘sign up’, ‘register’, or ‘create account’ button. From here you will then have to enter certain personal details, create a username and password, and often verify the account using your email address. Once verified, it’s time to claim your free spins and get playing.
What are the new Canadian online casinos to avoid and why?
Unfortunately, while many of the new online casinos available in Canada are safe and enjoyable, several casinos should be avoided when looking for a new place to play. Once again, using gambling guides is an excellent way to ensure you don’t sign up for a poor-quality site. They carry out diligent checks on all new casinos to assess how they stack up about licensing, security, and financial trustworthiness. If any online casinos don’t meet the standards expected these guides will let you know. The following platforms should be avoided.
With an expert rating of just 1.2/10 on Casino.org, the online platform Casinoin should be avoided when looking for a casino online. With misleading claims of licensing and a non-responsive customer service team, several players have also reported not receiving their winnings. These are tell-tale signs that ulterior motives are at play, with it possible that illegitimate and potentially harmful practices are being carried out on the site.
Similarly, Balzac Casino and BetMaster have received poor ratings of 1.5/10. Experts have experienced slow response times when trying to contact customer support. In the case of Balzac Casino, it has taken over 18 months to withdraw winnings, while in some cases BetMaster has not paid players their winnings at all. These examples are proof that a new casino does not necessarily mean a good casino, and care should be taken before financially committing to emerging platforms.
In response to the increasing awareness and widespread understanding of the potential impact of crypto on our global societies, governments from around the world are now starting to overhaul regulations surrounding cryptocurrencies. With the US, the EU, and Japan all now beginning to develop new legislation to better regulate novel crypto technologies, it feels as though a turning point about how cryptocurrencies are viewed has been reached. The position of cryptocurrencies in the Canadian iGaming industry presents an effective microcosm of this.
With an upward trajectory in the number of players using crypto payments and an ever-increasing number of new casino games accepting crypto, the logical next step in the sector development is for legislators to address the regulatory issues surrounding their use. With every new online casino that accepts cryptocurrencies on the market, there is one more platform not suitably regulated by Canadian law.
To ensure that players are suitably protected and responsible gaming practices are maintained, reforms to Canadian gambling regulations will be required. With Canadian iGaming continuing its meteoric rise, expect to soon see cryptocurrencies as a vital part.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions:
Do the new online Canadian casinos offer new games?
While choosing a new online casino does not guarantee the opportunity to play the latest games, often new platforms will tend to come with the latest titles to entice players away from more established sites. Making sure to pick a highly-rated new casino with complimentary reviews is a good starting point if you are looking for a site that offers the newest releases.
What casino games should you play at a new casino?
Deciding what games to play when trying out a new casino is highly subjective and will depend on your preferences when it comes to the game styles that you like to play. That being said, players should try some of the new styles of games that are on offer on some of the newer iGaming platforms.
Games that incorporate social elements or live aspects provide a new dimension to online gambling and could enhance your enjoyment when playing online. Look out for games that offer a generous deposit bonus or free spins when you first play.
Are new casinos safe?
Not all new online casinos are safe. It is important to carry out adequate research to assess the legitimacy of recently released platforms. Use the wealth of support on gambling guides to make educated decisions on which new online casinos to sign up for.
Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Look out for expert reviews to help make your decision simpler, and make sure any new casino you play is licensed to a respected regulatory body.
What payment methods do they accept?
The methods of payment accepted are highly dependent on the casino site you are using. While traditional forms of payment such as credit cards and bank transfers are widely accepted across the iGaming landscape, many of the new online casinos now accept more modern solutions such as digital wallets like Paypal and Interac as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Most casino sites will have a page on their website discussing the payment options available, otherwise, online gambling guides often provide this information as part of their new casino review.
