Best Online Gambling Sites in Canada for August 2024

Lauren Lister, writer, NewsDirect.com | Fact Checked By: Sarah Lunness, NewsDirect.com

Canada is home to some of the best gambling sites in the industry, and our team of gambling experts has been reviewing and selecting the top 5 to bring to you. Throughout this article, you can expect to find out more about Jackpot City Casino, the number one pick and how this and other sites were chosen, how to sign up, the bonuses available, the best slot titles and providers, the latest gambling news, and more. Continue reading below for everything you need to know.

List of the Top Gambling Sites in Canada Reviewed

Our team of gambling site experts has been hard at work trying and testing the range of different Canadian gambling sites available and has selected the following as the top five best places to play.

Expert Rating: 4.9/5

jackpot city canada

Jackpot City has been one of the top casinos in the world since its inception. Canadian Punters have been exceptionally happy with the site’s vast game library and comprehensive range of payment methods. No matter your preferred game, whether you enjoy poker, roulette, or even slots, you’ll undoubtedly find something to sink your teeth into on the Jackpot City site. Players can also take full advantage of an extremely generous welcome offer and a fantastic range of existing customer promotions, offered to those already registered with the site.

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Huge selection of games High wagering requirements
Generous welcome bonus
$1 minimum deposit available
Extensive list of payment methods

2. BetMGM Casino

Expert Rating: 4.8/5

betmgm casino canada

One of the world’s most popular brands, for both casino and sports betting, BetMGM makes it to our list of the best gambling sites in Canada. The brand is renowned for its casino games and betting options, an impressive range of payment methods, and some industry-leading bonuses and promotions for both casino players and sports bettors. BetMGM is also the top destination for live streaming your favorite sports and offers all its customers the most competitive odds in the industry. Our team of experts highly recommends BetMGM for both its casino and sports betting platforms. 

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Great reputation in the US and Canada More centred around sports bettors
Bonuses and promotions are great
Sportsbook, poker and arcade also available
Exciting slot games on offer

3. Palmslots

Expert Rating: 4.7/5

Palmslots Casino

If you are looking for an online casino site that offers all of the popular games you have heard about, then look no further. At Palmslots Casino, users can enjoy all of the most well-loved casino games across Canada; such as Fluffy Favourites, Gold Blitz, Big Bass Splash, 9 Pots of Gold, Rainbow Riches, and Eye of Horus. Another great thing about Palmslots Casino is that they offer a range of promotions for these specific games, as well as various other bonuses.

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Sports betting and Casino options Could offer more payment methods
Huge range of casino games
Wide sports coverage
Easy to use site

4. PlayOJO

Expert Rating: 4.7/5

PlayOJO Casino

PlayOJO was founded as recently as 2017 but has since become one of Canada’s go-to casinos for a high-quality betting experience. Customers signing up for the site for the first time can claim an exceptionally generous exclusive sign-up bonus, along with plenty of bonuses and promotions once they have signed up. PlayOJO has certainly earned its place on this list!

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
8 years experience No dedicated mobile app
Generous welcome bonus
Cares for existing customers
Bright and attractive website

5. Northstar Bets

Expert Rating: 4.6/5

Northstar Bets Canada

Northstar Bets Casino has cemented itself as one of Canada’s top choices when it comes to online casinos. This is perhaps due to the site’s exceptionally generous welcome offer, the incredible VIP/Loyalty program, or maybe even the wide range of online casino games available to both new and existing customers. Either way, we know that Northstar Bets Casino has earned its place on this list of the best gambling sites in Canada. Players who wish to bet whilst on the go can also do so on the Northstar Bets Casino site. A free-to-download mobile app is available to both iOS and Android users, across the country.

With valuable experience in the gambling industry, Northstar Bets Casino stands out from the crowd by offering an amazing design, an easy-to-use mobile app, and a selection of some of the best-known slot titles out there. Northstar Bets features on our list of the best online casinos in Canada, check out the full review here.

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Fantastic jackpots available Site layout could be improved
The site layout could be improved
New casino games frequently
Wide range of sports betting markets

How Do Our Experts Rank and Review Online Gambling Sites?

When reviewing and ranking the best online gambling sites, our experts have a list of key criteria that are used to determine whether or not the site makes it into the top five. We have discussed the criteria in more detail below.

  • Variety of Games and Betting Options – To be one of the top gambling sites in Canada, it must offer a wide variety of games and different betting options. These can include slot games, table games, live casino games, and betting options such as over/under, prop bets, and totals.
  • Bonuses and Offers – The best gambling sites will all feature a wide range of bonuses and offers for new and existing customers. Welcome, offers are among the most important promotions run by sites, as they attract new users to sign up and can contain free spins and no-deposit bonuses. Existing customer offers can include login bonuses, loyalty bonuses, and more.
  • Mobile Compatibility – To be one of the best Canadian gambling sites, the platform must be fully accessible and compatible across desktop and mobile devices, whether you access the site through a mobile browser or via a dedicated mobile app available for download.
  • Payment Methods – The best gambling sites will accept a range of payment methods, ensuring there is a method everyone is familiar with and trusts. These can include, but are not limited to, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, Interac, Bitcoin, and Bank Transfer.
  • Security and Licensing – All of the best gambling sites Canada has available will have the relevant and required licences, which means the sites operate legally with the relevant safety regulations. It must have up-to-date encryption software to ensure customers’ details and transactions are safe and secure. We would not recommend any gambling sites that are not safe and legal to use.

Best Online Casinos in Canada

  • Jackpot City Casino
  • BetMGM Casino
  • Palmslots

Best Online Sportsbooks in Canada

  • BetMGM
  • Northstar Bets
  • Tonybet

Best Canadian Online Slots

  • Jackpot City Casino
  • Spin Casino
  • PlayOJO Casino

How to Sign Up to an Online Gambling Site?

Signing up with any of the best online Canadian gambling sites is quick and easy. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Online Gambling on Mobile

In this digital age, online gambling sites must focus on mobile offerings. Sites must be accessible via a mobile browser or a dedicated mobile app if a site has one. The advantages of online gambling sites being accessible on mobile devices are that users can take their gaming on the go wherever they are, with increased accessibility for those who may not have a desktop computer. It is convenient to be able to play from anywhere, picking up right where you left off. However, a disadvantage to mobile gambling sites is that the screen size will be much smaller, and if you access it via a browser, you will need to log into your account each time you visit the site.

Software Providers for Gambling Sites 

The best gambling sites Canada has will all feature some of the best software providers in the business, providing the best gameplay experience possible. There are some of the top names in the industry providing their knowledge and experience, ensuring only the best is on offer to customers. Customers at the sites included above can find games from global giants such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, IGT, Evolution, and more. The best gambling sites will have it all, whether you are after stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, seamless transitions or immersive gameplay.

Online Casino Payment Methods 

The recommended top five online gambling sites ranked by our experts above offer some of the following payment methods for Canadian customers.

Interac

Interac is a household name when it comes to the best gambling sites in Canada. It allows users to transfer money between online banking and online casinos without sharing any banking or financial data. It has a lot in common with debit cards, including withdrawal times of 1-3 days.

PayPal

One of the most secure payment methods, PayPal, is accepted by some of the biggest online casinos worldwide. It is a hugely popular method, opted for frequently by customers due to their familiarity with it and the brand’s reputation. Payouts can be as quick as 48 hours at PayPal.

Mastercard

Accepted at many online casino sites, Mastercard is a simple, quick, and secure way for customers in Canada to add and withdraw funds from their accounts. It is one of the largest recognised debit/credit card brands. Withdrawal requests can take 2-4 business days.

Visa

Visa is the most popular payment method at online gambling sites. It is widely accepted across the majority of platforms and is universally available for both deposits and withdrawals. Withdrawals can take 1-3 business days.

Paysafecard

A popular prepaid card, Paysafecard, is widely available and accepted at lots of online casino sites. It can be used to make deposits and can be quickly updated with funds online. It can take just 24 hours for withdrawal requests to be completed and funds in your account.

Trustly

Another top e-wallet, Trustly, provides secure and instant transactions with direct linking to customers’ bank accounts. Its unique ‘Pay N Play’ feature helps make transactions quick. Withdrawals will be completed in a similar time to other e-wallets, such as 48 hours for PayPal.

Bank Transfer

Deposits and withdrawals can be made via bank transfer at the top gambling sites in Canada. These often take up to 7 days to complete and are great for larger amounts. Sometimes there can be a small fee applied.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin, one of the most recognised names in the cryptocurrency arena, is becoming a frequent feature at the best Canadian gambling sites, and its popularity is continually increasing. Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals should be available instantly.

Types of Bonuses Available at Online Casinos

There are plenty of different online casino bonuses available for customers to enjoy across the best Canadian gambling sites. We have looked into these some more, as shown below.

No Deposit Bonuses

One of the most popular bonuses claimed by customers, no-deposit bonuses allow users to get some funds courtesy of the online casino to explore and try out the site for free. This encourages more people to get involved and play worry-free and risk-free, and no deposit is required to benefit from it. Try out whatever game you like, free of charge, and even cash out your winnings, too.

Deposit Bonuses

Deposit bonuses can allow customers to receive money back up to a certain amount depending on the amount they deposit or even their deposit matched at many Canadian gambling sites. Deposit bonuses can also include customers receiving their deposit back as a bonus bet if their wager loses; there are lots of great deposit bonuses available to new and existing customers at these top sites.

Low Deposit Bonuses

Low deposit bonuses allow customers to start playing at an online gambling site for a very small amount of money being deposited into their account. It is a chance to get stuck into some real money gameplay without spending too much of your money. Just ensure you meet the lowest minimum deposit requirements and once complete, you can start exploring some top casino titles.

$1 Deposit Bonuses 

This type of bonus is where customers can deposit just $1 at a site to be able to claim an offer and start playing. It is great for new customers to a site as it is an opportunity to try out lots of different features and titles for depositing just $1. A budget-friendly option for those who are just starting their journey at a site.

Free Spins 

Customers can claim many free spin offers across popular slot titles at online casino sites. Free spins can be claimed as part of a welcome bonus when first registering with a site when certain games promoting free spins are played or even as rewards from a site when partaking in slot races and contests. Enjoy extra spins across your favourite titles when you claim free spins bonuses.

Tips for Finding the Right Gambling Site for You

To help you decide which is the right site for you, our Canadian gambling sites experts have put together some top tips which we have included below.

  • Choose one of our recommended sites – Select any of the top 5 Canadian gambling sites and their relevant welcome offers that we have recommended from the list above and head to the website on your desktop or mobile device. Then, navigate to the signup page to get started.
  • Make sure you claim the welcome bonus – Once you have registered at your chosen site, ensure you claim the welcome bonus to receive your free bets and rewards.
  • Check the Game Variety – Always check the selection of games and that there is a suitable variety to ensure that there are titles for you to play and ones you like and enjoy.
  • Check the Payment Options – Ensure that regular payment methods are recognised and accepted by the site. This ensures the safety and security of your transactions and information. You want a site that accepts a payment method you are comfortable using.
  • Shop around for different sites – Before committing to one site, it is always worthwhile to shop around and see what other gambling sites have to offer. Compare the promotions, odds, betting markets, site, and mobile offerings and select the one that appeals to you the most.
  • Use the mobile app – Finally, head to your selected app store on your mobile device and download the dedicated app for the site you have chosen. Check out its functionality and useability and whether it is a platform you wish to play at and return to.

Best Online Gambling Sites for Canadian Gamblers: FAQs

Is online gambling legal in Canada?

In Canada, online gambling is allowed. To operate legally, each of the top five websites requires a license.

What is the legal gambling age in Canada?

In Canada, you can only gamble online if you are 18 years old. As usual, confirm this prior to playing.

Can I Trust Online Gambling Sites?

The betting locales remembered for this article are undeniably and directed, guaranteeing they are legitimate and fair for Canadian occupants to play at. Each ought to have its proper permit and controller included at the footer of the pages.

Is Online Gambling free?

Any of the suggested games can be played for free. Before you can play, you might need to put some money down.

How many welcome bonuses can I claim?

The website may offer a bonus to new users who sign up for the first time.

DISCLAIMER: We would like to emphasize that gambling is risky and shouldn’t be used to resolve financial difficulties. The saying “the house always wins” is worth keeping in mind. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, we firmly advise you to call the Gamblers Anonymous at 1-626-960-3500 to speak with an expert about getting assistance and making gambling safer for you or your friends and loved ones. Remember that all gaming websites and instructions are intended for people aged 19 and above. Some of the casino sites featured on our site may not be available in your location. Check your local regulations to see if Internet gambling is permitted in your area. Check out the following organizations for free gambling addiction resources: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga http://www.responsiblegambling.org/  

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Betting on Horse Racing in Canada

Understanding the Different Types of Horse Racing

Canadians who don’t watch a lot of horse racing might not realize that there are different types of horse races. Some include jumps, some include carts, and the length of races/type of surface varies as well. Let’s take a look at the three most popular forms of horse racing, and what they entail.

Thoroughbred Racing

Thoroughbred racing is by far the most popular type of the bunch. It’s the prototypical kind of horse race in the minds of many, which is in large part due to the ‘Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing’ (more on that later on).

Only certified Thoroughbred horses can take part in this race form, each partnered with a ‘jockey’ which is a term used specifically to describe someone who rides on horseback during horse racing or ‘steeplechase’ racing (more on that below).

All Thoroughbred races take place on dirt or grass racetracks and is a test of pure speed as there aren’t any ‘hurdles’ – a word used to describe an obstacle which is typically some kind of fence. The distance of each race ranges from around half a mile to as long as a mile-and-a-half. When a race is less than a mile, it’s typically measured in what’s called a ‘furlong’. For example, half a mile is roughly four furlongs.

Jump Racing

Jump racing is commonly referred to as a steeplechase and bears a lot of similarities to Thoroughbred racing. The main difference is that jump racing takes things a step further, as it’s more of an elaborate obstacle course as opposed to a flat out sprint.

This is where hurdles come into play, as each obstacle requires the horse to jump and land in a poised manner so as to not break speed. Some hurdles can be challenging, as they could be surrounded by water among other things. Most jump races are around two miles in length, with varying degrees of elevation and terrain that can be wet, muddy, or whatever else the elements may bring.

Harness Racing

Harness racing is wildly different from both Thoroughbred racing and jump racing. In fact, only ‘Standardbred’ horses can compete and they pull a cart with two wheels behind them throughout the race – known as either a ‘spider’ or a ‘sulky’. Harness races are usually about a mile or so in length, and unsurprisingly only take place on dirt terrain – given the cart in tow. While not as common as other race forms, it’s very fun to watch for those who have the opportunity.

Popular Ways to Bet on Horse Racing

Many Canadians, like others around the world, enjoy the thrill of horse racing. Since most events are Thoroughbred races, they’re over quite quickly and several can occur at one track over the course of a single day (or multiple). Many bets placed on horse racing simply pick a potential winner, but there are other unique varieties that keep things interesting. We’ll cover the most popular types of horse racing betting below.

Straight Bets

The prototypical ‘straight bet’ is what most people imagine horse racing betting to primarily be – and they would be right. It’s called a ‘win bet’ and is as it sounds. Pick a horse to finish in first place and if they win, you win. Other variations of straight betting include a ‘place bet’, where you can choose a horse to finish in either first or second place.

Lastly, there’s a ‘show bet’, which allows you to predict whether or not a horse will finish in first, second, or third. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the lower the place, the lower the payout. For example, placing a ‘win bet’ is typically more profitable than placing a ‘show bet’.

Exotic Bets

‘Exotic bets’ are essentially the same as parlay bets, in that you’re wagering on multiple horses to finish in different places. A ‘vertical exotic bet’ is a type of exotic bet you can only place on one race, akin to a ‘same-game parlay’ in other sports.

The number of horses you bet on is entirely up to you, ranging from the top two finishers down to predicting the outcome of every single horse. A ‘horizontal exotic bet’ is more like a traditional parlay bet, in that you can bet on multiple horses from several races at once. Remember, if even one prediction is wrong, the entire bet falls apart and you will not profit.

Quinella

A ‘quinella’ is a more modern version of horse racing betting, combining elements of straight bets as well as exotic bets. Most of the previous rules apply, except a quinella wager is more lenient since you don’t have to be exact. For example, you can bet on three different horses finishing within the top three of a given race, but you don’t need to go the extra step and predict where exactly the horses will place. If all three of your picks were to finish in the top three, you would win regardless of their specific order.

Most Popular Horse Racing Betting Events

There are popular horse racing events all over the world, with several dating back as early as the 1800s. In fact, Canada has a race like that of its own currently called the ‘King’s Plate’, with ‘currently’ being the operative as the race title switches back and forth between that and the ‘Queen’s Plate’. But why is that? Let’s dive into the most popular races amongst Canadian horse racing bettors.

Triple Crown Races

The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is the ultimate display of the best three-year-old horses and jockeys – spread across three different races at various locations in the United States. It all begins with the ‘Kentucky Derby’, which takes place on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The second leg is called the ‘Preakness Stakes’, held two weeks later on the third Saturday of May in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lastly, there’s the ‘Belmont Stakes’, also known as the ‘Test of the Champion’ since several of the sport’s most thrilling moments have come during this final leg. If a horse wins all three races, they are declared the ‘Triple Crown Champion’. This incredible feat has only occurred thirteen times since a horse named ‘Sir Barton’ first won it all back in 1919. In fact, it’s only happened twice since the turn of the millennium, with ‘Justify’ last capturing Triple Crown honours in 2018.

The King’s Plate (formerly the Queen’s Plate)

As previously mentioned, the name of this race fluctuates between the ‘King’s Plate’ and the ‘Queen’s Plate’. This all depends on whether a king or queen currently sits on the throne. From 1952-2022, Queen Elizabeth reigned thus entitling the race as the Queen’s Plate, but that changed upon her death and King Charles III’s accession in late 2022.

The race first took place in 1860, and is annually held in Toronto, Ontario at Woodbine Racetrack. The purse totals over $1 million, and only three-year-old horses bred in Canada can participate. If you live anywhere near the area, it would be well worth attending if you’re able to swing it. Best of luck in your horse racing betting endeavours!

About the author

Luke Garrison, Guest Author at BestCasinoSites.net

Name Luke Garrison
Job Agate Editor for The Canadian Press

Luke Garrison is a professional writer who grew up just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He currently works at the Canadian Press and enjoys the outdoors in his free time.

Canadian bettors, and sports bettors everywhere, should be able to bet in a safe, non-convoluted way.

Sources