Comparatively speaking, Canada has just dipped its toes into the iGaming industry, with Ontario being amongst the first to legalize online sports betting within the province in 2022, with the establishment of a new regulator to ensure the industry’s perfectly safe and legal for players to indulge in.
Two years down the line and there’s no turning back, with several other provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia also following suit – not only that, According to BonusMonitor Canada, the country boasts more than 19.3 million active online gamblers, a significant figure that highlights the strong enthusiasm Canadians have for casino games, even among those who still favour traditional casinos over online platforms.
Today we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best casino games preferred by Canadian players, curious to know which ones made the cut? Let’s get right into it.
It comes as no surprise that slots are amongst the most appealing casino games amongst Canadian players for several reasons. Firstly, the rules are pretty simple, and the game is easy to understand even if you’ve never played at a casino before.
Once you sit in front of a slot machine, all that’s left to do is pull the lever (or hit the spin button in this case) and watch the reels spin before they display their outcome. Normally, landing three or more matching symbols across a payline will constitute a win.
Another characteristic that makes slots incredibly popular amongst Canadian players is their return to player rate, or RTP as it’s known in the biz, which generally varies from anywhere between 95% up to 98% in some cases. There are also several bonus and special features included in online slots that make them highly entertaining and engaging. Apart from that, players are spoiled for choice when it comes to theme, volatility and potential max wins, making these games suitable for players of all levels. And lastly, slots include multiple categories for players to choose from, ranging from classic fruit slots all the way to progressive jackpots and more, which means there’s a game for everyone essentially.
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Appealing to beginners and experts alike due to its blend of chance skill and simple rules, this traditional card game has been enjoyed for centuries and isn’t going anywhere.
Typically, there can be up to nine players at a table, and up to eight decks of cards can be used during this time. The aim of the game is to draw cards until your hand value is equal, or as close to 21 as possible without going over, or ‘busting’. Another factor that contributes to its vast popularity is that nowadays there are dozens of online variations available making it more widely accessible to players of all levels.
Apart from subconsciously making us sing to Beyonce every time we hear this word, Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular poker variants out there, quite possibly because it was one of the first to get so massively popularised. Because of its unique mix of chance and skill, this classic card game is right up there on the preference sheet amongst Canadian players.
So, what makes this game so appealing? When compared to other poker variations, this game comes with rules that are relatively easy to understand and play even if you’re not an expert, making it accessible to a wider range of players. Another factor that makes Texas Hold’em stand out is the adrenaline rush that normally accompanies it. During the game, players are easily able to bluff their rivals or spring a surprise on them, turning each hand into a thrilling psychological showdown. As a bonus, this game also has a plethora of online variations available making it one of the most versatile forms of poker that can easily accommodate players of all skill and bankroll levels.
If you’re big on high stakes and small house edges, then Baccarat might be an interesting choice to consider, which is why Canadian players keep coming back for more. Even though the game might appear slightly confusing at first glance, once you familiarise yourself with the rules, you’ll be quick to find out that this chance-based game is also really simple.
Rising to popularity after featuring in Casino Royale as James Bond’s card game of choice, this game is essentially an exercise in comparison. Every round will include two hands known as the player hand and the banker hand, and players are invited to place their wagers on either hand by attempting to predict which hand will win the round.
It’s said that the first game of roulette stole players’ hearts somewhere in France around 300 years ago, and since then this sophisticated and elegant game has also found great success amongst Canadian players. Even though the name translates to ‘small wheel’ this is a game that’s known to deliver some potentially big profits.
Requiring very little skill or knowledge, this chance-based game involves attempting to predict in which pocket the little white ball will land once the wheel stops spinning, with several betting options available to keep things equally thrilling and engaging along the way.
And lastly, another popular preference amongst Canadian players is live casino, which brings the excitement and glamour of a real-life casino setting straight to the player, without ever needing to leave the couch.
Filmed in real-time from several casino studios around the world, live casino includes a vast collection of traditional casino table games and their variations, along with several newer games on which players are also able to wager. Players are also able to interact with the dealer as well as with one another in some cases, making this one of the most well-rounded online casino experiences out there right now.
