Canada Casino Bonuses

Match Bonuses

Match bonuses are perhaps the most popular type of casino incentive Canadians can claim online. This kind of promotion can be offered both as a Welcome Bonus and as a reward for returning players. It typically requires a minimum deposit that is then matched by the casino with a predetermined percentage of bonus funds. For example, if you redeem a 100% Match Bonus with a $20 deposit, you will receive an additional $20 to play with. Match bonuses usually have a maximum cap that cannot be exceeded even if you deposit more.

Match bonuses also come with wagering requirements that must be met before the bonus funds can be converted into withdrawable cash. Besides the number of times the bonus must be played through, players should check whether the wagering applies only to the bonus amount or to the combined value of the deposit and bonus.

Free Spins

Another popular casino incentive for Canadian players is free spins on the slots offered by the brand. Free spins can be provided on their own or as part of a Welcome Offer or other promotion. This type of offer may require a minimum deposit, or it may be awarded as a No Deposit Bonus. Winnings come with an expiration date and must be used within the specified period. The casino sets the value of each free spin, and players cannot adjust the wager size.

Winnings generated through free spins are typically credited to players’ accounts as bonus funds. Therefore, they must be wagered a predetermined number of times before they can be withdrawn.

Loyalty Programs

Many online casinos like to reward their patrons for remaining loyal to the brand. As a result, Canadian players can often benefit from Loyalty Programs that provide special bonuses, prizes, and even cashback. Typically, these schemes require players to place real-money bets regularly, allowing them to climb the tiers of the loyalty system. The more a player wagers on casino games, the more points they earn, which can then be exchanged for exclusive rewards.

The incentives offered through Loyalty Programs vary according to the casino’s policies. Cashback is a common benefit, with higher percentages granted to players who have achieved a higher status in the program.

Gambling Regulated by Different Provinces

After the Criminal Code of Canada was amended in 1969 and again in 1985, each Canadian province became responsible for regulating gambling within its own borders. Under this framework, online casinos based in Canada cannot offer gambling services unless they have been specifically authorized by their province. However, no explicit restrictions have been placed on offshore casino operators that provide online gambling to Canadian players.

Although the 10 provinces have the authority to legalize online casino gambling, none have yet changed the legal status of domestically based virtual casinos. Consequently, online casino gaming is technically illegal within the country. This is not the whole story, though, because the Kahnawake territory of the Mohawk Nation in Quebec regulates online gambling independently of the province. Since the activities of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission are not governed by the Criminal Code, the authority frequently licenses online casino brands that wish to offer gambling services legally to Canadian players.

Are Canadians Penalized for Gambling at Online Casinos?

Online casino gambling in Canada remains a gray area because no law expressly prohibits Canadians from gambling online. Even though this form of gambling has not been legalized in any of the 10 provinces, there are no records of Canadians being prosecuted for playing at online casinos.

At present, Canadian casino enthusiasts who wish to gamble online can choose offshore brands or casinos that hold a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Therefore, as long as players select virtual casinos that are either licensed outside Canada or by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, they should not face any legal consequences for gambling online.

Can Legal Status of Online Casinos in Canada Change Any Time Soon?

A recent change in Canadian gambling laws has created the country’s first fully legalized iGaming market. In April 2022, Ontario introduced single-game sports betting, a new form of online wagering for Canadians. The iGaming market is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

By embracing single-game betting, local authorities have taken a major step toward legalizing online gambling nationwide, and online casinos registered and regulated by Canadian provinces may soon become a reality.

The new iGaming market is heavily criticized by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK), which claims its gambling operations in Ontario are threatened by the newcomer. Still, many observers believe that this development could pave the way for a fully legalized online gambling industry across Canada. For now, however, online casino gaming remains available only at offshore brands or at virtual casinos licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.