In the past few years, no other industry in the entertainment business has enjoyed such a rapid rise in popularity as the online casino industry. Although the activity has existed for over three decades, online casino classics such as blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and slots are only now thriving amidst a digital movement that is beginning to engulf the world.
In Canada, Ontario is the hub of online casino activity, as the only province in the country to fully legalize online gambling within its borders. The 4th April 2022 marked a groundbreaking moment when the virtual casino doors were opened to Ontarians. Over three years on, there are now over 70 licensed online casinos offering thousands of games for casino enthusiasts across the province.
But whether you are an experienced player or a newcomer to the industry, what are the most essential pieces of information to know before you wander through those virtual doors?
Are online casino platforms secure and legitimate?
One of the biggest concerns with the increased activity in the online realm are the unknowns and greater intricacies to understand around cybersecurity. However, the rise of apps and online processes has been born out of improved security measures taken in the online space to protect the millions that roam around it. Standards also outlined in the compliance framework set up by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This could come in the form of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates that ensure a website is encrypted from user to host and that it is valid.
When it comes to assessing whether a platform is legal and legitimate, licensing information should be displayed at the bottom of each page. In just a short space of time, Ontario has quickly established itself as one of the most reputable licenses in the entire world. Checking for this should be the first step taken when looking for an online casino platform to play on.
What are the best payment methods?
One of the next steps for people looking for online casino action is how to sign up and add funds to a wallet. While signing up is straightforward, adding your hard-earned Canadian Dollars might come with a level of apprehension. However, with security safeguards in place, there is an array of payment methods to support online casino play.
The more traditional debit and credit card methods still exist, which have been supplemented over time with e-wallets, Apple/Google Pay and even cryptocurrency on some platforms. MegaCasinoList’s reviews of licensed Ontario online casinos make sure to outline all the possible payment and withdrawal avenues on a specific platform, which leaves you with the decision as to which is most preferable for you.
Which is the best game to play?
Once you are finally set up and armed with funds within your means to spread around the online casino floor, the next big decision is which game to attack. From blackjack to slots, there are varying levels of skill and luck involved, with poker ranked as the game requiring the most skill. And although there are thousands of titles, online slots have proved to be the most entertaining, but also the most volatile choice of game. However, this decision is usually related to personal preference, but it is worth staking a tiny amount on each game to try them out or simply play the demo version if there is one available.
What are wagering requirements?
A term you might come across frequently on online casino games is “wagering requirements.” This term is usually connected to the wide range of bonuses that online casinos award their customers. While bonuses do provide extra spins on online slots or more funds to play with on other games, there is often a minimum number of times a bet or wager must be made before any profit can be withdrawn. This is usually identified by a multiplier value, like 50x or 100x.
What are live dealer games?
You might come across the “live casino” section on a platform. This is an exciting (relatively) new innovative approach to gaming that combines the online world with the physical realm and a section that can be found on the majority, if not all of the online casinos licensed by the AGCO.
Online casinos now set up remote spaces where real-person dealers organize the game play around blackjack, roulette, and poker tables. All you as the player needs to do is punch in your game play action or command and let the dealer work his or her magic. With interactive features built in with other players and dealers too, live casino games provide a nice bridge between online, and in-person play.
What about the future?
As it stands, only players residing within the borders of Ontario are able to access online casinos licensed by the AGCO. However, with that said, there are rumblings around other provinces in Canada about following the example of Ontario. Revenue figures since April 2022 have impressed provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta, but with a tricky process to navigate to pass legislation, it could be a few years before other provinces in Canada can wander through the virtual casino doors.
But for players in Ontario, they are able to reap the rewards of a constantly evolving and innovative sector that is only growing in popularity. If you are one of these players, just make sure to check the basics above before you start your online casino adventure.
