Online casinos are incredibly popular in North America, and there are more and more options for people in the USA and Canada to play online slots games and a whole variety of casino games on their phones, tablets and desktop computers. While there are still only a relatively small number of US states that allow for real-money online casino gambling, the introduction of social and sweepstake casinos means that the best slots casinos are available to nearly all Americans. Meanwhile, in Canada, Ontario has relatively recently launched its legal, regulated commercial gambling market and players across the country can play at various online casino platforms.
How big is the market?
While the US’s population dwarves Canada’s, when it comes to the percentage of the population who enjoy a flutter, Canadians take some beating. It is estimated that six in ten Canadians gamble for real money, and there are no taxes on winnings for amateur gambling, making it a very attractive pastime. It is estimated that user penetration will be just shy of seven out of ten (69.4%) by the close of the year. In fact, Canada ranks as the country with the fourth highest gambling rates in the world, just ahead of Finland and behind Ireland, Australia and Singapore. It is thought that a combination of relatively high earnings per capita, a well-regulated sports and casino sector and sparse population density are all factors responsible for the high gambling rate in the country.
Big business
Real money slots online are not just a fun pastime either. This is big business and the best online slots casinos are all vying for a slice of the market. Revenue for online gambling in Canada is projected to top US$ 4.19 billion this year and US$ 5.1 billion by 2029. Online casino gambling accounts for more than half of the revenue.
Due to its sheer population size, the US will generate the highest value of iGaming revenue, but user penetration is less than a third of its northern neighbour at 19.2%. The US market will be worth USD 23 billion this year. It is growing at 8.8% compared to Canada growing at 6.39%, so it is certainly a market in which the online slots operators will be keen to get a foothold, particularly if more states legalize online slots games. If New York were to get on board with real money slots online, there could be a massive uptick in the sector simply down to the size of the state’s population. Maryland and New Hampshire are likely contenders to move to license online slots games in the not-too-distant future.
Favourite games
So, what is everyone playing at the online casinos? When we think about casinos we tend to imagine people playing Blackjack, roulette, poker and other table games. However, the most popular games at the best online slots casinos are the slots. These make up the lion’s share of all the games played both at real-money and social / sweepstakes casinos. They are particularly well adapted to play on the go on mobile phones, with many of the best online slots casinos in Canada having slots apps optimized for on-the-go gaming. While some people still prefer to play on a web browser, mobile slot apps deliver high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay. With optimized navigation and offline access, people can ‘free’ play even when they are not connected to the internet.
More than just fruit machines
There are many different types of online slots games including three-reel slots, five-reel slots, multi-payline slots, video slots, 3D slots and progressive slots. The game developers are constantly bringing new titles to the market, often tied to other popular franchises, films and TV series like Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. There are also online celebrity slots featuring superstars like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and bands like Guns N’ Roses. Even Gordon Ramsay has a Hell’s Kitchen slot game developed in conjunction with Netent, where you can try and win big with a variety of recipes and ingredients.
In order to have the best playing experience players need to know not only which games are best but also which are the best online slots casinos. It is very easy to get distracted by a well-known name or offers that look too good to be true. That is why most people ask around to check the best online slots available rather than just dive into the first site they find. As people would not watch a movie or buy a book without checking out some reviews, expert advice is also available for iGaming. There are online reviews for most online slot titles and online casinos.
Independent advice
The independent experts not only advise on which are the best online slot casinos in Canada but also do not hold back on which ones to avoid. While there are some great real money slots online, there are also some that are not worth playing, and a number of online casinos need to be avoided. Unfortunately, there are some serious scam artists out there and a whole raft of online casinos and games that just are not good enough.
Different people have varying criteria for what they consider to be the best online slots casinos, but as well as being fun to play, most people are looking for games that are easy to navigate, offer a fair chance of winning and payout in good time if someone is lucky enough to win. Other criteria to consider when considering the best online slots casinos in Canada are payment and personal data security and the options for topping up and withdrawing from an online casino account.
Try before you buy
Most players also like the option of being able to try out games for free before committing their own money. It is a good idea for players to familiarise themselves with plenty of games either by playing trial versions or by taking advantage of free spins and bonuses the online slots casinos have available. Games like Cleopatra, Rainbow Riches, Slingo Davinci Diamonds, Bigger Bass Bonanza and Book of Ra Deluxe are available to play instantly with no registration or download required on selected slot sites. This allows players to practice their strategies or play online for fun.
Trust the software developers
Online slot games are created by expert online casino software developers. The best online slots casinos in Canada offer a range of games from multiple developers. Look out for:_
- Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II and Pharoahs’s Fortune. This developer has over two decades of experience and is known for offering top-quality slots.
- Betsoft is a video slots specialist and has developed over 200 real money slots and top titles include Charms Treasures, Hot Lucky 8 and Hearts Desire
- Playtech has been around for a quarter of a century and is one of the longest-standing operators in the industry. Their best-known games include Age of Gods, Jackpot Giant and Great Blue.
- NetEnt first put out games way back in 1996 and is a leading provider of top-rated online slots games. Their titles include Starburst and Dead or Alive 2.
- IFT is a Las Vegas-based developer, so they should understand what it takes to make compelling casino games. Their games like Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamond and Cluedo Classic can be played at the best online slots casinos.
Getting the most out of play
Expert advice for having the most fun at the best online slots casinos in Canada suggests you follow the following steps:-
- Study the paytable – make sure you know what the symbols and features mean; every game is different, and the paytable explains how it all works
- Don’t be lured by massive jackpots and opt for ones with smaller jackpots and, probably, smaller stakes. You can have just as much fun playing for smaller jackpots – you only have to think of how much fun you had at physical penny falls machine in an arcade to remember the size of the win is often irrelevant.
- Try out the classic games. Simpler slots often have a higher payout percentage. New video slots might look exciting, but it is often worth sticking with the classic alternatives.
- Only play on safe sites. The best online slots casinos are reputable and trustworthy. If you are ever unsure, do not take the risk. Look out for recommended online slots games, reputable names and the correct licensing requirements.
- Do not miss out on possible bonus rounds – the best online slots casinos offer all kinds of incentives to keep you playing at their casino. Keep your eyes peeled for free spins, bonus rounds and jackpot incentives.
Understand return to player rates
When playing online slots it is important to know what the payout or return-to-player rate is. Everyone knows that the house always wins. Gambling is a business, and the best online slots casinos have to make a profit to keep operating. However, the best ones understand that players will only keep playing (and paying) if they feel they have a decent chance of winning. The payout is calculated as a percentage and savvy players know which games offer the best return to player percentages. Some of the flashier titles will have lower RTPs as there are more people in the supply chain who need to take their slice of the pie. For example, a licensed or celebrity-endorsed game has an extra ‘mouth to feed’.
Some of the classic, older games have already covered all the development costs and can offer generous winning options for players. Do also look out for older licensed games as well because some of them can offer favourable RTP rates and are right up there with the best new online slots games. It is essential to remember that payout percentages are calculated over a very long period of time. Therefore, although, in theory, a game with a 97% RTP should pay out $98 for every $100 wagered, the outcome per spin cannot be guaranteed. Players need to think about RTP as a guide; that is one of the factors to consider when choosing which online slots games to play.
For some players, their decision on what they regard as the best online slots in Canada comes down to which one has the highest casino payout percentage. The most popular ones, based on their RTP, are:
- Avalon II – 97%
- Guns N’Roses -96.98%
- Thunderstruck II – 96.65%
- Wheel of Fortune – 96.6%
- Mega Fortune – 96.4%
- Starburst – 96.1%
- Wizard of Oz – 95.99%
- Flaming Hot – 95.53%
- Book of Ra Deluxe – 95.5%
- Triple Diamond – 95.06%
In addition to the best games and the best RTP, bonuses are an important element in the overall gaming experience. These allow players to play a few rounds on the recommended games without having to spend their own money. These rounds can be ideal for new players to acquaint themselves with the gameplay and online casinos often offer new and lapsed players free spins to welcome them to a site or entice them back.
Watch out for wagering requirements
The only downside to free spins is that they can come with high wagering requirements that have to be met before any wins can be withdrawn. The advice is to read through all the conditions of bonuses before signing up. Also, be aware that most online casinos have minimum withdrawal limits, so if you only have a small win, you might be unable to withdraw your funds. When playing the best online slots, a player needs to know when an extra play could cost them the chance to withdraw their funds.
The best online slots games are ones that blend decent winning rates with exciting gameplay at safe and secure online sites. Players should check out payment options and customer service support before committing too much money; it is always worth trying out any free-play and bonus options to familiarize yourself with the games and make sure they are what you want to spend your money on. Remember to set a budget and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.