Ontario’s relatively recent decision to legalize online gambling has brought a lot of good. First and foremost, it has allowed the local government to take charge of an already popular industry, and ensure that the market is safe and secure.
Many will also be glad to learn that the local economy has greatly benefited from the boom in online gambling. Employment is up, and already the Ontario economy is thriving from the influx of revenue. Naturally, this has led to local governments throughout Canada to consider legalizing iGaming.
That being said, in most of the country, gambling websites are still not legal. However, there is something to note. Residents are free to play at an online casino in Canada, so long as the website is outside of the country. But, what games do Canadians enjoy most when gambling.
Online Slots – Simple Fun
A discussion on online casinos does not exist without online slots. Back in the 1990s, when gambling sites first got off the ground, slot games were the first, and only option that gamblers had access to. Back then, slot games were very simple, attempting to emulate the original game, created by Charles Fey in the 1800s. However, as the years have passed, online slots have become a lot more complex.
Today, for example, online gamblers have access to a slew of different slot options. Of course, classic, or retro games are still very much on the market. However, for anyone interested in something beyond that, casino sites feature cascading games, 3D slots, virtual slots, and of course, most popular of all, progressive jackpot games.
Some people may be intimidated by the sheer number of slot games at any given site. However, iGaming platforms are always there to make their customers comfortable. One way in which they do so is by creating curated lists powered by AI, featuring games that closely resemble what they most enjoy. That, combined with the simplicity of the games, is why slots are the top 1 choice for Canadian players.
Blackjack – Strategy Goes a Long Way
For a lot of people, slots can be a fun and engaging introduction to the world of gambling. However, after a while, the games get repetitive, and players might want to look for something new. Canadian casinos online do offer a lot of other options, but, without a doubt, the most popular is blackjack. But, just why is blackjack such a hit?
The first reason is that blackjack is not just about luck. As with all casino games, a degree of luck is absolutely involved. However, even incorporating the simplest blackjack strategy goes a long way in improving your gameplay. Basic blackjack strategy guides exist all over the web, explaining precisely what move to make, and when.
Another reason for blackjack’s online success has a lot to do with the odds involved. Blackjack has a lower house edge than pretty much any other game in the casino. Couple that with its prominence on Canadian gambling platforms, and you have a recipe for success. Of course, the game is generally popular, and a global hit. That reputation certainly helps its online success.
Roulette – Simple, Yet Sophisticated
During the 17th century, a new gambling game emerged in France. Roulette became a national hit very quickly, and soon spread throughout Europe. Of course, it wouldn’t be long before the red and black wheel made its way to American shores, and both US and Canadian residents fell in love with the game. Unlike blackjack though, roulette is purely luck-based.
It is also worth noting that Canadians will often have two options to choose from when playing roulette at online casinos; the French original, and the American re-imagining of the game. The difference, while seemingly miniscule, actually changes the game quite a bit. You see, the American version includes an extra pocket, which greatly lowers the player odds.
Regardless of which version of the game you go with, roulette remains a symbol of sophisticated gambling. Once upon a time, casinos were associated with upper classes and high society. That image remains very much tied to modern day roulette, and plenty of casinos even play up the idea of roulette as a sophisticated game, for gentlemen and ladies.
Baccarat – A Twist on Blackjack
When it comes to card games and casinos, most people are aware of two major games. We already discussed blackjack, which is most people’s first choice. But, there are plenty of Canadians who would much rather give baccarat a shot. In the past few decades, baccarat has gone out of style. However, in the early and mid-20th century, the game was on the forefront of every gambler’s mind.
Baccarat was even a favorite of Ian Fleming, the author behind one of the most iconic characters in cinema, and a favorite franchise in Canada, James Bond. Fleming was such a fan, that he even injected his passion for the game in his work, and came up with his own gambling strategy, which today is known as “The James Bond betting method.”
A lot of people believe that baccarat is just a twist on blackjack. To be sure, the gameplay is quite similar. However, there are some distinct differences that separate the two card games. Though, it wouldn’t surprise us to learn that both were derived from the same game, at some point in their history. Regardless of how you perceive it, baccarat is without a doubt a fan favorite in Canada.
Closing Thoughts
The Canadian gambling industry is currently thriving, and will likely continue to rise in the years to come. As we said, Ontario has greatly benefited from legalizing the market. So, it wouldn’t shock us to see some surrounding provinces following suit. Whatever happens, one thing is certain; the games we’ve discussed in this article will continue to be most Canadians’ first choice.
That being said, there are plenty of other options to choose from at online casinos as well. Poker, for example, is a pretty big deal, and would certainly have gotten a spot on this list. The only issue is that there are certain online casinos that don’t offer poker games. In fact, many consider poker its own thing, with sites dedicated specifically to that one game.