What Are The Best Games For Real Money In Canada?
Canadians are right up there with the world’s citizens who love to have a flutter. While we often think about casino favourites such as poker or roulette, slots are the most significant pull at online casinos. Around 3.2 million, or 12% of Canada’s adult population, regularly play at online casinos, up from 2.5 million in 2018.
Compared to other countries, iGaming participation is pretty high. For example, around 11 million people in the US regularly play at real money online casinos – around 5%. However, with only a handful of US states allowing online casino gaming, it is hard to draw an accurate comparison. The United Kingdom has a more mature, regulated market, and an estimated 17% of the adult population regularly engages in online casino gambling. However, when polled about participation in different gambling activities recently, most Brits professed to play the country’s National Lottery (48%), while very few (3%) said they played casino games.
Canadians were considerably less coy about their gambling habits, with six in ten claiming to have spent money on gambling in the previous four-week period. So, what games do Canadians spend their money on, and what makes them attractive?
Online slots are the odds on favorites
Slots are popular because they are mostly straightforward to understand. All a player has to do is ‘push the button’ or ‘pull the handle’ to make the reels spin. When choosing online casinos for real money, players have all kinds of decisions, including best bonuses, free spins, game volatility and payout percentages (also known as Return to Player or RTP).
The term best game does depend on what someone is looking for out of an online gambling experience, but no matter what you are into, you will find an entertaining game. Most online slots are themed so that whether you are into sports, food, cartoons, horror or movie memorabilia, chances are there will be something up your street. You can find games inspired by pop culture, video games, TV shows and movies. Some licensed games feature the imagery or music of popular artists like Guns ‘N Roses or even Gordon Ramsay. There is something for everyone.
The slots are the game of choice, with over 70% of Canadians preferring to spin the reels when they rock up online. Bets can start as low as a penny, and RTP ranges from 92- 98%.
The slots have engaging mechanics and flexible betting options. Another attraction of these games can be the enormous jackpots. While most people know that the likelihood of winning is remote, the chance is incredibly appealing.
For many, the thrill is the anticipation between the moment the button is pushed and when the win line racks up. You might not have won on this occasion, but the dream time was sweet. The potential for huge wins, immersive graphics, entertaining animations and engaging soundtracks keeps players returning. With so many new titles and a host of golden oldies and classics, it is easy to see why the slots take the top spot.
Blackjack
The slots might be the most accessible online real money games, but Blackjack is also popular. This legendary card game has been popular in brick-and-mortar casinos for centuries. The goal is to beat the dealer with a hand closest to 21. However, the golden rule is not to go bust by exceeding the score.
Blackjack is popular because it is the best game for odds in favour of the player – the house edge can be as low as 0.5% in online Canadian casinos. The game’s luck is what cards will be dealt, the skill in knowing whether to stick or twist. The blend of strategy and fast gameplay makes it a firm favourite for gamblers who like to feel they are in control.
Blackjack is an absolute classic, but there are variations, like European Blackjack and multi-handed games, which can add a unique twist. The latest technology means that players can choose video simulations or pit themselves against a real human dealer in real-time online.
Roulette
Roulette is arguably the ultimate classic casino game with straightforward rules and simplicity. Players place their bets on the baize of the roulette table. Where will the spinning ball land? They can choose numbers or colours. While the principles of the game are the same, there are European, American and French variants of roulette which offer different odds and payouts.
European roulette has a single zero on the wheel, providing the best odds with a low 2.7% house edge. Thrilling and uncomplicated, players adore the timeless classic that is roulette. iGamers are not restricted to video simulations either, as many top online casinos offer live dealer versions of the game, allowing players to place bets in real time and bet alongside other players in a virtual live dealer contest.
Craps
Craps is another casino classic that can be played online or in land-based casinos. It is also a great game to play at home – all you need are dice, and the rules are easy to grasp.
Craps is a fast-paced game where you bet on the outcome of the roll of the dice. Numerous betting options offer a reasonable chance of winning. Variants like Crapless Craps and Bank Craps employ different strategies for more experienced players to test out.
Baccarat
Baccarat is the elegant card game Ian Fleming’s James Bond was fond of playing. Here, the aim is to land a hand value closest to 9 while betting on the banker or the player to win. You can also bet on a tie. With a low house edge of around 1.06%, baccarat is a perfect introduction to real money play and is also popular with experienced players.
Poker
Poker is a whole other card game. It is not about having the best hand but making the most of the hand you have. A great poker player can bluff their way to victory. It is the most skilful of the gambling card games and includes variants like Texas Hold’em and Ohahma. Daniel Craig’s James Bond was a poker player. Combining strategy and luck makes it an immensely popular game and skillful play at tournaments can result in consistent winning.
Lucky dip!
Whatever type of real money game you like, Canada’s online casinos have a great range of games -from online slots to poker and everything in between.
