In this article we will point out the relevant issues that you should look for when evaluating an online casino review. We will stress those issues where trustworthy casino reviews usually falter, and explain how you can avoid those pitfalls.
Welcome Bonuses in Canadian Online Casino Reviews
Welcome bonuses are the single unique differentiating factor between Canadian online casinos. You will get bonuses all along as you play but none will be as attractive as the welcome bonus. Some online casinos offer very large bonuses, but these require very large deposits from the players. Always evaluate welcome bonuses from the perspective of the deposits that you can make. All our Canadian online casino reviews highlight the welcome bonuses. We list a selection of them below from our best payout casinos.
The Top 5 Welcome Bonuses at Canada Online Casinos
| Casino | Win Rate | Exclusive Welcome Bonus |
| Casumo | 98.7% | $2000 Bonus + 20 Free Spins |
| Jackpot City | 98.7% | $1600 Bonus + 80 Free Spins |
| 888 Casino | 98.2% | $1500 Bonus + 88 Free Spins |
| Royal Vegas | 98.8% | $1200 Bonus + 120 Free Spins |
| Spin Casino | 98.4% | $1000 Bonus + 50 Free Spins |
Reviewing Bonus Terms and Conditions
You can cash out from bonuses only after meeting the terms and conditions. Some online casinos impose stiffer restrictions on bonuses than others. You may find some Canadian online casino reviews where the bonus conditions are glossed over or even reported incorrectly. For your ready reference, we are listing below the most important of these conditions, and suggest that you double check at the online casino website before signing up.
- The wagering requirements imposed on the bonus and deposit
- The maximum cashout permitted from the bonus winnings
- The time in which you must complete the bonus wagering
- The real money slots that are not included in bonus wagering
Games Portfolios in Canadian Online Casino Reviews
You join casinos to play the online slots and other games, so this obviously forms an important part of the Canadian online casino reviews. We break it up into focussed sub-sections.
The Size of the Portfolio
Some online casinos offer a portfolio of few hundred games, whereas others go up to several thousand. Bigger portfolios offer the advantage of larger variety. There are some players who are happy with a selection of fewer games they like, so may not find smaller portfolios disadvantageous. Whatever the case may be, a trustworthy casino review must correctly and clearly state the number of games in the portfolio.
The Games Categories in the Portfolio
The diversity in casino games attracts different types of players. Our emphasis is on real money slots, but there are players who prefer the challenges of blackjack or video poker. So, it is important for Canadian online casino reviews to clearly state not only what type of games are available but also their relative contributions to the portfolio. We list some iconic video slots that you should look for in the online casino you are reviewing.
The Top 5 Real Money Slots at Canada Online Casinos
| Online Slot | Software Provider |
| Gonzo’s Quest | NetEnt |
| Jurassic Park | Microgaming |
| Book of Dead | Play’n GO |
| White King | Playtech |
| Cleopatra II | IGT |
The Online Slots Games Providers
Each games provider brings a unique flavour to its online slots, so players end up having their own favourites. When reading Canadian online casino reviews, they would want to know if the games suppliers they like contribute to the portfolio. This information is important in a trustworthy casino review and it needs to be correct. We advise our readers to cross check the names of the software providers from the online casino website.
Banking Information in Canadian Online Casino Reviews
The banking aspect becomes important because you will be placing your funds with the online casino and will want to withdraw your winnings. In this section we will highlight the information that is a must in Canadian online casino reviews. We will also point out the information that you should reconfirm from the casino website.
Payment Options Available at the Online Casino
Some players are already using a particular payment option and may not want to sign up at an online casino that does not support this option for both deposits and withdrawals. Therefore, trustworthy online casino reviews should list the payment options. Since the information is crucial, we suggest that players verify it at the online casino website before signing up.
Withdrawal Terms at Online Casinos
In the long list of online casino terms and conditions, the most important ones relate to making withdrawals. Unfavourable withdrawal terms can mean that your winnings are stuck at the online casino for a long time. We highlight a few that are necessary in Canadian online casino reviews, but suggest that you in any event check the entire set at the casino website.
- Maximum withdrawal limits: Some online casinos limit players to withdrawing only a few thousand dollars per week. If you are lucky and hit a big win it may take more than a month for you to cash out at such casinos.
- Frequency of withdrawals: It is reasonable if online casinos impose a restriction on the frequency of withdrawals, because there is a cost to the casino. However, you should know whether this limit is twice a week, once a week, once in two weeks, or once a month.
Fees Associated with Banking Transactions
There is a possibility that costs are involved in the process of depositing and withdrawing funds from casinos. Trustworthy Canadian online casino reviews should clearly spell out these costs so that players can take a considered decision. The following are a few instances of costs that are sometimes not revealed in casino reviews.
- At some casinos if you withdraw your deposit without playing it through at least once there could be a cost involved.
- If you want to make withdrawals more often than permitted, the online casino is likely to levy a charge.
- In the worst case there could be a cost for each deposit and withdrawal. One should avoid such online casinos.
Customer Support in Canadian Online Casino Reviews
Online casino players would want to know what sort of customer support is available should assistance be required. Today, almost all online casinos offer support through live chat. However, trustworthy Canadian online casino reviews need to provide some additional details.
Important Information on Live Chat Support
- Whether live support is available around the clock or during restricted times only.
- Whether live support is available in English only, or in other languages as well.
Information on FAQs Section at the Casino Website
It is convenient if the required information is available through the FAQs section, because it saves the hassle of contacting customer support. At some online casinos the FAQs section is too rudimentary to be of any use. Other online casinos offer a comprehensive FAQs section arranged by topics and backed by a search engine. A trustworthy review should provide clarity on the helpfulness of the FAQs section.
Issues on Licensing and Responsible Gambling
Newbie players often do not give much importance to these issues. However, we are aware of their significance and stress that the following points should be covered in Canadian online casino reviews.
Does the Online Casino Possess an Operating Licence?
If the online casino review does not mention the authority that has issued the licence, then its trustworthiness is suspect. Whether or not the name of the licencing authority is given, you should check out the following information from the online casino website.
- Name of licencing authority: It should be a recognised one, such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
- Validity of the licence: All gaming licences have an expiration date after which they need to be renewed. In some cases, online casinos continue to display the licence at the website even though it is no longer valid.
Are Responsible Gambling Facilities Provided at the Online Casino?
Canadian online casino reviews should give details of the responsible gambling facilities provided, because these may be crucial in the signing up decision. Most important is permitting players to set their own maximum deposit limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell by reading the review that it is not trustworthy?
There are some indicators, and if you find them in the review, it is likely that the review is not trustworthy.
- Over hyping the games and bonuses offered by the online casino.
- Not mentioning any drawbacks of the casino in the review.
- Not providing information on sensitive matters like bonus wagering and withdrawal terms and conditions.
- Using vague language instead of making definite assertions.
Should I play at online casinos where there is no mention of the licencing authority in the reviews?
There are only two reasons for not mentioning the name of the licencing authority in Canadian online casino reviews.
- The online casino is not licenced and regulated.
- The licencing authority has a poor reputation in the industry, so mentioning it is a drawback.
Do not even think of playing at such online casinos.
