Canada has recently been through a big change in the world of gambling. As well as there being new regulations and regional restrictions, there are also lots of new companies that have launched. Casino betting companies provide more options than ever before in terms of things like currencies but also game selection. How does somebody choose which platform is for them?
Canadians are finding themselves having to do a bit of research, especially with regionalized brands and some operating only in certain provinces. Lots of information is available at Time2play, which provides full rundowns of features of individual casinos. This can allow gamblers to be confident when parting with their money and ensure that it is going to a company that has a record of looking after customers. In this guide, we’re exploring what people need to be aware of and how they can check for reputable casino brands.
Finding reputable platforms
So, what are some of the steps to find a reputable platform? We always recommend checking out reviews. Just like when you’re checking out a new restaurant to try, it is important that you consider what sort of experience other people have had there. We live in the age of reviews, so checking out these reviews can be a big step towards understanding what a site may be like.
With casinos, there are new brands popping up online all the time and this makes it a little trickier for people to fully understand what is on offer, as well as the trustworthiness and safety of a site. The reputation of a gambling provider is so important and people need to make sure that they are safe before giving away any personal details at all.
Check the licensing
Canada has some nuances when it comes to licensing and regulation. In Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates all forms of gambling.
In Quebec, it is down to the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), which also controls the alcohol and longstanding horse-racing industries. British Colombia has a specific Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) with regulatory oversight. So, what does all of this mean?
Casinos often get licensed abroad but it is also important to check out which ones are licensed for operations in Canada. It means they are regularly audited and that they have to commit to sticking to rules around player protections.
This information should be publicly available and players can even check with the specific gambling commissions and licensing companies to check that a company is fully approved to operate.
Features to look for
There are certain features that casino players should always look out for when they are considering signing up for an account on a gaming platform.
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Game selection. This is very important for players and while it doesn’t directly relate to reputation or the safety of a site, players will want to check that there is a selection of games they want to play. Some casino players are specifically looking for a game like poker, so they would need to make sure it is available at the casino in question.
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Payment methods. There is really no reason for players not to have a lot of different options for how they pay these days. On top of that, modern methods like Apple Pay have an extra layer of security and safety, and this can give some extra reassurance to players.
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Security features. What sort of security functions are in place? Does the site use things like 2FA to allow people to take extra steps to avoid any potential threats? All sites also need a level of encryption that helps to keep customers and players more secure.
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Usability and mobile versions. A lot of gamers prefer to play on the go. Casino games are often played by people on their commute or on a break at work, or they may be played while somebody is on a bus or train. This means that sites with apps and convenient ways to play games online are also a big plus point for people who are looking for casino gaming.
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Bonuses. Casino gamers are also often on the lookout for bonuses. This is a competitive industry, which means many different companies trying to gain new customers. Bonuses can be things like free spins or matched deposits, and there are many different approaches.
Conclusion
While everybody will have different priorities when it comes to choosing the best casino sites, and some people will be looking for specific functions or a specific game, such as poker, there should always be a focus and priority put on the reputation of the company.
Nobody should sign up for a site without a level of confidence that your details and personal data are protected. Canada is still finding its feet somewhat but a lot of steps have been taken to ensure there is a framework and a way for consumers to have peace of mind in this fledgling industry, while having access to the games players want.