As Canada opens its doors to a new world of online gaming, it can be a challenge for those who lack experience in navigating the vast world of online casino gaming to know where to begin.
What are the key things to look for? Is the casino properly licensed? How long will it be until I receive my withdrawal? These are all challenging questions, and although they become easier to answer with time, it’s crucial to understand them from the off before you deposit your hard-earned funds to an online casino site.
Today, I will explore the top providers, see what they do well, where they can improve, the criteria that help them stand out, and what you should look for to settle on a provider with the platform that best suits you.
#1 – Duelz
License: Malta Gaming Authority – licensed in all Canadian provinces.
Year established: 2018 – launched in Canada in 2023.
Best bonus: $1600 bonus and 10% cashback.
Customer support: 24/7 live chat.
Number of games: 1,250+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: PayPal, InstaDebit, bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard and Interac.
Payout speed: 24-48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $20.
After launching in 2018, Duelz established their brand in the UK, primarily through the slot gaming services. Their branding and app design are unique, and it’s the main area where they stand out.
Alongside the 1,200 slot gaming options, their 24/7 live chat is a solid feature. Although a handful of reviewers online have had issues with this, I found them to be quick and responsive. The minimum deposit and withdrawal of $20 is higher than usual, but they have a broad range of payment options, which means that, overall, they’re a casino with a strong, loyal customer base.
Pros24/7 customer service options, including multi-language live chat, should be more common in the industry than they actually are.Over 1,200 slot games.Unique lettering and font design help the site and mobile app stand out.
ConsBonuses vary from country to country. While this isn’t an issue for Canadian gamers, it negatively impacts their presence in the broader market, particularly online reviews and comments made by other users.Could add more table gaming options to the live casino section.The minimum deposit of $20 is higher than most.
#2 – HeySpin
License: UK Gambling Commission and Malta.
Year established: 2020.
Best bonus: 100% on first deposit up to $200.
Customer support: Live chat and contact form are available on the website.
Number of games: 500+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Visa, Skrill, paysafecard, Neteller.
Payout speed: 48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $10.
HeySpin is another provider that has made a name for itself by focusing specifically on the slot gaming aspect of digital casinos. Although the number of slot games they have available on their site is noticeably fewer than some of the other platforms I’ve touched on today, they have a great range of existing bonuses and a solid working relationship with some of the most prominent design companies, such as:
Play’n GO.
NetEnt.
Pragmatic Play.
Nolimit City.
The negatives that stand out for HeySpin focus on their withdrawal and deposit methods. Minimum withdrawals of $500 for bank transfers and low maximum withdrawals of $7,000 per month are far below the industry average. While they’ve been able to break into the Canadian market as one of the best new online casinos, they must reassess this to take on the top names over the next few years.
ProsBonuses for existing customers are extensive and consistent.24/7 customer supportGreat range of responsible gambling tools.
ConsLow maximum withdrawal limits of $7,000 per month unless you’re a VIP customer.$500 minimum withdrawal amount for bank transfers – much higher than average.
#3 – HotStreak Slots
License: Gibraltar.
Year established: 2022.
Best bonus: 150% matched deposit on $500, and 50 free spins.
Customer support: Email.
Number of games: 2,000+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard and Interac.
Payout speed: 24-48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $20.
Yes, you guessed it. HotStreak Slots is the go-to provider for slot gaming fans. Not only do their 700+ slot games cover a vast range within the genre, but many of their bonuses are tailored to slot gamers, too.
Their approach to responsible gambling doesn’t just feel like a token, mandatory service; they have a range of tools and pop-ups on every page to encourage responsible gaming.
Given its slot-heavy nature, the site could have better filter options for specific slot themes, but this isn’t that noticeable, and it’s not the end of the world; they’re also eCOGRA approved. Their lack of 24/7 customer service options is probably the more pressing matter and the biggest improvement area I examined during this review.
ProsResponsible gambling is rightly high up on the agenda for HotStreak slots, providing regular checking tools and pop-ups to ensure that gamblers remain in control of how much they’re spending.Welcome promotion applies to all three first deposits, rather than just the initial signup.Exclusive offers with some of the top slot designers, such as Pragmatic Play.
ConsBonuses have excessively high wagering requirements. Two out of their last three welcome bonuses have 60x wagering requirements. Generally, 30x is about the industry average.Very slot heavy – as the title of the site would suggest – but not an issue if you’re only looking for slot games.No 24/7 customer service options.
#4 – talkSPORT BET
License: Gibraltar.
Year established: 2022 – launched in Canada in 2024.
Best bonus: 100% if your bet returns plus 200% in free bets up to a maximum of $300.
Customer support: FAQ, email, live chat, social media.
Number of games: 200+ licensed games.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Payout speed: 24-48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $10.
The standout feature of talkSPORT BET is its highly visible and renowned brand. The radio station is one of the most popular in the UK, and it has used this as a springboard to enter the fast-growing Canadian market.
The app and website bear the distinctive yellow and black colors of talkSPORT. They’re growing in popularity. They can leverage their position in the UK and global media to put themselves ahead of competitors.
ProsImmediate brand visibility – recognizable name in UK media and broader social media.The smooth website and app interface provide excellent access to sports markets and casino games.Users have reported Visa withdrawals are actioned within 30 minutes of request.
ConsBonus can’t be used on virtual sports.
#5 – Luckster
License: UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
Year established: 2021.
Best bonus: 100% bonus on first deposit up to $200.
Customer support: Email and contact form.
Number of games: 1,300+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Skrill, paysafecard, Visa, Apple Pay.
Payout speed: 1-5 business days.
Minimum deposit: $20.
As competition heats up in 2024, sometimes it’s the platforms that go back to their foundation of slot gaming that can reinvent what customers are looking for. Some of their highlights include:
A solid range of payment methods.
It’s an easy-to-navigate interface that is the same on desktop and mobile.
A great range of slots.
It’s the slots and live tables that put it in a list of the top casinos, though, and while they need to up their social media presence and launch an app, there’s still plenty they bring to the table.
ProsGreat range of Evolution Gaming tables. Only the top names in iGaming can rival the range that Luckster offers.Despite the lack of a mobile app, it is still easy to access on mobile browsers.Founded by figures who have decades of experience in the industry.
ConsNo phone number; customer service is email and contact form only.No social media presence.
#6 – VegasLand
License: UK Gambling Commission and Malta – dual licensing.
Year established: 2022.
Best bonus: Welcome bonus, which consists of three different promotions combined.
Customer support: Contact form and email.
Number of games: 1,200+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: PayPal, Visa, paysafecard, bank transfer and Mastercard.
Payout speed: 1-5 business days.
Minimum deposit: $10.
Viva Las VegasLand! Welcome to Win City! Yes, the puns just roll off the tongue. VegasLand is another online casino that focuses on slot gaming and makes it the main feature of its offer and platform.
Although the site has some withdrawal fees and could expand its customer service options, from a purely slot gaming perspective, it has one of the broadest libraries among the providers I’ve reviewed as part of our extensive review of the best new online casinos.
While they could improve their platform by offering a better range of customer service choices and minimizing fees for payment options, of all the new online casinos Canada offers, VegasLand has one of the best bonuses.
ProsMulti-faceted welcome bonus, essentially offering three promotions for the price of one.Dual licensing across two of the most reputable jurisdictions.
ConsEmail and web contact form are the only two avenues to contact customer service.Withdrawal fees for specific payment options.
#7 – King Casino
License: UK Gambling Commission.
Year established: 2019.
Best bonus: $2,500 in betting credits and 250 free spins.
Customer support: FAQs, contact form, email.
Number of games: 1,000+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Visa, Maestro, Neteller, paysafecard, Skrill.
Payout speed: 1-5 days.
Minimum deposit: $20.
I’ve got a soft spot for video poker, and it’s often one of the first things I’ll explore, as some casinos can sometimes overlook these smaller niche games. King Casino has the best virtual poker options out of any of the providers explored today, and their site is even easier to use on a mobile browser than a desktop, which is rare.
Now, I understand that’s not ideal if you don’t use your phone to play casino games, but the desktop equivalent is fine, too; it’s just more noticeable on a smartphone or tablet.
Although the customer service desk isn’t open 24/7, this is a minor setback compared to the package that King Casino offers, and with multi-year licensure with the UKGC, they know what they’re doing and are keen to enter the Canadian market.
ProsThe site is tailored for mobile use, which is essential in the modern-day iGaming environment.Virtual games stand out; their video poker tables are a highlight of their platform.
ConsCustomer service isn’t 24/7.
#8 – bet365 Casino
License: UK Gambling Commission.
Year established: 2000 – launched in Canada in 2022.
Best bonus: 100% bonus up to $100.
Customer support: Yes, 24/7 live chat, social media, phone number and email.
Number of games: 2,000+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: PayPal, InstaDebit, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard and Interac.
Payout speed: 24-48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $10.
bet365 is one of the titans of online gambling. They’ve pioneered sports betting and casino gaming for nearly a quarter of a century. As a multibillion-dollar company in the UK, bet365 has the capital and online presence to move into the Canadian market seamlessly.
Personally, I think bet365 is the app I use the most. Its interface is slick and it offers some top bonuses for existing customers. The casino experience is very smooth on desktop, which is one of the reasons it is considered among the top mobile casinos.
There’s a reason they have risen to the top of the highly competitive UK sector ahead of Ladbrokes and William Hill. While they might not have the range of payment methods for Canadian customers as other providers, the strength of their brand is already helping them establish their name at the top of the Canadian iGaming industry.
ProsMost withdrawals are completed within 24 hours.The verification process is much quicker and smoother than other casinos on this list; it only took us an hour to get verified, while some other providers took days.They are licensed across several major jurisdictions.
ConsSocial media reviews signal a trend of unsatisfied customers – 1/3 out of 5 on Trustpilot.They also do not respond to negative reviews on Trustpilot, unlike some companies that go above and beyond to rectify issues.
#9 – Swift Casino
License: Malta Gaming Authority.
Year established: 2020 – 2022 in Canada.
Best bonus: $100 bonus + 50 free spins.
Customer support: email and social media.
Number of games: 6,000+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Skrill, paysafecard, Visa, Apple Pay.
Payout speed: 24-48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $10.
With over 6,000 casino games available, Swift Casino has one of the biggest gaming libraries. While many of these titles are slot games, there’s no denying that this is an impressive and extensive library.
Although this is the standout feature, the fees on specific payment methods, such as the 5% on Skrill and paysafecard, are negatives that I must point out, as they are clear downsides. From a player’s perspective, the interface is easy to use, it doesn’t use vivid color schemes, and the bonus fuses credit and free spins.
Our experience with customer service was quick and efficient, but the lack of telephone contact has been pointed out in other reviews, and if you need to speak to somebody quickly, an email isn’t the best option.
ProsVIP Account Manager service is one of the better ones out there, although I appreciate that most gamers won’t fall into this category.The loyalty program is a solid feature that rewards regular users of the platform.It’s one of the most extensive gaming libraries I’ve come across.
ConsApp Store and Android ratings are both poor.Fees are levied on some deposit options. Be sure to check before you deposit or withdraw using your chosen method.No phone number for customer service – email only.
#10 – Space Wins
License: UK Gambling Commission.
Year established: 2019.
Best bonus: Up to $2,000 in matched bonuses on selected games and 100 free spins.
Customer support: Live chat and email.
Number of games: 1,000+.
Casino: Yes.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard and Interac.
Payout speed: 24-48 hours.
Minimum deposit: $10.
As you’d imagine, Space Wins has an intergalactic theme, and many of the slot games explore space ideas. This type of design has grown in popularity over the last few years, particularly in slot gaming.
Having been around in the UK since 2019 and developing a reputation as a dependable slot game provider, they’ve quickly started to do the same in the Canadian market, too. While Space Wins might not be the first name that springs to mind when discussing prominent slot providers, they’re quietly going about their business in the background and continuing to grow in expanding iGaming markets.
ProsSolid brand reputation in the UK market has helped it grow more quickly in the Canadian market.$2,000 matched deposit is among the highest currently available out of all the new online casinos I’ve reviewed in the ever-expanding Canadian market.A quality over quantity approach to their slot gaming selection.
ConsCustomer service options aren’t available 24 hours a day.Bonus is restricted to a small number of slot games.
How I ranked new online casinos
Online casinos must tick as many boxes as possible, but some of the primary criteria for ranking the best new online casinos include:
Quality of bonuses.
Range of payment methods available.
Ratings on the mobile app store or from social media.
Site security and correct licensure.
Emphasis on customer care and range of methods – live chat, phone, email etc.
Clear signposting to responsible gambling tools.
Number of games available and adherence to fair play standards.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it gives an idea of the criteria determining which platforms have a solid overall rating.
How to choose a new online casino in Canada
Although this decision often boils down to site interface, reputation and familiarity with the brand, there are other considerations I’d recommend. In addition to the bullet points I addressed in the section above, it’s crucial to ensure that the casino you use complies with legal requirements and that you research any potential tax responsibility from your winnings.
Payout speed is also crucial, as any delays with withdrawals can result in a negative experience and are often the cause of negative reviews. Social media is often a good measuring stick for a provider’s overall reputation, too.
What is the best new online casino in Canada?
With such a wealth of options available, several variables dictate the best new online casino in Canada. I’ve broken it down into sections below, depending on the type of gamer you are and the online casino game you most enjoy.
Best new casino for slots
Swift Casino’s majority of its 6,000 titles are premium slot games, so if you enjoy trying different-themed slots, then Swift is our choice. However, I’d recommend trying all of the platforms.
Best new live casino
bet365 Casino is our pick. It has a brand reputation, and with over a decade of dominance in the UK sector, calling it new might seem off the mark – but in Canada, it certainly is, and out of our list, I’d say it’s the best interface.
Best new casino for bonuses
Although you can shop around at all these casinos, the best new casino bonus I encountered was the Duelz one, with $1,600 in bonus funds and 10% cashback.
Best new casino site for mobile
Whether through the familiarity of use or just the titanic stature of the brand, bet365 Casino offers a seamless mobile experience on both mobile and Android. Their 4.5 rating is one of the highest on the App Store, and out of the 10 I’ve touched on today, I’d say it’s the slickest one to use.
New online casino promotions
Although online casino promotions vary from platform to platform, they consistently try to strike a balance between recognizable promotions and those that aren’t too obscure, specific or niche and alienate their potential customer base.
Welcome bonus ideas range from no deposit to matched deposit, free spins on certain games or refer-a-friend bonuses. Some casinos also provide free betting credits or free spins for specific payment methods.
Payment methods at new online casinos
The most popular payment methods at online casinos include:
Visa.
Mastercard.
PayPal.
Bank transfer.
However, as the competition grows, those providers that offer different payment methods – whether pre-payment ideas, pay by mobile or crypto – are trying their best to stand out. New online casinos will try to appeal to a broader subset of the gambling population, and there’s a surge in those looking to find a new market with new payment method ideas.
Bitcoin casinos and other cryptocurrencies are proving to be one of the more eye-catching ways for new casinos to establish themselves.
New casinos vs established casinos
As the market continues to grow, it’s essential to research the quality of a new casino. Established casinos have the added visibility and presence within the industry that new casinos are trying to attain.
CategoryNew casinosEstablished casinosGame Variety and InnovationLatest games, innovative titlesBroader, stable game libraryBonuses and PromotionsStrong welcome offersConsistent promotions, loyalty rewardsTrust and ReputationNeeds time to build trustWell-established, proven track recordUser Experience (UX) and DesignCutting-edge, mobile-first designFunctional but sometimes outdated designPayment Methods and SpeedSupports modern options like crypto, e-walletsReliable, traditional payment options
For this reason, they often aim to offer better promotions and bonus ideas. However, they do not have the brand reputation, and this can steer new customers towards brands they’re more familiar with. New casinos often try to carve out niche ideas, whether using VR, cryptocurrency or many other ways that stand out. There are pros and cons to both.
Future of online casinos and trends
Identifying which trends will shape the future of online casino gaming is a million-dollar question for many providers. Some of the trends that experts believe will play an integral role are already being rolled out, such as recent amendments to regulations in the US and Canada, which have opened up the market to millions of new customers, as has mobile app gaming over the last decade. However, some of the other potential trends include:
VR casinos – although this tech is initially slow out the traps, Mark Zuckerberg’s resurgence as one of the world’s wealthiest people has been due to his conviction in VR tech. VR could be the technology that helps move more land-based users to a digital format. Personally, I think mass adoption and VR casinos are still a long way from materializing.
Crypto casinos – alternate payment methods are the new battleground for casinos as genuinely innovative game designs continue to bottleneck in a saturated market. As Bitcoin reaches potential new all-time highs, expect to see a rise in the number of crypto users accessing casino gaming platforms.
FAQ about new online casinos
1. Are new online casinos legitimate and fair?
Yes, they must adhere to strict licensing via local gambling commissions, legislators or eCOGRA, which oversees wider licensure and online casino regulation.
2. Do new casinos have same-day payouts?
It depends on the type of payment method you use. Most casinos aim to have your withdrawal back in your account within 24 hours, especially with modern payment methods such as crypto and PayPal. However, older payment methods like bank transfers and cheques can understandably take a few days.
3. Do new casinos actually use fair and transparent RTP and RNG systems?
Yes, providers at the top of the industry must rigorously test all their games. If any of their games are found to be unfair or lack a random number generator, this can jeopardize their business and the casino platform where their game is being hosted, potentially costing both companies millions.
4. Do casinos give you more chances to win when you are a new player?
No, while they might offer free spins or betting credits, which give you more opportunities to play, all casino games use random number generators and are games of luck. The odds remain the same, whether you’re a new or regular customer.
5. What’s the newest online casino?
Our list includes three casinos that launched in 2022: TalkSPORT BET, Hot Streak Slots and VegasLand. While the others are more established, these three have something to offer and are fast finding their feet in the Canadian market.
6. Do new casinos offer a no deposit bonus?
Some casinos offer no deposit bonuses. These promotions are a staple of the casino industry and are vital in helping them promote their services. They allow casino gamers to get more mileage from their bets and give casino platforms a chance to advertise their services.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 19+. T&Cs apply. Responsible Gambling Council
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 19+. T&Cs apply. Responsible Gambling Council
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