How we rate and review online casinos

We take our promise of being the go-to site for gamblers seriously and have created a solid step-by-step process for reviewing online casinos. Learn all about how we rate and review, and how that translates into our star ratings.

Step 1: Security & trust

Valid license
An online casino must have a valid licence to operate in Canada from a trusted regulator such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This means the casinos follow rules and regulations in place in Canada to keep players safe.
Independent audits
Sites should regularly be audited by independent regulators, such as eCOGRA, to ensure the games and triggering of payouts are random and that players private information is kept safe.
Keeping your money safe
We expect online sites to be using SSL-encryption and keep player funds separate to operation funds to ensure your money is protected. Casinos should also provide a range of deposit and withdrawal options, so players can choose from debit cards to crypto currency with reasonable withdrawal timings and no additional fees.

Step 2: Your gambling experience

Top games & the latest software
It’s important that an online casino has a variety of software providers and quality games that players want to play. The best sites offer slots, table games, live dealers, scratch cards, and more from leading providers.
Excellent bonuses & promotions
Players should be offered a rewarding welcome bonus when they join a new site. They should also have access to deposit matches, free spins, and loyalty programs with reasonable wagering requirements.
Mobile optimization
It’s simple. Online casinos should either be fully optimized for mobile play or have a free app for download, available for both iOS and Android. That’s why we only recommend sites that provide either to their players.

Step 3: You at the center

Customer care
Players should have somewhere to go if they need help or advice. That’s why sites need a comprehensive FAQ section, live chat, phone, or email support. Responses should be given in a timely manner by a knowledgeable support rep.
Player first
OnlineCasino.ca always puts you, the player, first. Your experience, comfort, and safety is our number one priority. That’s why we look at the overall experience as well, to ensure nothing is missed.

Review weighting

While all the above areas are important, their value to your overall player experience is different. That’s why we’ve divided how each category contributes to the overall rating and shows you the standard we hold on to our site.

Casino review star rating explained

That 5 stars is the best is clear, but what do the different stars really mean? Simply put:

5/5 Excellent

The best online casino. This rating is only given to the best of the best. These sites meet all our requirements and have a reputation for being safe and high-quality.

4/5 Very Good

Solid site, this is good. A solid site is a site that meets most of our requirements, but not all. They are safe and secure, and test well for gameplay, but are not getting full marks in all categories.

3/5 Fair

Just fine to play at. These sites are ok, but not great. You can probably find a higher rated site, but your money and information are still safe here.

2/5 Poor

Disappointing. A disappointing site is not a casino we recommend. We can’t guarantee your safety and the games might not be operating 100% according to regulations.

1/5 Avoid

Don't play here. The lowest rating a casino can get. These sites will most likely be on our list of casinos to avoid, and we strongly advise you not to play here.

Our credentials

OnlineCasino.ca launched in 2011 and our aim is to provide everyone in Canada with accurate and trusted gambling advice. Our team is made up of experts in the gambling industry who have a combined 25 years of experience. The editorial team makes sure our reviews are readable, but it’s our experts who get into the nitty gritty of online gambling and provide you with the best recommendations and set the ratings. The OnlineCasino.ca editorial and expert team promise that:

We share your passion for gambling
All reviews are accurate & thorough
Everything we write is 100% independent

Avoid casinos we don't recommend

Some sites don’t meet our criteria or have been reported by other players and end up on our list of sites to avoid. These online casinos are not safe to play at and we strongly recommend you avoid them.

View sites to avoid and learn more >