Best Online Casino Games in Ontario 2021
Where the casino floor was rigid in its application of the casino rules, the online world has revolutionized the way we play. The classic casino games of ye olde times have evolved beyond recognition and into a world of their own online. Online Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat, the recognizable staples of the brick and mortar casino floor, are now more popular than their land-based counterparts thanks to sustained innovation from a dynamic industry.
That same atomic progression applies to online slots. The first-ever online slot was called Reel 'Em and was launched in 1996 by WMS Industries. It was considered ground-breaking due to its use of a second screen, aka a game within a game functionality or what we now know as a 'free spins' bonus round. Modern-day online slots contain several bonus games, mini-features, and reel modifiers to pack in the big-win potential, and developers are always coming up with something new!
Read on for our take on the most popular online casino games in Ontario and discover the best sites to play them for free and for real money.
Best Casino Game Sites of 2021
The larger the roster of providers at an online casino, the better the variety of games. We have put together a list of the best casino game sites of 2021, which showcase everything from the celebrated classic format to the newest creations. Check them out below:
All You Need To Know About Casino Games:
- What are the most popular casino games?
- How Casinopro rates casino games
- What games pay out the most?
- Playing for free vs playing for real money
- Who makes the best games?
- How to win at casino games
- Summary
- FAQs
Popular Casino Games
To the traditionalist, the element of a strategy is essential, which is why games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat appeal. For the modern-day Ontario casino player who likes slots, top choices tend to depend on volatility and RTP - the most popular video slot games are the ones that payout more, less often than those that payout less, more often.
Here is a breakdown of the types of games available at online casinos:
? Video Slots
Once 3x3 reel slots were considered the go-to slot mechanic. Now, they come in all different shapes and sizes, ranging from grid games and cluster pays slots to progressive multiplier slots and all variants in-between. When choosing a game, the bonus round often proves the most crucial factor for slot players because it is where the most excitement happens and where the significant win potential lies. You can usually trigger the bonus round on a slot when you land three or more scatters anywhere - although this depends on the game-type.
2️⃣1️⃣ Blackjack
The basic aim of Blackjack is for you to beat the dealer’s hand without going over the sum of 21. You (and all other players) get two cards dealt face-up, and the dealer gets dealt one card face-up. The number cards are of face value. The J, Q and K, hold a value of 10, while an Ace holds a value of 1 or 11. Each round, you have the option to stick or twist. Once all players at the table have made their decision, the dealer then continues to keep drawing cards until he or she reaches 17 or goes bust (their total surpasses 21). Strategy plays a hugely important role in Blackjack.
?⚫ Roulette
The roulette wheel consists of 37 divisions, each with a nominal number ranging from 0 to 36. The dealer then spins the wheel one way and the ball another. Your aim is to have chips of monetary value on a winning number (aka the number on which the ball lands). The standard payout on a straight number bet is 35 to 1 - although there are many different bets you can place. Recently, souped-up versions of the game have been released that award win multipliers worth up to 500x your stake on random numbers on every spin of the wheel!
♥️♠️ Poker
There are casino variants of the classic Texas Hold'em game, played between peers, but the most common is Casino Hold 'Em, which adapts to a contest between a dealer and a single player. Your goal is to beat the dealer's hand, which is faceup, by forming a better combination of cards. When playing Casino Hold’Em, you have an advantage because you can see your opponent’s hand before making your decisions.
♣️♦️ Baccarat
The dealer deals out two sets of two cards - one for the player and one for the banker. The aim is to get as close to nine as possible and you can bet on the player, the banker or a draw. Should either get dealt a hand over nine, then the two cards are added together, and the first digit is dropped. For example, if a player were to be dealt an eight and nine, the total would be 17. The first digit drops off, leaving them with seven as their final score.
? Bingo
Players purchase a card with a set selection of random numbers before playing - often, there is no limit to the number of cards you can buy. Numbers pop out randomly from an automated machine. If a number gets called and you have it on your card, you can fill it in or tick it off. Prizes go to the players who fill in one line, two lines, or the entire card in the fastest time.
8️⃣0️⃣ Keno
Players choose between one and ten numbers from a given table, which ranges from one to 80. A random computer generator then calls 20 numbers. The player will get a payout according to how many numbers they picked out from the drawn numbers.
How We Rate Online Casino Games
When rating casino games, there are several factors we consider. We believe the following are the most important:
Software Providers
Providers, such as NetEnt and Amatic, are the companies who make the games. Very rarely will you find an Ontario casino that develops its own games. Each provider has a self-styled theme. Some are better than others. A well-designed slot is nice and all, but there must be substance behind the style. Our knowledge of these software providers plays a vital part in our rating of casino games.
Free Demo Play
Players should have the ability to test a slot or table game before parting with any money. In demo mode, you can play with free credits. Some live casino games only allow you to observe for a short amount of time before you can play and we will address restrictions like this in our reviews.
Bonus Rounds
The most attractive element of any slot is the free spins feature/bonus round. In our full game reviews, we will let you know how easy it is to trigger the free spins feature and whether the bonus features of a game will actually result in big wins or if they’re just gimmicks.
Payout Rates
The Return To Player (RTP) % indicates the investment return a player can expect. From this figure, you can determine the house edge and decide which games are worth your time and money.
Volatility/Variance (slots)
The higher the volatility of a slot, the larger the wins on average but you might have to go for some time in between payouts. Lower volatility games give smaller payouts , but more frequently.
Jackpots (slots)
Jackpot slots appeal to the big-win hunters. You can win life-changing amounts of money, but some jackpot games pay more often than others. When a jackpot is progressive, a small percentage of every bet played on the game will contribute to the pot. If it’s available at several Ontario casinos, the jackpot will rise very quickly!
Games with the Best Odds and Payback Percentages
We have compiled a list of the games with the best odds/Return To Player (RTP) percentages. This will be useful for new players and casino connoisseurs alike and may help inform your decision about what games to play.
The casino games with the best odds are generally low volatility, strategy games, such as Blackjack.
The RTP percentage is a term used to estimate the theoretical return (bets vs wins) a player can expect over 100 spins. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 97%, the player would be theoretically likely to receive $97 for every $100 spent, playing at $1 per spin. Note, the RTP test process includes the undertaking of millions of spins and is not definitive - treat it as a guide.
Because the RTP is only a theoretical average, it can vary from session to session, even if you’re playing the same game at the same bet level. What’s more, the RTP of any game can vary depending on how you play it. In the case of slots, you might experience a higher RTP on a bigger bet per spin or during a free spin feature. In the case of table games, you will experience higher or lower odds depending on the bets you place (straight number bets vs red/black bets on Roulette), or the strategy you use. The advertised RTPs on table games are only experienced if you play with perfect strategy.
Top Five Best Odds Live Casino Games
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Roulette
- Wheel games - including Dream Catcher and/or Monopoly
Top Five Best RTP slots
- Ugga Bugga (Playtech) up to 99.07%
- Mega Joker (Netent) up to 99%
- Ooh Ahh Dracula (Barcrest) up to 99%
- Jackpot 6000 (Netent) up to 98.86%
- Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick) up to 98.6%
Playing Casino Games for Free vs Real Money
Playing slots in demo mode can be just as enjoyable as in real-mode. It is particularly useful for newcomers, who would rather take a game for a test drive before parting with real money. There are pros and cons to both, of course, so we have broken it down for you in a nice, digestible table:
| Playing Casino Games for Free vs Real Money | |
|---|---|
| Free Play Pros | Free Play Cons |
| It costs nothing | The feeling of missing out on a big win is possible |
| A great way for new players to understand how a slot or table game works | A very lucky session on demo-mode may distort the reality |
| It is entertaining | Some new games or live games won’t have demo-mode – meaning play-for-fun gamers will have to wait or observe |
| Can give players good insight into their favourite providers | The bet levels do not promote responsible gaming – even with play money |
Best Casino Game Providers
Casino game providers are the companies who develop software and create online games for casinos. Casinos very rarely have their own games but instead feature games from a number of different providers. What makes a great casino game provider and why does it matter who makes a slot?
The best slot developers are renowned for the types of bonus games and mini-features they employ. For example, some players love the explosive, sticky wild bonuses of Netent's Dead Or Alive series, whereas others enjoy the old-school games championed by Novomatic.
The origin of a slot matters because providers tend to stick with their established slot mechanics and gameplay. For example, if a customer were to play a game they liked of a particular provider, they are more likely to return to their style of games in the future. When you play slots from a certain developer, you will get used to the settings and the way they display their paytable as well as how their wins and bonus features are triggered.
Here is a list of some of the top gaming providers in the industry:
- Microgaming
- NetEnt
- Playson
- Playtech
- Novomatic
Best Tips To Win At Casino Games
First thing’s first - before playing a casino game, players should be prepared and only bet what they can afford to lose. There is always an edge for the house, and gamers should be responsible when playing. Set limits beforehand to help using responsible gambling tools provided by the online casino.
Here are our top tips:
- Keep the mind focused. Do not chase losses and do not drink when gambling - it can cloud your judgement.
- Identify a strategy on table games, such as Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat, and try to stick to it. There are plenty of guides online to help players make calls in tough spots.
- The bigger a jackpot gets, the more likely it is to burst. Keep an eye on the amounts before spinning- it has to drop at some point!
Try Before You Buy - Play Free Casino Games
Playing slots for free is the cheapest form of online entertainment a gamer can enjoy. Most casinos allow you to test a slot in demo mode before you invest real money. However, you normally have to register an account with a casino before you can play for fun.
If you're looking for some pro advice on anything to do with casino games and online casinos, we are at your service! Check out what we have to offer at Casinopro.ca!
Be a Smart Gambler
It’s important to us that you use any information we provide to gamble responsibly. Always bear in mind that online gambling should be fun and a form of entertainment. Players must be 21+. Not everyone can play for high stakes, and that’s fine. As long as you play within your means and enjoy the time you spend at your chosen site, that’s what matters.
The licensed and regulated casinos we’ve reviewed have tools that can help you stay in control. These will enable you to set limits on how much you can deposit and bet and for how long you can play.
If you do feel as though you may be spending too much time or money on gambling or if you need any further assistance, please take a look at the sites listed below:
https://www.problemgambling.ca/gambling-help/
https://canadasafetycouncil.org/gambling-addiction/
Online Casino Games FAQs
Need help finding further answers? Here's a list of frequently asked questions about online casino games:
The best and safest casino games sites are the ones with a recognizable and accepted license. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), for example, is an internationally renowned and respected regulatory body which licenses online casinos in Ontario that operate to a certain standard.
