With numerous online casinos available online, it is easier than ever to play your favourite online games. However, if you are new to online gambling, you may quickly get confused with the numerous options available. Fortunately, we have put together this helpful guide to address your inquiries. Please keep reading and save it for later use as a helpful resource on online gambling. Here are some commonly asked questions among punters about online casinos.
Q: Is online gambling as safe and fair as land-based?
Yes. Online gambling platforms use up-to-date security encryption protocols to ensure the safety of player information.
Q: Are free spins really free?
Once you make a casino deposit and claim free spins, you do not have to make additional payments to use them on your favourite slots. They allow players to spin the reels of their preferred slots without using up their bankroll.
Q: Can I gamble using my Mac or Linux computer?
Yes. Technological advancements in the online casino industry have made most online gambling platforms suitable for Windows computers and Mac and Linux devices.
Q: Can the dealer see me in a live casino?
No. While online players can see the game and the live dealer through the live stream, the dealer cannot see any players in the game. Instead, the live dealer uses a ‘dealer monitor’ that shows them player information and game statistics.
Q: Do I need special equipment to play online?
No. All you need to play at an online casino is a mobile device and a stable internet connection.
Q: How do gambling sites protect my privacy?
Most popular online casinos use SSL encryption technology to protect player information and guarantee data privacy.
Q: If I play on my mobile device, do I have the same chance of winning?
Yes. Most mobile gambling apps provide a similar gambling experience as their desktop counterparts. In some cases, mobile gamers may get exclusive bonuses to increase their chances of winning.
Q: Is it easy to make a mistake when gambling online?
New gamblers may easily make mistakes online due to the numerous available options.
Q: Is it easy to start playing poker online?
Yes. Most poker sites offer a relatively straightforward process of starting to play poker. All you have to do is select a reliable poker site, create a player account, make a deposit, claim the welcome bonus, and start playing your preferred online poker game.
Q: What are the benefits of playing online?
Playing online has several benefits, including relaxing and having fun from anywhere in the world and at any time, socializing without physically travelling to any location, and playing at any reputable casino. In addition, online gamers can also access a wide range of bonus offers, promotions and online games at secure gaming platforms.
Q: What happens if I lose my internet connection?
If your internet connection drops while playing at an online casino, the game will continue without the placed bets. Once you reconnect the internet connection, you can continue with your previously placed bets or make new wagers.
Q: Will online casinos work with my mobile?
Mobile casinos allow you to use any mobile device with an up-to-date operating system, including Mac, Android, Linux, or Windows.
Q: Are online casinos safe?
Yes. Most online casinos are safe to play at as they have adopted a strict security policy in compliance with their licensing requirements. However, there are a few scam sites on the internet that online gamblers should avoid.
Q: Can I play for free?
Yes. There are several free online casino games that you can enjoy while perfecting your online gambling skills.
Gambling Legality
Q: What is illegal gambling in Canada?
Illegal gambling in Canada consists of not regulated by provincial authorities. Thus, both online and land-based gambling venues in Canada must comply with local gambling laws, which differ from one province to the next.
Q: When did online gambling become legal in Canada?
Online gambling in Canada became legal in 1994.
Q: What is the legal gambling age in Canada?
Canadian gamblers must be between 18-19 years, depending on the province.
Q: What is a gambling regulator?
A gambling regulator is a government agency responsible for regulating the gaming, betting, and wagering market in a specific jurisdiction.
Q: Who regulates online casinos?
Different bodies regulate online casinos in different jurisdictions. For example, in Canada, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Gaming Control Act of 1992, in conjunction with provincial authorities, regulate all forms of gambling within the jurisdiction.
Q: Are all casinos regulated the same?
No. Different jurisdictions have different laws on gambling and the operation of casinos.
Gambling Guides
Q: How gambling works
Gambling is when an individual bets with another person or wagers money or something of value while playing a game of chance, such as slot machines or scratch cards. If the prediction of the game result is accurate, the player who made the real bet while the other forfeits their wager.
Q: What is gambling?
Gambling refers to staking or betting something of value with the hope of gaining but knowing the risks involved. It often consists of three factors: risk, deliberation, and reward.
Q: How do gambling spreads work
Operators use gambling spreads to level the playing field between two teams for bettors. The point spread uses the scoring units used in each sport (such as points, runs, goals, etc.) and projects the winning margin.
Q: What are rollover requirements?
Rollover requirements, also known as wagering or play-through requirements, are the number of times a player must wager the bonus money or the sum of the bonus and deposit amount to withdraw their winnings.
Q: What are the rules of gambling?
There are numerous gambling rules, the most critical being that gamblers should never wager more than they can afford to lose. Other famous gambling rules include never gambling while intoxicated, always knowing the rules of the game before placing bets and never chasing losses.
Q: Can gambling be a job?
Becoming a professional gamer could seem impossible if you are new to gambling. However, expanding internet gambling opportunities has allowed gamblers to transform this popular pastime into a lucrative full-time profession.
Q: How does stake gambling work?
Stake gambling is where a player risks money for a potential monetary gain.
Q: What is internet gambling?
Internet gambling refers to placing bets on online casino games or sports events through the internet. Also known as online gaming, this could involve placing wagers on professional poker games, table games, lotteries, and many more.
Q: Are some poker rooms better than others?
Many people prefer some poker rooms over others because of their reputation, user-friendliness, security, and customer support.
Q: Can I register with more than one casino or sportsbook?
Yes. You can register on as many online casinos and sportsbooks as possible, provided you are of legal gambling age and always gamble responsibly.
Q: Is gambling a skill or luck?
By delineate, gambling requires placing your money or other prized possessions at risk for an undivulged outcome. This usually involves a lucky hand when rolling dice, dealing with a card, or even placing a wager on a sporting event. However, there also has to be a level of skill incorporated into the gambling strategy for a successful session.
Q: What are specialty games?
These are games that solely rely on luck and are available online. These games usually do not fall into slots, table games, or video poker.
Q: What is the most significant difference between online gambling and gambling in person?
The significant difference between online gambling and gambling in person is that online gambling allows players to enjoy online casino games from the convenience of their homes. In contrast, gambling in person requires you to travel physically to the casino.
Q: What is the safest way to gamble?
The safest mode of gambling is always to choose to gamble for fun and only play with what you can afford to lose.
Q: What should a beginner do in a casino?
Beginners should always start by claiming the welcome bonus in a casino and using it to practise gambling before they begin placing real money bets.
Q: What should you not do when gambling?
Never chase losses when gambling, as it could lead to even more considerable losses. Set a budget and stop gambling until the next session once it is depleted.
Q: Why am I being asked for personal information?
Personal information helps online operators to verify your identity and process payments for a better gambling experience. These operators usually have the latest encryption protocols to protect your personal information from third-party access.
Q: Why do I find that different sites provide different odds?
Gambling odds refer to the proportion of stakes players make in a bet or wager. For instance, odds of 3 to 1 indicate that the bookmaker (first party) has invested three times as much as the bettor, also known as the second party.
Q: Why does the software matter?
Online casino software determines the gambling experience of each gambling session. The best online casino features impressive graphics and sound quality, high-quality software from well-known software providers, and exceptional audio quality.
Q: How does online gambling work?
Gambling sites facilitate online gambling by allowing players to click or type to access online casino games. Note that some sites only offer one form of gambling while others offer multiple forms.
Q: How to read gambling odds
Generally, there are three types of odds, which are fractional (British) odds, money line (American) odds, and decimal (European) odds. The most common are money line odds, which refer to the group that will win. They are denoted using a negative or positive figure. A negative character designates a team’s win likelihood, considering that a positive number indicates an underdog.
Finance & Tax
Q: If I win a progressive jackpot in a slot game, will I receive my winnings all at once?
Yes. Once you win a progressive jackpot, you can withdraw all your winnings at once, provided you satisfy the terms and conditions.
Q: Are gambling winnings taxable in Canada?
No, Canadians are exempt from paying taxes on winnings from lotteries, internet casinos, sports betting, horse racing, and other chance-based games. However, the law requires you to report any interest you receive in your winnings on a T5 form. Taxes are due on this interest.
Q: Are gambling losses tax deductible?
Yes. Gambling losses are tax deductible, but only to a certain extent. Depending on your earnings, all earnings qualify as taxable income, and only those who itemize their deductions are eligible for the deduction.
Q: Do I need a credit card to gamble?
No. There are numerous payment options you can use to gamble in a casino.
Q: How do I deposit funds to my casino account?
Players can deposit funds into their casino accounts through various payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, and bank wire transfers.
Q: How do you get paid for online gambling?
Most online casinos provide players with multiple withdrawal options, with the most popular ones including cryptocurrencies and e-wallets like Neteller, Trustly, Skrill, Paypal, and ecoPayz
Q: Are fees charged for payouts?
Yes. Some online operators charge a small transaction fee for withdrawals, but some offer free withdrawal transactions.
Q: Can I cash out the bonus money?
No. You must wager bonus money and fulfil wagering requirements to withdraw bonus winnings.
Q: Do I have to use the same method for withdrawals as I did for deposits?
Most casino operators allow their players to withdraw their winnings via the same deposit method they used. However, if the deposit method is not available as a withdrawal option, you must select another option.
Q: How long does it take to receive a payout?
Payouts can take as little as a few hours and as long as ten business days, depending on your preferred withdrawal method. Cryptocurrencies are the fastest, while bank wire transfers take the most to withdraw.
Q: I know I have cashable funds, but I still haven’t received the requested withdrawal. Why?
Likely, your withdrawal is still undergoing verification by the operator. It could also be possible that your payment details are false or your bank is having an issue authorizing the transaction.
Q: I see a balance in my player’s account, but I am told I can’t withdraw it. Why is that?
The inability to withdraw winnings means you might not have satisfied withdrawal terms and conditions on the site.
Q: How to get gambling tax back?
Only those who itemize their deductions are eligible for the deduction. You must complete two steps to request a refund. You must first have a U.S. ITIN or Taxpayer Identification Number. After the year has ended, you must submit a U.S. non-resident tax return. You must submit form W-7 to the IRS to request a US ITIN.
Q: What is wagering in gambling?
Wagering is a form of gambling that entails placing bets on the results of an outside event or information, like a sports event.
Q: Why do gambling sites ask for bank statements?
Bank statements help casino operators ensure potential bettors are not involved in money laundering activities. It also helps them ascertain that players are financially stable to gamble.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can wager per game or match?
The amount you can wager varies from one match or operator to another. Usually, you can bet as little as $0.01 and as much as $2,500 on a single match. However, it depends on the game and operator.
Bonuses
Q: What is a no-deposit bonus?
A no-deposit bonus is where players play real money games without having to deposit funds into their online player accounts. These bonuses allow them to win and withdraw real money prizes, provided they fulfil the bonus terms and conditions.
Q: Why wouldn’t I accept a bonus?
If the bonus has unmanageable terms and conditions, it is best to avoid it. These could include unreasonable wagering requirements and unclear withdrawal conditions.
Q: Is the poker room bonus the same as in the casino?
Not all poker room bonuses are the same as casino bonuses. Some operators offer exclusive rewards for poker players.
Q: Should I use a casino bonus?
It is advisable always to take advantage of casino bonuses as they save your bankroll and increase your chances of winning massive payouts.
Q: Why do casinos give bonuses?
Casinos use bonuses to attract and retain players on their sites. Online casino bonuses have proved to be an effective marketing technique for casino operators.
Q: How do I convert my bonus to cash?
The only way to convert your bonus to cash is by satisfying the wagering requirements, cancelling the bonus, or allowing the bonus to expire.
Q: Why can’t I withdraw my casino bonus?
It is usually impossible to withdraw casino bonuses if you do not comply with the casino’s bonus terms and conditions, which include the wagering requirements.
Q: Do casino bonuses expire?
Yes. Most casino bonuses have a time limit, after which they expire and become useless.
Q: How do bonuses work on slot machines?
Bonuses on slot machines are available as free spins whereby an operator will give the player a specific number of free spins to use on their preferred slots. As a result, players can cash out their winnings if they fulfil the wagering requirements.
Q: Is a bonus always money?
No. Bonuses come in different forms, including bonus money, free spins, free chips, and many more.
Q: How much will the cash bonus be?
The amount of a cash bonus depends on the bonus offered by the operator. Read the casino bonus T&Cs to determine the amount of the cash bonus.
Q: How do casino bonus codes work?
Players must enter the casino bonus codes before depositing and claiming the specific bonus. Usually, there is a section on the payment page for entering the bonus code.
Q: What is an online casino match bonus?
Also known as a deposit bonus, an online casino match bonus refers to when an operator matches the amount deposited by a player to a certain percentage. For instance, an online casino may have a 100% match bonus of up to $100, meaning if you deposit $50, you will receive another $50 deposited into your player account.
Q: What is a no-deposit casino bonus?
A no-deposit casino bonus refers to a reward given to players without needing to deposit. Unlike instant free games, players can win real money prizes if they fulfil wagering requirements. But they may have to input a bonus code to claim this bonus.
Q: How to get an online casino referral bonus
Online casino referral bonuses are usually available on a casino’s promotions page. It allows players to share their referral bonus with their close friends and colleagues in exchange for an exclusive reward.
Terminology
Q: What does RTP mean in gambling?
The term ‘Return To Player’ (RTP) in casinos refers to the amount of money that, in a perfect world, a casino game pays back to its users. It is calculated from games over a prolonged period and is displayed as a percentage. RTP is essentially the opposite of ‘house edge,’ representing the casino’s comparative advantage in any game.
Q: What does the vig mean in gambling?
Bookmakers (or bookies) charge vigorish, often known as under-juice, juice, the take, the cut, the house edge, the margin, or just the vig, as a fee for taking a gambler’s bet.
Q: What is a punter in gambling?
A punter refers to a spectator who places enormous bets on unexpected outcomes to outpace the odds and win hefty payouts.
Q: What is crash gambling?
Crash gambling is when a player places a bet on a growing multiplier. Until a certain point, the multiplier’s value rises steadily until it suddenly drops. Players that pay out before the crash maintain their winnings.
Q: What is a Bitcoin-only casino?
A bitcoin-only casino is a platform that solely supports bitcoin deposit and withdrawal options.
Q: What is a live casino?
Also referred to as live dealer casinos, live casinos allow players to interact with human dealers without physically going to a casino. These casinos are usually hosted in specialized gaming studios and use video streaming technology to broadcast the games played.
Q: What is a loyalty club?
A loyalty club is an exclusive rewards program used by the operator to entice regular players to keep playing on their platform. It offers loyal players exclusive rewards as they go up the ranks of the loyalty club.
Q: What is a rake?
A rake is a tiered commission fee cardroom charges to run a poker game. It typically ranges around 2.5% and 10% of the pot for every poker hand up to a predefined maximum. A casino can also take the rake in various non-percentage methods.
Q: What is a rogue casino?
Also known as a scam site, a rogue casino does not adhere to industry regulations and primarily aims to take advantage of players.
Q: What is a ‘Reverse withdrawal?’
A reverse withdrawal is a feature that enables users to withdraw some or all of their money from their gambling account and then change their minds before the money is sent to their e-wallet or bank account.
Q: What is a bookie in gambling?
Also known as a bookmaker, a bookie is a professional who facilitates betting, most frequently on athletic events. They set the betting odds, receive and collect wagers, and facilitate payouts on behalf of others.
Q: What is a loss limit in gambling?
This is the most money a gambler may lose in a single or series of sessions.
Q: What is a teaser in gambling?
A teaser involves trading betting points for volume. The bettor must parlay at least two picks to purchase a certain number of points. Teasers often feature two sports teams, but some bookies allow up to 10 bets per teaser.
Q: What is gambling tourism?
Gambling tourism is travelling to a location where gambling is permitted to engage in it. Resorts frequently serve as the locations for these gambling events, where participants can also find entertainment and accommodation.
Q: What is remote gambling?
Remote gambling refers to a form of gaming that involves remote communication. It includes internet gambling, mobile gambling, and interactive television gambling.
Q: What is responsible gambling?
Responsible gambling is when players engage in gambling activities for only fun and entertainment. Gambling becomes problematic when gamers bet more money than they can afford to lose or gamble to earn money.
Q: What is sports gambling?
Sports betting refers to placing wagers on the outcome of specific sporting events. Usually, the bettor with the most accurate bet wins against the others.