Canada has a legal and regulated online casino industry, with more than 80 websites approved by several regional regulators. But what about crypto casinos? Are they legitimate operations?
It depends how you define “legitimate”. They certainly can be safe and secure platforms, with games that are provably fair, and licenses from international regulators. But it’s also true that you won’t find a crypto casino licensed by a Canadian authority.
More info about Canadian regulation casino games here
This guide explores Canada’s legal gambling framework and where crypto casinos fit into that.
What Does “Legit” Mean for a Crypto Casino?
The word “legit” means different things to different people. When discussing casinos, it encompasses several concepts, like:
- Is the site operating legally?
- Does it have the correct licence?
- Are the games rigged?
- Do you get paid when you win?
- Is there an arbitration process to deal with disputes?
- Are the terms and conditions fair?
However, as important as points 3 to 6 are, I suspect most people asking this question are more worried about the legal side of things. So let’s tackle that.
Is Gambling With Crypto Legal in Canada?
No. Section 207 of the Canadian Criminal Code determines the framework for offering legal casino games, granting regional regulatory powers to each territory. Ontario has the most mature regulated casino market, and none of its licensed sites are allowed to accept crypto payments.
There’s no law against owning cryptocurrencies, but the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has explicitly stated that they’re not recognised as legal tender. As such, none of the licensed operators accept them.
Offshore Crypto Casinos – Are They Legal?
This is more of a grey area. Technically, a casino is only legal in Canada if it’s licensed by a local regulator. And, as we’ve just established, such casinos don’t accept cryptocurrency payments.
However, many overseas operations do. They’re not licensed in Canada, but they're regulated by well-known international authorities. So, what prevents a Canadian citizen from going online, signing up, depositing and playing?
Section 207 of the Criminal Code states that participating in unauthorized online gambling is punishable on summary conviction. But in practice, it’s difficult to prove.
| Casino | Description | Link |
| Punkz | A crypto casino that focuses on providing anonymity. | https://punkz.com/en |
| CyBet | A modern casino with sportsbook options and crypto game options. | https://cybet.com/ |
| Bombastic | Has thousands of games as well as some NFT games. | https://bombastic.com/ |
| Metaspins | Another crypto casino known for its big library of games. | https://metaspins.com/ |
| Lucky Block | Popular crypto casino and sportsbook. | https://www.luckyblock.com/ |
Has Anyone Ever Been Punished for Using Offshore Crypto Casinos?
Not that I know of. The authorities tend to chase opeators that deliberately advertise in Canada, threatening them with fines. But there are no recorded cases of a Canadian having been punished for gambling with crypto at an offshore site.
How to Spot a Legit Crypto Casino – Top Tips
If you’re going to play at an offshore crypto casino, you must accept that you’re leaving the safety of Canada’s regulated online gambling framework. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own. Which is why it’s important to pick the right site.
To find a good option, we have to revisit points 3 to 6 of the earlier “legit” list.
Fair Games
It’s pretty easy to ensure the games are fair. Look for reputable game providers, as these work with third-party compliance agencies to verify the random nature of their products. Examples include GLI, eCOGRA and BMM Testlabs. You’ll often find the logo of these companies on the casino’s website.
Most crypto casinos have a selection of provably fair games, too. These require player input to generate the results, so they can’t be tampered with. What’s more, anyone can verify the authenticity of a specific game.
Reliable Payments
You can’t really know if a casino pays until you try. So it’s usually a good idea to start small, depositing a relatively modest amount to test things out first. Once you’ve seen they really do pay, you can trust them with larger amounts.
Still, it’s smart to do as much due diligence as you possibly can before joining. Check consumer review platforms like Trustpilot, casino forums, and even Reddit to explore the thoughts and experiences of the wider community.
Complaints and Arbitration
This is where a license comes in. You already know the crypto casino won’t be locally regulated, but you still need someone to keep an independent eye on what’s happening. Not just behind the scenes, ensuring the operator is honest. But to step in if there’s a dispute.
Make sure you only use casinos that are licensed by well-respected international regulators. And don’t just take their word for it, either. Visit the regulator’s website and cross-check the published information to make sure it’s legit.
Terms and Conditions
There are two parts to this. First, always inspect the terms of the casino’s welcome bonus, to make sure the wagering requirements and maximum payout limits are fair. If you have to wager the bonus more than 40x, it’s too restrictive. So where else might they look to rip you off?
Second, check that the site actually accepts Canadian players before signing up. If the terms explicitly state you cannot play where you live, anything you win will be confiscated. That doesn’t feel very legit, but it is.
