Widely available at casinos and leading in terms of market cap
The increasing demand for Bitcoin casinos in Canada can be attributed to the unprecedented benefits digital currencies bring to users. With Bitcoin, players can deposit and withdraw without disclosing any bank account information, all while enjoying cheaper and faster transactions thanks to blockchain's decentralized nature. With the regulatory landscape regarding both online gambling and digital currencies evolving in Canada, let's walk you through everything about crypto casinos in the country.
Unlike the Canadian dollar, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are not legal tender in Canada. This means that a government or a central bank doesn’t issue or oversee them. As a result, in regulated online gambling provinces, such as Ontario, Bitcoin is not accepted as a payment method.
This doesn’t mean that crypto online casinos are not available to Canadian players. Offshore operators licensed by the likes of Anjouan and Curaçao are increasingly popular, with some estimates saying that Canadians spend over C$4 billion annually on such sites.
Individual provinces occasionally try to block and blacklist offshore online casino sites, but with limited success. There are no penalties in place for players accessing offshore crypto casinos.
The lack of crypto casinos in Canada doesn’t mean that there is no crypto regulation in the country. Under the federal Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act, any entity that deals in virtual currencies, is engaged in the business of foreign exchange dealing, or transmitting funds, must be registered in Canada as a so-called “money services business” with the Financial Transaction and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
Even if the entity is from abroad, if it offers its services to Canadians, it must be registered as a “foreign money services business”. This applies to crypto exchanges that must implement compliance programs in Canada, including KYC processes, reporting, and record-keeping.
More importantly for users who play Bitcoin casino games, the Canada Revenue Agency states that digital currencies constitute a commodity rather than a currency. So, gains or losses from trading Bitcoin are taxable, either as income or capital (the treatment of a transaction is determined by the CRA through an examination of the nature of the specific payment).
Bitcoin is now over 15 years old. At the start, it had to endure its fair share of doubt and criticism, but over the years, BTC has established itself as by far the best-known and most popular cryptocurrency for online gambling in Canada. Here are a few reasons why Bitcoin and crypto casinos are beneficial for players:
Financial Autonomy: You don’t need to rely on banks or payment processors when moving money with Bitcoin. Users are completely in charge of their money, which is stored in crypto wallets. The absence of a central authority in blockchains means that no one can take your Bitcoins away or freeze your crypto account.
Fast Transactions: The fact that transactions occur on decentralized blockchains and through crypto wallets means that Bitcoin payments are much faster than traditional banking methods. Deposits and withdrawals usually occur within minutes, often with little fees, making them more efficient for players.
Provably Fair Games: Through cryptographic methods, casinos can show that their games are fair. Provably fair games allow players to check the result of each game round, which is a more transparent process than traditional RNG systems.
Security: Bitcoin transactions don’t require players to enter any personal data, which is one layer of protection against identity theft. Moreover, once sent, Bitcoin transactions are immutable, meaning fewer risks for both operators and users. Cryptography and Consensus Mechanisms protect blockchains.
Privacy: No personal information is stored on your Bitcoin wallet, so transactions are pseudonymous, in a way. Crypto casino payments may not be entirely anonymous, since, per Canadian regulations, crypto exchanges must ask users to complete a KYC process before trading with BTC.
To make sure our readers have access to the best Bitcoin casinos in Canada, we make sure each operator goes through a rigorous review process that focuses on security, fairness and transparency. Here is how our reviewing process looks.
We start by examining whether the crypto casino Canada is licensed by a relevant authority (Curaçao, MGA, or Anjouan, for example). The best crypto casinos in Canada that are properly licensed will protect transactions with SSL encryption and will have their games certified for fairness.
We complete the registration and payment processes to see how user-friendly and fast they are. Blockchain payments are inherently fast, but we prioritize casinos that process transactions (especially withdrawals) promptly and without any unnecessary delays.
Before recommending any online crypto gambling site, we make sure to inform our readers about potential fees and the transaction limits. Most Canadian Bitcoin casinos on our list feature wide enough limits to accommodate both novices and high rollers.
Mobile crypto wallets allow users to make payments directly from their smartphones, but for a seamless experience, they need a casino to complement this. We examine the mobile usability of the casino, whether it has an app, and any potential mobile bonuses for players.
Before making a payment and playing online casino games, you need to have a crypto wallet. A wallet is a tool that allows users to manage digital currencies like BTC. A wallet doesn’t store the actual coins but instead holds your cryptographic keys, which grant you access to the BTC recorded on the blockchain.
To authorize transactions, you need to know your “private key”, your secret digital signature. On the other hand, a “public key” is your wallet address others can see, and you use it to send and receive crypto. A crypto wallet can be software (like an app) or hardware (like a USB), but the former is your best choice for everyday transactions.
Once you have added funds to your Bitcoin wallet, you can proceed with choosing a crypto online casino and registering.
Once you clear any bonus wagering requirements and complete KYC processes (if needed), you can proceed with your first withdrawal.
Network congestion and transaction size are a couple of factors that determine the fees for crypto transactions, so there is no uniform fee structure. Typically, fees will not exceed one CAD, but be cautious during peak network congestion.
The same factors can impact the speed of transactions, which usually take no more than 10 minutes on blockchain networks. Note that individual online Bitcoin casinos can have different processing times, which may delay withdrawals.
Canadian online casinos don’t limit users to just Bitcoin for their deposits and withdrawals. The list of available digital currencies can be extensive, but for comparison purposes, here is how Ethereum’s (the second largest cryptocurrency by market cap) key features look when put head-to-head with BTC.
Widely available at casinos and leading in terms of market cap
Lagging behind Bitcoin in market cap and availability
BTC transaction fees are generally stable
ETH’s gas fees are more volatile
Often accepted for crypto casino bonuses
ETH-based bonuses are less common
Easy to use for beginners with clear wallet options
Requires more technical knowledge, especially for gas management
Limited smart contract functionality
Stronger smart contract capabilities
Scalability issues with network congestion
Better scalability with Ethereum 2.0 improvements
Choosing the best platform to play crypto casino games requires a methodological approach from your side. There are a few factors you need to consider before opting for a site, as explained below.
Time Needed:
05:00
Device Required:
PC, Smartphone
Individual provinces may block certain offshore online casinos, so make sure to see whether the site is available in your region. If it isn’t, you simply won’t be able to load the website from your location.
Read the general terms and conditions to see more detailed information on deposits and withdrawals. The casino will specify how long it takes to process withdrawals, any KYC requirements, and potential fees for all transactions.
Bitcoin deposits are usually eligible for promotions, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Open the casino’s promo tab and review individual bonus T&Cs. See whether certain promotions prohibit BTC deposits or whether there are special offers for players using crypto.
The best way for you to check the site’s usability and the convenience of the payment process is to make a test deposit. Select BTC, top up your account with the minimum amount, claim bonuses, play crypto games, and withdraw.
One factor that can shape your gaming experience for the better or worse is the Bitcoin wallet you choose. You must opt for a wallet that meets your individual needs and is convenient for online casino gaming. According to Ace Alliance’s lead editor, Darko Ilievski:
Software wallets that exist as apps or desktop programs are best suited for daily transactions due to their high accessibility and convenience. Hardware wallets are arguably more secure, but they work better for long-term storage of large amounts. If you are crypto-savvy, then you can opt for a software wallet for your daily casino transactions and a hardware wallet where you can keep your savings.
Darko Ilievski
Editor on
Another factor to consider is the crypto exchange from which you buy and sell your BTC assets. Coinbase, Kraken, and NDAX are some of the legal exchanges in Canada. Note that Binance announced in 2023 that it would withdraw from the country.
Bitcoin and the aforementioned Ethereum offer some unique advantages to crypto casino players in Canada. Still, if you don’t prefer to use cryptocurrencies, there are many more payment methods you can use at fast payout casinos in Canada. Here are just some of them:
Interac
The Interac e-Transfer service allows players to send and receive money using just an email address or mobile number. There is no need to share bank account details when making individual payments, but Interac’s availability at offshore casinos can be scarce.
Jeton
For fast deposits and withdrawals, players can also opt for e-wallets. Jeton is one of the best choices, allowing players to make fast deposits and withdrawals using just an email/phone number.
Skrill
This is one of the most popular e-wallets across the world. It also has a decent number of users in Canada. Skrill allows seamless transactions at numerous online casinos with minimal fees. The e-wallet also has a loyalty program.
Visa
Visa is one of the most widely accepted payment methods worldwide. Canadian players can use their Visa credit/debit cards for secure deposits and withdrawals at online casinos. It offers fast transactions with robust fraud protection, making it a reliable choice for casino payments.
Playing at Bitcoin casinos will make users eligible for a range of deposit and no deposit bonuses in Canada. The exact nature of promotions can vary from one casino to another, but most crypto casino bonuses fall under one of the following categories.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus in Canada is usually a deposit bonus that newly registered players receive once they register and top up their account with BTC. Very often, Bitcoin casinos will provide free spins as part of their welcome offer for new players.
Free Spins
Free spins in Canada can be offered as standalone promotions on a daily or weekly basis, with most bonus spins promotions requiring qualifying deposits. BTC casinos can also run tournaments and giveaways to engage with players, where free spins for slots can be among the main prizes.
High Roller
Canadian high roller bonuses are valid for a distinct category of players, and they require larger initial deposits. Such promotions are rare, and very often, casinos will tailor high roller bonuses to individual player preferences, depending on their VIP status.
Cashback Offers
Cashback bonuses at casinos in Canada are common, and they provide players with the chance to recoup a percentage of their losses. The exact percentage of the cashback bonus may vary, depending on the player’s VIP or loyalty status.
No Max Cashout
No max cashout bonuses allow players to keep what they win, regardless of the size. Since casinos seek to protect themselves against gigantic wins by players, no max cashout bonuses in Canada can be rare.
No Wagering Bonuses
No wagering bonuses in Canada are among the most deficient online casino bonuses. Claiming such a bonus in a casino means that you will get to keep what you win without needing to clear any wagering requirements beforehand.
Federal bodies like FINTRAC provide a baseline of national crypto rules; there are some small provincial tweaks in regulations that can shape users’ crypto experience. Online gambling regulations, on the other hand, can greatly vary across provinces, so here is a bit more information on all this.
Bitcoin Casinos in Alberta
Cryptocurrencies in Alberta are regulated by the Alberta Securities Commission, which treats assets and crypto exchanges as securities or derivatives. Alberta also doesn’t impose annual net buying limits for crypto assets, while most other provinces cap this amount at C$30,000 for non-exempt digital assets. As for online gambling, Play Alberta is the only licensed casino in the province, but the government seeks to liberalize the market.
Bitcoin Casinos in British Columbia
Cryptocurrencies in British Columbia are subject to provincial oversight by the BC Securities Commission. It treats certain crypto assets and platforms as securities or derivatives, so it requires registration for exchanges. When it comes to gambling, the BC Lottery Corporation runs all online gambling services in the country, so players can go to offshore crypto casino sites for more diversity.
Bitcoin Casinos in Manitoba
In coordination with the Canadian Securities Administration, the Manitoba Securities Commission regulates cryptocurrencies, and it deems cryptocurrencies as securities or derivatives. Crypto exchanges must register with the MSC, but as is the case with most Canadian provinces, online gambling is a monopoly. Manitoba Lotteries has partnered with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation to offer online gambling in the province.
Bitcoin Casinos in New Brunswick
Crypto regulation in New Brunswick is guided by the New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission. Crypto exchanges must register and adhere to strict operational standards in the province. With ALC being the only licensed operator in the province, offshore crypto gambling sites offer players the chance to gamble with BTC.
Bitcoin Casinos in Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, cryptocurrencies are regulated through federal AML laws. All exchanges must be registered with FINTRAC and comply with strict regulations. Online casino gaming in Newfoundland and Labrador is only available through the Atlantic Lottery, so for more Bitcoin casinos Canada, players are better off searching the international market.
Bitcoin Casinos in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Securities Commission is the provincial crypto regulator. It requires crypto trading platforms to be registered, and it works with federal regulators through the CSA to harmonize registration requirements. In 2022, Nova Scotia launched its first online casino through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s website, so the best Bitcoin casino sites lie abroad.
Bitcoin Casinos in Nunavut
In Nunavut, cryptocurrencies are regulated through the federal AML laws, which treat them as commodities for tax purposes or securities when offered on exchanges. Online gambling sites from abroad operate in a grey area in the territory, so there is no law prohibiting residents from accessing online Bitcoin casino sites that are properly licensed by international regulators.
Bitcoin Casinos in the Northwest Territories
There are no uniform NW laws for cryptocurrencies, as regulation is harmonized across provinces and federal bodies. Generally, cryptocurrencies are legal but not considered legal tender. Casino regulation also differs on a provincial level, but the lack of licensed domestic traditional online casinos sees players shift to top crypto gambling sites from abroad.
Bitcoin Casinos in Ontario
The AGCO regulates and registers online casinos in the province by establishing a set of standards that protect players. Since cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in Canada, Ontario casinos only feature traditional payment methods. Ontario players must rely on international crypto operators to find their BTC gaming options.
Bitcoin Casinos in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island follows federal laws in regulating digital currencies by not recognizing them as legal tender but treating them as commodities. Canada’s smallest province also doesn’t have a government-led online casino, so residents who seek to play with Bitcoin must access international operators.
Bitcoin Casinos in Quebec
The AMF regulates cryptocurrencies in Quebec, and it requires exchanges to first file a pre-registration undertaking that will see them agree to comply with T&Cs to protect customers until registered. Once it is, a platform is subject to random inspections by the AMF. Loto-Quebec’s gaming website is the only licensed operator in the province, so offshore online crypto casinos Canada are the best way to play with BTC.
Bitcoin Casinos in Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators. It applies securities laws to cryptocurrencies that qualify as securities or derivatives. Players seeking to gamble online have a limited choice, with PlayNow (operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority) being the only legal gambling site.
Bitcoin Casinos in Yukon
Yukon’s regulation of cryptocurrencies follows Canada’s national laws by treating them as commodities, not as legal tenders. Crypto exchanges must be registered with FINTRAC and comply with strict AML policies to operate in the province. Private casinos are not legal in Yukon, but there are international sites that operate in a grey area by accepting players from the province.
Some of the advantages crypto casinos offer are already evident, but for a more balanced overview, we also must mention a few of the downsides that come with using BTC for gaming.
Instant deposits and withdrawals
Deposits usually eligible for bonuses
Private payments through crypto wallets
Low-fee transactions due to the lack of centralized intermediaries
Transparent, provably fair games available at BTC casinos
Bitcoin's value is volatile
Not recognised as legal tender in Canada
No domestic casinos offer BTC as a payment method With so many crypto casinos operating in Canada, game libraries can be very diverse and offer different types of titles—both RNG and provably fair powered. Here is how most operators structure their main game categories.
With their vast game lobbies, increased privacy, low fees, and lightning-fast transactions, Bitcoin casinos have emerged as exciting choices for Canadian online gaming enthusiasts. These sites aren’t available domestically, but there are more than enough options in the international gambling scene online.
Offshore sites are not regulated on a federal or provincial level in Canada, so it is important that players emphasize security and choose their preferred crypto casino carefully. If you like the insights here, feel free to explore our other guides on casino payment methods in Canada and see which options are the best for you.
Yes, Bitcoin transactions occur on decentralized blockchain networks protected by cryptography. As long as players choose licensed casinos, there are no security issues to worry about.
Yes, Bitcoin is among the accepted withdrawal methods at online casinos that accept Canadians. To withdraw, you will need to submit your wallet address and wait for the casino to release the funds.
Yes, transaction fees apply to BTC payments, but they are generally smaller compared to traditional banking options. Bitcoin fees can vary, depending on the network congestion, but they are often below the C$1 mark.
Yes, making deposits with Bitcoin usually qualifies for different bonuses, including welcome offers, reload bonuses, free spins, and cashback incentives. Double-check the bonus terms to make sure BTC deposits are eligible for specific offers, just in case.
Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Tether are great options for crypto-savvy players. For those who prefer fiat options, e-wallets like Jeton, Skrill, and Neteller are some of the faster alternatives.