
Busting Canada’s Most Popular Online Gambling Myths
With some of the best air quality found in the world, Canada reigns supreme in many aspects, especially when it comes to their maple syrup. Tourists warming up on a snowy day are likely to spend half of it on a PC or mobile phone. While visiting punters are likely to see this as the perfect opportunity for some online slots, Canada’s divided laws on gambling amongst provinces might not make it that simple.
Gambling restrictions were widely enforced across all provinces until 1969, the year lotteries became legalized. This created a snowball effect, which paved the way for other casino games to be added to the roster. While it is possible to play at a physical and online casino in Canada, these regulated destinations must pass all requirements set by their respective province or governing bodies.
When questions boil down to hearsay instead of actual research, it might be why so many gambling myths are tied to the country. The listings, however, are quite substantial with many modern-styled casino sites now present. Local and visiting players can enjoy a premium experience with far fewer restrictions than were in place ages ago.
Myth #1: Online Gambling in Canada is Illegal
The provincial and federal regulators in Canada have a firm hold on all operations regarding gambling. While the country has shifted in favor of wager games, variations such as Punch Board, Coin Table, and Three Card Monte have remained excluded and illegal. Essentially, the federal government establishes the basis of gambling laws and policies that have to be followed by provincial regulators.
Just like Alberta with the WCLC (Western Canada Lottery Corporation) and Ontario with OLG (Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation), each province uses a unique or shared governing body to ensure that only licensed and approved casinos may operate. With online sites like Jackpot City and Royal Vegas, this approval also extends to offshore operators as long as they follow all requirements needed to run legally in the country.
Myth #2: Online Casinos Are Rigged and Unfair
At their core, casinos are still businesses that rely on customers to partake in their offered services. If that trust is lost in any way, it would crumble all that has been built up since launch. This is what makes customer ratings so vital, as it’s a way for new players to avoid gambling sites that might have a bad reputation. While scam sites do exist on an international scale, Canada’s licensed and officially recognized casinos practice strict laws to prevent any concerns of foul play.
If you’re concerned about game results not working in your favor, it’s likely just a bad streak. All licensed casinos use an RNG (Random Number Generator) system that’s officially accepted and illegal to tamper with. Within Canadian laws, regulators in their respective provinces, like the Yukon Lottery Commission, do regular checks on aspects such as the RNG. Another point of interest governing bodies look at is the promotions offered on the site.
Myth #3: You Can’t Win Real Money Playing Online
If you look at the history of gambling, legitimate casinos around the world have been in existence since the mid-1600s. With such a legacy, the game of chance has grown into a respected industry that’s made millions of lucky players happy winners. Paid in full, it’s an important point that sets legally operated casinos apart from thieving scammers. Big wins to jackpots are won regularly, and you will also find the highest payouts posted online.
Some examples of amazing payouts include Kathryn, a long-time punter who, while casually playing at Niagara Falls, triggered an astonishing win of $1.8 million on a Michael Jackson-themed slot. Preferring to remain anonymous, another lucky winner was a Canadian man who set the bar with a life-altering win of $22.4 million on Mega Moolah. If these wins got you excited, don’t forget that gambling will always be a game of chance.
Myth #4: Online Gambling Leads to Guaranteed Addiction
The side effects that games may cause have always been up for debate. However, this could be attributed to many aspects of someone’s personality. Whether it’s entertainment such as movies, music, or games, we know better as adults what is considered right and wrong. Just like having an allergic reaction to certain foods, gambling should be completely avoided if it becomes detrimental to your life and family.
For much milder cases, it’s always a good idea to practice responsible gambling by only using expendable cash. Take things slow and use a match bonus if you would like a bigger bankroll instead of just opting for a larger deposit. You can limit deposits or even temporarily suspend your account by contacting support. Most of all, try to take regular breaks from wagering- it will help you stay focused with a clear mind.
Myth #5: Online Casinos Refuse to Pay Out Winnings
The hearsay can be quite strong when it comes to payouts. However, this may just be a matter of completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. It’s a verification check that’s also practiced internationally and is essentially used to prove that the player is a real person. While this may sound strange to those not informed, the internet is littered with bots made by scammers. This is why many modern sites include a CAPTCHA check.
To receive your funds from winning, initiate the KYC process by reaching out to customer support via live chat or email. Depending on the casino, you might have the option to upload your documents directly in the profile section. Clearly printed with all four corners showing, you are required to provide a recent copy of your ID, electricity bill, proof of address, and proof of account.
Myth #6: Betting Systems Can Guarantee Wins
Since legal gambling establishments are still considered a business, all forms of staking you will find in the industry are designed to let the house win. This means that whether you get lucky and win or lose, the casino will always make a profit. If you have been looking at various play strategies like the Kelly Criterion or Martingale method for a guaranteed win, you might fall hard, depending on how high your bet is.
These strategies might work for a short period or may not even work at all since they try to follow the principles of statistics, which bank on the hope that certain conditions will appear again. This is why it’s pivotal in gambling that all regular punters practice responsible gambling with an expendable and well-managed bankroll.
Myth #7: More Playtime Equals Better Odds
Don’t be fooled by blogs, articles, or influencers trying to sell techniques that they claim to work 100% of the time. These misleading tips are usually manipulated with video editing and, more recently, AI (Artificial Intelligence) to look legit. If the wins are real, they are very likely cherry-picked from a string of losses. Poor sources of information will always try to win you over with anything that improves their credibility.
Another point that’s made is related to play time and how this affects your game. It’s believed that a bigger bankroll will give you more opportunities to win and better odds; however, it must be said again that gambling is purely a game of chance. Having a bigger bankroll can be good as long as you manage your play sessions and stay within expected limits. Play with the solemn intention of being entertained, and you might get lucky in the process.