An Introduction To Canadian Betting
While traditional on-land casinos are still alive and well, modern technology has forever changed the Canadian gambling scene since the introduction of online casinos in the early 2000s. According to 2025 statistics, there are over 19.3 million active online bettors in Canada.
Online casino sites, such as OMG Casino, offer a whole library of games to play from anywhere in the world. In the modern day, bettors don’t even need to leave the comfort of their own homes to play all their casino favorites. Here are some of the most popular casino games amongst Canadian players.
- Slots
Slot machines aren’t just popular in Canada; slots are a worldwide casino staple. Slot machines don’t require any genuine skill or knowledge of the game; simply make your wager and let the reels spin! Slots are very beginner-friendly, making them a top choice for any bettors who are new to the casino scene. Everything is automated, not requiring bettors to memorize the paytable. Simply make your bet, and the machine will automatically give you the payout you earn.
Slot machines aren’t just for newbies, they have tons of features to offer avid bettors as well. Some of Canada’s most popular variations of slot machines are video slots and Megaways. Video slots are the modernized version of the original slot machine, developed in 1894. Instead of the traditional three physical reels and a pull lever, video slots are completely digital, operating on virtual reels and a simple button to trigger the spins. Meanwhile, Megaways are slot machines that typically operate on 6 reels that change the number of symbols on each reel between spins, allowing bettors different paylines on every spin.
- Blackjack
Blackjack is popular because of its simplicity. The rules are pretty simple compared to other card/table games. It is also popular because of its low house edge, meaning that players have a better chance at winning a payout. Blackjack is simple enough for newcomers to grasp the rules and participate right away, while still being a card game that more experienced players can enjoy by strategizing with more advanced techniques.
The most popular Blackjack variation is American Blackjack (also referred to as Classic Blackjack). American Blackjack is considered the standard; it involves multiple decks and the dealer hitting on soft 17. This variation is popular amongst both traditional on-land casinos and online casinos.
- Poker
Poker is one of the most popular card games, so it’s no surprise that Canadian bettors are partaking in their favourite poker variant online as well as in land-based casinos. The most popular poker variant is Texas Hold’em, with Pot Limit Omaha following up as a close second.
Texas Hold’em is played with a standard 52-card deck and can accommodate 6 to 10 players at a table. The main rules that make Texas Hold’em stand out from other poker variants are the community cards and multiple rounds of betting. Unlike other poker variations, Texas Hold’em does not require players to exchange their cards. Instead, players are dealt 2 private cards (their “hole cards”) that they can then play in combination with the 5 community cards that are dealt for the entire table.
Other variations of poker are known to have a limited betting round where Texas Hold’em allows players multiple betting rounds; a pre-flop round when the 2 hole cards are received, a flop (or post-flop) round when the first 3 community cards are revealed, a turn round when the fourth community card is revealed, and the river round when the last community card is revealed.
- Roulette
Roulette is yet another popular Canadian pick because it is incredibly beginner-friendly. Roulette is all about chance, giving new bettors the same chances of winning big as longtime players. The rules are straightforward: place a bet on where you think the ball will land. Aside from specific number bets, players can also make more general bets, such as betting on a red or black number or an odd or even number.
One of the most popular variations of roulette offered in most casinos is American Roulette. The main difference between American and European Roulette is the wheel layout. While European Roulette has the classic layout with 37 numbers (0-36), the American version features an extra number: the double zero (00).
- Baccarat
The most popular variation of Baccarat is known as Baccarat Punto Banco. The aim of Baccarat is for players to bet on the hand they think will have a total closest to 9: the player or banker (or a tie).
What makes Baccarat Punto Banco unique from other variations is that the players do not rotate the role of Banker; instead, it is always assigned to the casino (the house). This variation also follows a set of specific rules (the “tableau”) that determine whether the player draws additional cards or not, instead of leaving the decision up to the player.
Conclusion
Canadian bettors, both online and offline, are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking out their favourite game in their casino of choice’s library. Explore both online and land-based casinos to ensure you experience both the modern and traditional sides of Canadian betting culture.
