Top real money online slot casinos
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- TonyBet Casino Benefits
- Great range of games
- Lots of banking options
- Fast payouts
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- SlotsMagic Benefits
- Awesome slots from NetEnt and IGT
- Lots of deposit options
- Decent selection of promos
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- PlayOJO Casino Benefits
- Kickers and OJO's Specials
- Top software providers
- Great selection of live dealer games
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- Leon Bet Casino Benefits
- Various payment and payout options
- Loyalty program with ongoing rewards
- Long-established in the market
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- Wazamba Casino Benefits
- Over 5,000 casino games
- VIP Program available
- Excellent ongoing promotions
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- ProntoBet Casino Benefits
- Over 50 game providers
- 24/7 live chat
- Lots of live dealer options
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- 888casino Benefits
- More than 1,000 online casino games
- Site available in English and French
- Supports Interac deposits
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$2,500 Deposit Match + 150 Free Spins
How to play online slots
Playing online slots for real money is easy. Our guide walks you through all you need to play in just a matter of minutes.
Any slot site will ask for information to set up an account. This can be limited to a username and password. Just enter a unique username then a password and you’re done. Remember that all online slot sites for real money will need additional information. That can mean an address, a valid government ID, and payment information.
Thousands of slot providers offer hundreds of games. That includes different styles with a wide range of interfaces and designs. Other key factors are volatility measures and payout percentages. Experienced slot players will look to see if the slot features Wilds, Multipliers, Scatters, and other features. Players should also evaluate bonuses as well as RTP (return to play rates). To ensure fairness, check that the slot offers RNGs (random number generators).
Most online slots incorporate straightforward gameplay but from there, rules can differ wildly. Review every slot’s rule involving canceled games or glitches. Note that reputable slot sites forbid users under the age of 18. The gigantic (and growing) array of slot sites and styles can add even more rule variations.
After considering the legal and technical elements, select your perfect slot. Many of the best online slot providers also offer demos, allowing players to test the game before risking actual currency.
After choosing a slot, players need to pick their stake. This tool is easy to find on all slot games. Most slots will allow stakes for a Loonie (or less) per spin and many will go up to several hundred dollars. Players can then raise or lower their stake after every spin. Pick the risk level that fits your play and remember bankroll management.
Now comes the fun part; spinning the reels. All reputable slots will have a spin or play button displayed clearly for both mobile and desktop play. Just press the key or tap the screen and watch the results. Laptop play will also usually allow space bars or other keyboard shortcuts.
The best online slots feature many play options beyond just traditional gameplay. Many will offer bonuses that generate new or free spins, additional gameplay styles, or even bigger bonuses. You can look for these before and even during the game.
All slot players hope the spinning fun turns into something more. For free-to-play sweeps and social casinos, this means more of that site’s currency, additional spins, or potential prizes. Real money casinos can direct currency back to the user's bank account. Real money casinos require payment information before winnings can be paid out. Sweepstakes and social casinos may require financial info. They will always require that information if a player wants to buy more casino-specific currencies such as gold coins.
Top 6 real money slots in Canada
You’ll find a wide selection of excellent online slots available in Canada at multiple casinos. When selecting the best online slots for real money, we considered things like graphics, originality, Return to Player (RTP), payouts, and bonus features.
Covers Tip: Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of wagers a game pays back in winnings over time. It is calculated by dividing the win amount by the total turnover of a game across a designated period.
A game's volatility impacts RTP accuracy, but generally players look for games with the highest RTP. A game with 97% RTP will theoretically return $97 for every $100 wagered.
Here are five of the very best online slots you can play for real money right now in Canada:
1. Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play)
Play Gates of Olympus
This legendary Greek empire-themed slot from Pragmatic Play takes place on the slopes of Mount Olympus and delivers scintillating gameplay.
The free spins bonus round with a global multiplier is your best opportunity to land the game’s max win of 5,000x the bet, and you can buy access to the bonus round for 100x your bet.
So, take your chances as you battle with Zeus in one of Pragmatic Play’s best online slots for real money.
⭐ Gates of Olympus at a glance:
RTP: 96.50%
Volatility: High
Maximum payout: 5,000x bet
Paylines: Win-all-ways
Minimum bet: $0.20
No. of Reels: Six
Software Provider: Pragmatic Play
Gates of Olympus slot Pros and Cons
2. Book of Dead (Play'n GO)
Join Rich Wilde on one of his most intriguing adventures in Play’n GO’s popular Book of Dead video slot game, which is set in ancient Egypt.
This is perhaps the best Book of… slot game ever made, and you can activate the game’s free spins round to help you on your way as you look to land a maximum prize of 5,000x the bet.
The 96.21% RTP is solid, and the gameplay is incredibly straightforward, guaranteeing its place as one of the best real money online slots to play in Canada.
⭐ Book of Dead at a glance:
RTP: 96.21%
Volatility: High
Maximum payout: 5,000x bet
Paylines: 10
Minimum bet: $0.10
No. of Reels: Five
Software Provider: Play’n Go
Book of Dead slot Pros and Cons
3. Wanted Dead or a Wild (Hacksaw Gaming)
Hacksaw Gaming’s gunslinging adventure, Wanted Dead or a Wild, is the prototypical wild west slot, playing out on a 5x5 grid.
You have 15 fixed paylines and a slew of bonus features that boost the wins up to 12,500x your bet.
Better yet, you can buy access to all three bonus rounds for between 80x and 400x your stake, saving you from unlocking the features on random base game spins.
⭐ Wanted Dead or a Wild at a glance:
RTP: 96.38%
Volatility: High
Maximum payout: 12,500x bet
Paylines: 15
Minimum bet: $0.20
No. of Reels: Five
Software Provider: Hacksaw Gaming
Wanted Dead or a Wild slots Pros and Cons
4. Divine Fortune Megaways (NetEnt)
Under licence from Big Time Gaming, NetEnt’s Divine Fortune Megaways is a superb Megaways title, offering 117,649 ways to win when the game matrix is at full tilt.
The expanding grid is the star attraction, but you can also benefit from the falling wild re-spin feature and the generous free spins round, where you can play with up to 20 free spins to try and land the game’s maximum 25,000x payout.
Though there are many Megaways slots to choose from in Canada, NetEnt’s Divine Fortune is perhaps the pick of the bunch.
⭐ Divine Fortune Megaways at a glance:
RTP: 96.09%
Volatility: Medium
Maximum payout: 25,000x bet
Paylines: 117,649
Minimum bet: $0.10
No. of Reels: Six
Software Provider: NetEnt
Divine Fortune Megaways slot Pros and Cons
5. Mental (Nolimit City)
Nolimit City has a reputation for pushing the envelope, and the horror-themed slot Mental is one of the studio's darkest and most popular games.
Like all Nolimit City games, bonus features abound in Mental with three free spins rounds to choose from – namely 'Autopsy,' 'Lobotomy,' or 'Mental.'
The huge max win of 66,666x the bet is reason enough to play this chilling slot, and it’s another brilliant online slot for real money available to Canadian players.
⭐ Mental at a glance:
RTP: 96.08%
Volatility: High
Maximum payout: 66,666x bet
Paylines: 108+
Minimum bet: $0.20
No. of Reels: Five
Software Provider: Nolimit City
Mental slot Pros and Cons
6. Great Rhino Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
Pragmatic Play takes you through the jungle with Great Rhino Megaways, which offers thousands of paylines to spin and earn the top prize of 20,000x your bet.
Great Rhino Megaways boasts various enticing features for you to enjoy, highlighted by an ante bet component that adds additional scatter symbols to the reels and doubles the likelihood of earning a free round of spins.
⭐ Great Rhino Megaways at a glance:
RTP: 96.6%
Volatility: High
Maximum payout: 20,000x bet
Paylines: 200,704
Minimum bet: $0.20
No. of Reels: Six
Software Provider: Pragmatic Play
Great Rhino Megaways slot Pros and Cons
Blacklisted slots casinos
Not all real money online casinos and sweepstakes casinos are created equal. As a trusted source of online gambling information for more than 28 years, we remain committed to reviewing and recommending the most trusted and safe gambling sites.
The following casinos do not meet the rigorous standards expected in our online casino reviews, and when we get multiple reports of bad practices from our users, they end up on our casino blacklist.
- Allegations of unprofessional behaviour
- Withholding withdrawals
- Unwarranted account suspension
- Accepts players from restricted regions
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Spammy advertising strategy
- No evidence of a valid license
- Unresolved payment complaints
- Account verification issues and payout delays
Understanding RTP and paylines
With thousands of online slots available from so many developers, it can be tricky to identify the best games. Here are some key points to consider before choosing an online slot to play for real money in Canada:
Payouts
Every slot pays out differently, so always check the game’s rules and consider its paylines. Paylines are the fixed patterns on the playing grid upon which winning symbols must land. Some slots have fixed paylines, while others have variable lines. Others use different pay mechanics like cluster pays and Megaways. Meanwhile, maximum win amounts — usually given as a multiplier — indicate how much you can win when playing the game.
RTP and volatility
RTP stands for Return to Player, and it’s given as a percentage. It indicates how much a game typically pays out over time, with the industry operating at an average of 96%. For instance, if a game has an RTP of 96%, $0.96 of every $1.00 spent on the game is returned to the players, and $0.04 is kept by the casino. The higher the RTP, the better.
Low-volatility games pay out smaller amounts more frequently, while high-volatility games pay out bigger amounts less frequently. Medium volatility slots are somewhere in between.
Real money slots payout percentage table
Game and provider | RTP | Play at |
---|---|---|
Book of 99 (Relax Gaming) | 99% | TonyBet Casino |
Mega Joker (NetEnt) | 99% | Wazamba Casino |
Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) | 98.80% | Wazamba Casino |
Marching Legions (Relax Gaming) | 98.12% | SlotsMagic Casino |
The Catfather (Pragmatic Play) | 98.10% | Wazamba Casino |
Blood Suckers (NetEnt) | 98% | Leon Bet Casino |
Jokerizer (Yggdrasil) | 98% | PlayOJO Casino |
Zeus Lightning: Power Reels (Red Tiger) | 97.73% | SlotsMagic Casino |
Golden Tour (Playtech) | 97.71% | PlayOJO Casino |
Blood Suckers Megaways (Red Tiger) | 97.66% | Leon Bet Casino |
Wild Joker Stacks (Yggdrasil) | 97.40% | SlotsMagic Casino |
Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special (Quickspin) | 97.34% | TonyBet Casino |
Fruit Warp (Thunderkick) | 97% | Wazamba Casino |
Guns N’ Roses (NetEnt) | 96.98% | TonyBet Casino |
Blood Suckers 2 (NetEnt) | 96.94% | Leon Bet Casino |
Jimi Hendrix (NetEnt) | 96.90% | Wazamba Casino |
Dead or Alive (NetEnt) | 96.82% | TonyBet Casino |
Butterfly Staxx (NetEnt) | 96.80% | Leon Bet Casino |
Fruit Shop (NetEnt) | 96.70% | TonyBet Casino |
Slot games explained
If you’re new to online slot games, understanding how they work can be slightly confusing. We recommend reading the game rules and considering the following before playing:
Types of slots
Most online slots are video slots, which are mobile-optimized games that are available on various devices. Other variations include classic slots, progressive slots, and jackpot slots, which all have their own distinct characteristics.
Slot games have a specific number of reels, rows, and paylines, which form the game grid on which symbols land. The game’s pay table in the rules indicates how much you can win by matching a specific number of symbols on any base game spin.
Betting limits
Betting limits vary from one real money slot game to another, ranging from $0.01 to $500 per spin. Consider which limits best suit your bankroll and play style before getting started.
Bonuses
Slot games usually come with bonus features and special symbols you can unlock as the game progresses. Wild symbols can land anywhere on the grid and substitute for regular symbols to help you form wins. Scatter symbols can also land on the grid and typically trigger the game’s bonus features.
The most common type of bonus feature is the free spins round, where you are given a specific number of spins without needing to place a bet. Free spins rounds are often supplemented with multipliers, re-spins, and expanding wilds, offering you an excellent chance of winning the game’s biggest prizes. If you don’t want to wait organically for the bonus game to trigger, you can often buy access to it for a fee.
Game overview
Every real money online slot game is unique, so you should always read the description and rules before playing to know exactly what to expect. Game rules will contain information about payouts, maximum wins, RTP and volatility, bonus features, and jackpots.
Covers Tip: Online slots are powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), meaning that the outcome of every spin the game is random. You can win or lose each time you spin the reels.
More online casino resources
Types of online slots
When it comes to game selection, there is no equal at casino sites to slots. Whether you’re looking for a traditional 3-reel with 7’s and cherries or a Megaways with over 100,000 different winning combinations slots, online casinos have something for everyone.
Classic slots
Classic online slots feature symbols like fruits, lucky 7s and BARs. The best thing about classic slots is their simplicity. Many of these games have just three reels and straightforward game mechanisms, making them a great entry point for new players.
Penny slots
As the name suggests, penny slots let you get started with a wager as low as one penny. While most penny slots understandably offer smaller payouts, you’ll enjoy these slots if you have a limited budget and still want to enjoy some spins.
Video slots
Video slots separate themselves from the pack with their production level. They are jam-packed with cutting-edge graphics and sound effects that add to the thematic nature. It’s common to see video slots partner with Hollywood blockbusters and big brands.
Megaways slots
Megaways slots feature up to 117,649 paylines on every spin. The expanding game grids feature at least six reels; you only need three symbols to match to win. The mix of free spins, multipliers, cascading reels, and bonus prizes has helped feed the growing popularity.
Progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpot slots are linked to global networks and can extend seven-figure payouts. Progressive slots will either have fixed jackpots or collect a small amount from every bet and add that money to the prize pool – which will grow until the jackpot is won.
Types of slots bonuses
Before playing online slots for real money, you can take advantage of an online casino bonus offered by your chosen Canadian online casino. These bonuses boost your bankroll as you play online slots and improve your winning chances, but remember to read all terms and conditions carefully. Here are some of the most common casino bonuses you can use for online slots:
Welcome bonus
- Offered exclusively to new customers.
- Available as soon as you sign up for a new account.
- Limited time to claim, and wagering requirements must be satisfied before withdrawing.
Free spins
- Exclusive to slots.
- Players receive a specific number of free spins.
- Typically limited to named slot games.
No-deposit bonus
- No-deposit bonus are available without a real money deposit.
- Enables you to try out online slots without risking your own money.
- Often comes with high wagering requirements.
Reload bonus
- Funds offered when you add money to your account as a return customer.
- Many are only valid on specific days of the week.
- Check the online casino's terms and conditions carefully.
Referral bonus
- For users who invite friends or family to play.
- Access to this type of bonus is often via a unique link or code.
- Bonus funds awarded after a friend or family member makes their first deposit.
Strategy tips for online slots
Playing an online slot is more than just picking and clicking. Here the best tips for online slots to maximize your experience playing.
Try a free-to-play demo before playing through some of the thousands of slots online. The best real money slots online will have a free demo version where you can play the game without depositing a cent.
Today’s slots online feature more than simple spins and clicks. In addition to the graphic displays of virtual slots, all games now feature a diverse range of payout percentages, return to player (RTP) ratios, bonuses, and volatility, among many other key factors. Our guides walk you through these aspects and how they impact every online slot. Then you can pick the selection that considers all these features and creates the best possible gameplay.
Experienced and novice slot players know that larger stakes and higher winning line combinations impact your chances. This goes for winning a minimum bet or the largest potential jackpot. Evaluate the payout potential and how the size of the bet and the winning variations can impact your probability of winning.
Remember that larger risks can lead to a quicker bankroll drain. Start slot play with a finite amount you’re comfortable with risking. Just like the decisions for the style of slot and payout structures, you must also choose how to balance the money you’re willing to put down on each spin. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement but remember not to wager any money you’re not willing to lose.
Every online slot player has a strategy they think (or at least hope) will boost their luck. It’s essential to understand none of these external factors impact your chances of winning. Contemporary online slots give you more ways to customize your game experience, including the probability of a payout. But the chances of a win, big and small, ultimately come down to pure luck.
Real money slots vs. free slot games
While Canadians enjoy playing free slots, many prefer the thrill of playing real money slots, as it can lead to big wins. The list below outlines some of the pros and cons of playing free slots vs playing real money slots.
Real money slots
Free game slots
Best real money slot game software providers
Pragmatic Play is one of the leading slot developers in the online gaming industry, with a huge selection of games to enjoy. The studio has won countless awards and is licensed and regulated worldwide.
Some popular Pragmatic slots include titles like Big Bass Bonanza, Jewel Rush, Fat Panda, Diamonds of Egypt, and Kingdom of the Dead. Pragmatic slots are popular because they have excellent graphics and numerous bonus features, making them perfect for all slot fans.
Other leading developers are Play’n GO and Hacksaw Gaming, as both have extensive slot libraries that are feature-rich and varied. You can also check out games from other studios like Nolimit City, Quickspin, and Red Tiger.
For the highest RTP slots, check out NetEnt’s selection of games – particularly their Mega Joker game, as it has a return to player percentage of 99%.
Latest Canada gambling news
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Real money slots quick facts
Available provinces | 10 |
Legal gambling age | 19 (18 in some provinces) |
Best casino for slots | ⭐ TonyBet Casino ⭐ |
Best slot game | ⭐ Gates of Olympus ⭐ |
Is online gambling legal in Canada?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Canada. Licences are issued by organizations such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Some online casinos also operate in Canada (not including Ontario) with licences issued by international bodies like the MGA and UKGC.
Canadian players can keep up to date with all their real money online casino options via our guide to the best online casinos in Canada guide, while we've also got a page dedicated to Ontario online casinos.
Responsible gambling in Canada
Online casino gaming should be fun, so knowing where to look for support is crucial if you feel like your online gambling is becoming a problem.
Thankfully, there are several excellent responsible gambling resources available to Canadians, including GamTalk, which is an online support forum open to anyone. Another good option is Gambling Therapy, a free online service that offers emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
If you’re based in Ontario, you can reach out to ConnexOntario for free and confidential gambling support, while every province has it's own gambling helpline.
Gambling helplines
Organisation | Phone number |
---|---|
Alberta Addiction and Mental Health Helpline | 1-866-332-2322 |
Gambling Support BC | 1-888-795-6111 |
Manitoba Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-463-1554 |
New Brunswick Gambling Information Line | 1-800-461-1234 |
Newfoundland and Labrador Gambling Helpline | 1-888-899-4357 |
Northwest Territories Helpline | 1-844-259-1793 |
Nova Scotia Gambling Support Network | 1-888-347-8888 |
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline | 1-800-265-3333 |
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-888-230-3505 |
Ottawa Distress Line | 613-238-3311 |
Outaouais Distress Line | 1-866-676-1080 |
Prince Edward Island Gambling Addiction Treatment Program | 1-888-299-8399 |
Québec Gambling Help and Referral | (514) 527-0140 (Montreal); 1-800-461-0140 or 1-866-767-5389 (province) |
Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-306-6789 |
Yukon Crisis Line | 403 668-9111 |
Many legal online casinos also allow players to set account restrictions or limits on themselves. Often, players can set deposit limits or join the self-exclusion list.
Provincial online casino guides
Real money online slots in Canada FAQ
Slots are online casino games with reels, rows, and paylines that allow you to win pre-determined amounts, depending on which symbols land on the reels.
Online slots are powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), meaning that the outcome of every spin is entirely random. You can decide how much to bet per spin, and wins are paid out as multipliers of your stake.
Yes, online slots are legal in Canada. Some online casinos have licenses issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, while others have internationally issued licenses from bodies like the MGA and UKGC.
Yes, you can play slots for real money in Canada. Add funds to your account at a legal online casino, and you can then place real money bets on the slots of your choice.
Yes, online slots are fair and random. They are powered by RNGs, which determine the outcome of each spin. Slots are then independently reviewed and tested for fairness by bodies like eCogra.
A payline is the pattern on which symbols need to land in a slot game for you to earn a payout. Some paylines are fixed, while others are variable. You can find this information out before playing a slot for real money.
Yes, you can play most slots on a mobile device. This is because the leading game developers use HTML5 technology to create their titles, meaning they’re optimized for mobile and desktop gaming.
Progressive jackpot slots are games with a separate jackpot that increases until someone wins. A small amount of every bet is set aside to contribute to the progressive jackpot, which can often exceed $1,000,000 in the most popular progressive games.
After creating an account at your chosen online casino, you can deposit funds via methods like Interac, debit card, or e-wallet. Read the casino’s terms and conditions to learn about supported payment methods and deposit and withdrawal limits.
Ben Pringle is an online casino expert specializing in the North American iGaming industry. As a Commercial Content Editor for Covers, he produces extensive casino reviews, detailed bonus code walkthroughs, and in-depth educational guides to help new and experienced players get the edge when gambling online. Despite being a UK native, Ben is an authority on the legalization of online casinos in the U.S. as well as the ongoing expansion of regulated markets in Canada.
The Loughborough University graduate prioritizes user experience when assessing operators and is a respected source of accurate, insightful knowledge on legal and grey market real money online casinos, as well as sweepstakes casinos and social casino sites.
Ben cut his teeth as an NCTJ-accredited sports journalist, spending five years at UK national newspaper Express Sport. His work was also featured by a number of high-profile outlets like the Radio Times and Eurosport, prior to a move into motorsport PR. A stint at Paddy Power News combined his love of sport and a burgeoning interest in online betting before he dived into iGaming full-time in 2021.
The blackjack enthusiast has not looked back since, playing a key role in Covers' casino content team as the brand expands its reach beyond the confines of sports betting. As for his top tip: "Always check the wagering requirements! A big bonus amount isn't always better."