Best Canadian Slots Casinos and Offers

Are you looking for the best slot sites in Canada? GamblingDeals can help ‒ our reviewers have handpicked the very best real money slot sites and have relayed all the information here.

This guide to Canadian slot sites will tell you how we identify the best ones and shed some light on industry terms to help you get your gameplay off to a great start. We’ll also give you some recommendations for the best slot games to play, too. Ready to find out more? Let’s start by looking at some of the characteristics of the best Canadian slot sites.

Slots Explained

Most modern slot games are referred to as video slots, thanks to the impressive graphics and animations that are now deployed across a range of devices. Slot games come in a range of different formats but typically feature a few key components:

• Reels
• Paylines
• Symbols
• Spin/Bet
• Bonus Rounds
• Wilds/Scatters

The basic process of a slot game is to spin the reels and try to match three or more identical symbols. These symbols differ from game to game depending on the theme, which can be anything from Ancient Egypt to Halloween. They also come with different values, so matching three cherries could pay out more than matching three 7s. 

In recent years, developers have produced increasingly innovative slot games with a range of new mechanics. For example, Big Time Gaming’s Megaways mechanic sees the number of symbols per reel change throughout the game. This mechanic has been adopted by many popular slots series, including Barcrest’s Rainbow Riches.

Slot Variance and RTP

Slot variance and Return to Player ratios (RTP) are two key factors that influence Canadian slots sites’ gameplay, and understanding what they are will help you to make an informed decision on which slots to play.

Variance

Variance, or volatility, refers to the level of a risk in a particular game. You’ll often see variance categorized in the following ways at online casinos:

• Low
• Low/Medium
• Medium
• Medium/High
• High

When playing a high variance game, you’ll be more likely to go on winless runs. However, high variance games typically pay out with larger wins. Conversely, games categorized as low volatility will pay out more frequent, smaller wins.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to the variance of real money slots — you’ll just want to consider what suits you. For example, a larger bankroll may be required for high volatility games to see out the expected dry spells that come with this kind of slot.

RTP

RTP refers to the percentage of wagers that is paid back out to players over a near-infinite number of spins. For example, a game with 95% RTP will, on average, pay out C$95 for every C$100 wagered. The average RTP for a slot game is around 96%. We can look at this as the reverse of a casino’s house edge, which in this case would be 4%.

However, the RTP only applies over the entire life cycle of the slot game, so players should treat the figure with caution. Indeed, there are no guarantees that individual players will receive payouts close to the RTP on any given play session.

Bonus Rounds

Slot games vary in how much they embrace bonus features. While virtually all games include a Wild symbol that can substitute for regular symbols, the best online slots will often include elaborate bonus rounds that jet players off to a new mini-game style screen where multiple prizes are up for grabs.

Prizes available to players in slots bonus rounds typically include free spins, multipliers, and cash rewards. Furthermore, while some bonuses trigger randomly, they are usually activated by landing three scatter symbols on the first, third, and fifth reels on one spin.

Progressive Jackpots

Real money slots will typically have a jackpot that you can win by landing the right combination of symbols during a bonus round — often when a multiplier is attached. Additionally, some games will feature a series of fixed, mini jackpots of different sizes. 

Progressive jackpots work differently in that the total increases as more players bet on the game. So, when you wager on a progressive jackpot slot, a small percentage of your bet goes towards the jackpot, which resets once somebody wins. The total sum of progressive jackpots often reaches the millions — as a result, there is a very low probability of winning. Your odds of winning a progressive jackpot are comparable to winning the lottery.

Top Slots Titles to Try

While every player’s tastes are different, some slot games become so popular they are enjoyed by virtually all players. Here we will take a look at some of the best online slots in Canada. 

Starburst

Starburst is an outer space-themed slot game that features at all the best online slots casinos. It’s a timeless classic in the slots arena and is one reason why its developer, NetEnt, has been so successful.

In Starburst, a 5×3 reel set is filled with jewels and diamonds and complemented by a chilled out, jingly soundtrack. The Wild symbol is the key to success here as it expands to cover the whole reel and then locks in for a subsequent re-spin. The RTP here is 96.09%, while the variance is low to medium.

Gonzo’s Quest

Another classic NetEnt game that has stood the test of time is Gonzo’s Quest. This Mayan-themed game features a search for the lost city of gold, El Dorado. The RTP of Gonzo’s Quest stands at 95.97% and the volatility is medium to high.

Gonzo’s Quest is known for pioneering the Avalanche Reels feature which has featured in numerous games since — winning symbols are replaced by new symbols, leading to successive wins and a potential 5x multiplier.

Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah is the progressive jackpot slot from Microgaming set in the African plains. Its progressive jackpot has reached the millions on several occasions. However, there are plenty of smaller wins up for grabs too — boosted by the Free Spins bonus round where the max win is 1,995x your stake.

The Jackpot Wheel serves as the main attraction in this 5-reel game and triggers randomly, featuring Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega Jackpots. Mega Moolah’s RTP is 93.42% and the variance is low. 

Thunderstruck II

Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II is another heavyweight in the Canadian slots market. This 5-reel game features a Norse mythology theme and 243 ways to win. The RTP stands at 96.65% and you can expect high variance in the payouts.

Thunderstruck II’s Norse theme is utilized well in its vast range of bonus features. In the Great Hall of Spins, you’ll choose between a Valkyrie, Loki, Odin, and Thor, all of whom offer different numbers of free spins accompanied by other bonuses, including multipliers and special symbols.

The Best Slots Developers

Canadian customers wouldn’t have such an extensive range of slots at their disposal if it weren’t for the companies who develop them. Below, we will introduce you to some of the iGaming market’s famous ‘Big Three’.

Microgaming

Microgaming began life in 1994 when they created the first online casino software to go to market. They have since produced a variety of online casino software from their headquarters on the Isle of Man, but are perhaps best-known for their slot games including Immortal Romance and Book of Oz. Through the PlayItForward programme, the company has helped contribute to a range of positive causes for people, place, and planet. The current COO Andrew Clucas will replace John Coleman as CEO in 2022.

NetEnt

Swedish company NetEnt has produced countless top casino games since its formation in 1996, including the aforementioned Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest. However, the company prides itself on providing premium gaming solutions, as well as individual games. Furthermore, NetEnt has recently integrated with Evolution Gaming, with Therese Hillman stepping down as CEO after three years at the company. 

Playtech

UK-based Playtech is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, following major growth since their founding in 1999. Playtech is known for producing a broad range of casino solutions including lotteries, slots, live casino, land-based games, poker and sports betting. Mor Weizer has been the CEO since 2007 and has overseen partnerships with brands such as Paramount and Warner Bros.

Canadian Slot Site Bonuses

The power is in your hands when it comes to online casino bonuses. There is a wealth of options available for new players in particular. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that casino bonuses won’t always lead to rewards — it’s therefore a sensible approach to see them mostly as a means of trying out new games.

Matched Deposits

Adding funds to your account at a casino offering a matched deposit bonus makes you eligible for bonus credit. The bonus credit will be displayed as a percentage of your deposit. For example, if you deposit C$20 and there’s a 100% matched deposit bonus, you’ll double your money to C$40. You’ll often see a range of maximum deposits to go alongside the offers, as well as different percentage amounts — a 50% bonus on C$50 would leave you with C$75.

Free Spins

Sometimes those in-game free spins just aren’t enough and we might fancy picking some up through promotional offers. Welcome bonuses are one of the best ways to land free spins as you will often receive some for depositing for the first time. Free spins are typically only valid on certain games and also come with wagering requirements and a maximum win cap attached.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses award free spins and/or bonus credit simply for signing up with the casino. Again, restrictive terms such as wagering requirements will usually be attached to these offers.

Compare the Best Slot Sites Available in Canada

Now you know the key features of slot games and what to expect when it comes to bonus offers, you’re ready to find a great offer and get started. Check out the list of the best Canadian slots casinos and offers. Don’t forget to also check out promo codes for further inspiration when shopping around.