Equipped with vast gaming selections, free-to-play avenues, and real-world prize opportunities, social casinos are much more than an alternative to traditional online casinos.
Whether you’re well-versed in the online casino sphere like me or just starting out, social casinos are the perfect bridge for Canadian players of all experience levels because they allow you to enjoy free-to-play casino games such as slots, blackjack, and more, with real prizes up for grabs.
After personally testing each casino, I’ve prepared this guide to provide you with a trusted source to the best social casinos in Canada. Here, you will find all the relevant information necessary about the top social casino platforms available in the country.
Top Social Casinos in Canada
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What are Social Casinos?
As far as gameplay goes, social casinos operate very similarly to real-money casinos. They contain almost all the classic casino games available at real-money casinos, including slots, poker, blackjack, baccarat, and more. The main difference, however, is that social casinos use virtual currency instead of Canadian dollars. In most cases, there are two types of coins: Gold coins, which you can purchase but not redeem for prizes, and SC, or Sweeps Coins, which you cannot directly purchase but can be redeemed for prizes. You can acquire SC as a gift through gold coin purchases, as well as gameplay wins and various bonuses.
With this model, there is no requirement for purchase, meaning you can play casino games for free and still be eligible for prize opportunities. I find this more casual way of playing to be a very appealing method of online casino gaming, and players across the country agree. Canadian social casino sites, for example WOW Vegas, Chanced, and Chumba, are experiencing a tremendous rise in popularity, especially as an alternative to traditional online casinos. If you’re intrigued by the social casino experience, but still aren’t exactly sure about how they differ from real-money casinos, don’t panic. Instead, jump to the section directly below.
Social Casinos vs. Online Casinos in Canada
Gameplay Experience
I touched on it already, but there truly is a distinct difference between the free-to-play and real-money wagering models. Under the free-to-play system, Social casinos offer a more casual gameplay experience for the classic games we enjoy. Not having to risk our money while still being able to claim prizes is what drives the allure of social casinos. On the other hand, real-money casinos obviously require the use of Canadian currency to play and win direct cash prizes. While some sites may allow game demos, you will need to wager real money to continue playing casino games. The beauty here is that you don’t need to pick one or the other, you can play both and be equally happy. In fact, I prefer to toggle between them depending on my strategy.
Legal Considerations
Social casinos are not subject to the same regulations as real-money casinos, meaning they can operate legally across Canada (excl. Quebec). The main reason for this is that no purchase is necessary, and all wagering functions use virtual currencies instead of real cash. For this reason, social casinos are essentially considered contests, not gambling sites.
This directly contradicts real-money casinos, which operate using traditional currency, and therefore must comply with province-specific regulations. In Ontario, for example, all licensed real-money casinos must receive regulatory approval from iGaming Ontario.
Prizes vs. Cash Payouts
As I’ve alluded to so far, social casinos allow players to win prizes rather than direct cash withdrawals. Again, this goes back to the virtual currency wagering system. With social casinos, you can redeem prizes based on the amount of SC you acquire through your gaming exploits (1 SC commonly equals $1 CAD). These prizes, which are typically cash or gift cards, come with minimum redemption thresholds that you must meet. For example, gift card redemptions can be as low as $10, while $100 is usually the minimum for cash redemptions.
Real-money casinos differ from social casinos in that they offer direct cash withdrawals. This means you can withdraw eligible winnings from your account, at its direct cash value, straight to the payment method of your choice.
Community & Engagement
As the name suggests, social casinos offer a unique social element that you don’t commonly find at real-money casinos. This includes fun features like leaderboard contests, daily challenges, friend invitations, and social media tie-ins. In-game chats are another example of popular peer-to-peer functions designed to foster a community feel between players. This kind of player interactivity is something I personally enjoy, as it evokes that recreational feel of playing at a land-based casino.
To give you a clearer picture of the differences between social and Canada real money casinos, I’ve put together the comparison table below.
| Social Casinos | Real Money Casinos |
|---|---|
| 🎰 No spending required, always free to play. | 💰 Might offer demos, but are not inherently free to play. |
| 🎰 Available almost everywhere in Canada (excl. Quebec). | 💰 Availability varies from province-to-province. |
| 🎰 More casual gaming experience that can be safer if you’re not wagering your own money. | 💰 You wager your own real money. |
| 🎰 Helpful introduction to casino games; good test run ahead of playing with your money. | 💰 May offer trial runs, but only in demo mode if available. If not, wagering is done with your money. |
| 🎰 Prizes can only be redeemed using SC or Sweeps Coins, only way to win real money. | 💰 Can win and withdraw real money directly. |
| 🎰Community focus with emphasis on social media and player-to-player engagement. | 💰 Centred around individual play. |
| 🎰 Game catalogue might not have as much crossover with land-based games. | 💰 Come suited with deeper portfolio of real-money games and providers commonly found at land-based casinos. |
Expert Reviews of the Top Social Casinos in Canada
To spare you from testing the top social casinos in Canada individually, I’ve gone ahead and done it for you. Below you will find what I like most about each site, some standout features, and what I think could use some improvement.
WOW Vegas checked a lot of boxes for me across a variety of criteria. Off the bat, you’ll notice the clean layout with easy-to-navigate side and toggle bars. You’ll also notice a fast-moving slide bar showing real-time winners, which can be very distracting. Luckily, it can be slowed down with the click of a button (select ‘Week’ or ’24H’). All the games, including the deep roster of slots from top providers like Pragmatic Play and Betsoft, were visible and loaded quickly on desktop and mobile. It’s also very easy tracking my redemptions through the identically-named tab on the side bar.
That said, WOW Vegas’ live game selection (nine total games) does leave something to be desired, and there doesn’t seem to be live support available. If there is, it’s challenging to find. But overall, WOW Vegas is a very strong social casino option for Canadian players.
A simple homepage does not overwhelm and presents available games with good clarity. I found this to be helpful when perusing the game selection, which is highlighted by a strong live dealer portfolio (25 games) and expansive slots catalogue (nearly 1200 titles). My one knock on the slot category is that most games by Pragmatic Play came with regional restrictions. That’s obviously more of a regulatory issue than a Chanced Casino gripe, but it’s definitely worth noting for Ontario players. Despite that, I was pleased by the challenges and giveaway opportunities available on Chanced – both features felt like added bonuses. Customer support was also quick and effective, as I received a helpful response within 30 seconds.
Chumba’s star lies in its wide nest of game options. In addition to the basics like slots and table games, you can also find exciting features like slingo, instant winners, and scratchcards. No matter the game type, each title loaded quickly and gameplay was smooth on desktop and mobile. I’d recommend using the top menu to peruse Chumba’s game selection rather than scrolling the homepage, which goes on seemingly forever. The ‘Social Live Casino’ room was slightly disappointing, as it included only three game options (one blackjack, roulette, and live slot). I also prefer to have access to live customer support instead of a request system, which is more tedious. There are, however, plenty of ways to obtain free gold coins. This includes Facebook contests, daily bonuses, and mail requests.
Global Poker starts you out with a nice gift of five premium coins, or SC, instead of the typical two. There is somewhat of a tradeoff, as the starter gold coin amount is 100,000. Given the site name, Global Poker obviously delivers a stellar poker selection with several filters to help specify the kind of game and experience you’re after. The casino side, however, is not nearly as vast as other social sites. It doesn’t have any baccarat or roulette titles, and you can’t change coin type mid-game (gold or SC) but it does have bingo. Even so, I’m not overly concerned by that because poker is where Global Poker thrives. Challenges, leaderboards, and avatars (both free and premium) are also a plus for the site’s social element.
From the renowned BetRivers brand comes BetRivers.net, a free-to-play version of its real-money online casino. On the platform known as Casino4Fun, you will find more than 2,000 slots and table games each operating with incredible smoothness. The one caveat here is that you cannot redeem prizes on BetRivers.net. It is strictly, as the platform’s name suggests, for fun. That said, I still enjoy this site very much. We can test out new strategies and explore new titles and game types without risking any of our money. For that reason, I see BetRivers.net as the perfect site for novice players to gain exposure to all the classics – slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat – without any pressure.
Social Casino Games in Canada
While the gaming libraries at Canadian social casinos may not be as extensive as real-money casinos, there is still more than enough action to keep you entertained. And like any online casino, you’ll want to tailor your experience around the sites that best fit your gaming preferences.
Allow me to break it all down for you.
Most Popular Games
Featuring all the classics like slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer-style experiences, social casinos offer players a unique spin on traditional titles.
From the get-go, you will notice that social casinos are home to some of the best online slots in Canada. Equipped with games from top providers such as Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Habanero, and more, social slots contain high-quality graphics and run with incredible smoothness. Several of the slots also offer progressive jackpots no matter which currency you use (fun-play or premium). Though, you will need to use premium coins to redeem any potential winnings.
If slots aren’t your groove or you want to switch things up, you still can with classic table and live-dealer games. These games, although in shorter supply than slots, are nearly indistinguishable from their real-money casino counterparts. One point of note is that quantity does vary between sites, but I’ve outlined where to look for each game in the “Game Variety” section below.
Sweepstakes Coins
Sweepstakes Coins, otherwise known as SC, is the premium currency used by social casino sites. These credits can be wagered like Canadian currency and either grow or subtract based on the outcome of your bets.
Remember, gold coins or free-play currency, cannot be put towards prize redemptions of any kind. With SC, however, you can redeem real-world prizes and walk away from your social casino experience with legitimate winnings.
For me, SC wagering is the perfect complement to the more casual nature of gold coin wagering because when used strategically, you can inject that traditional casino feel into your gameplay.
Game Variety by Platform
As my reviews of top social casinos may have already intimated, each platform has its own speciality.
If slots are what you are after, I recommend you take a gander at WOW Vegas and BetRivers.Net. Each site carries a rich slot portfolio characterized by titles from leading providers.
If the live-dealer route is more your speed, Chanced Casino is far and away your best bet. Loaded with the classics (blackjack, roulette, baccarat) and other go-to’s (sic bo, top card, teen patti), Chanced’s rich selection stands up well against that of real-money casinos.
Poker, and Global Poker specifically, is more self-explanatory. It has everything poker players are after, particularly the option to customize your experience in great detail.
Chumba’s star power comes in its ability to offer intriguing options like slingo and scratchers alongside the basics. It definitely ascribes to the quality over quantity cliche.
Social Features
I want to reinforce the obvious here when I say there is a true emphasis on the interactive aspect of gaming at social casinos. While, yes, it’s literally in the name, social casinos back it up with community-centred features like social media tie-ins, multiplayer tournaments, challenges, and races.
Having that social focus embedded in both the gameplay and way the platform operates is what truly separates social casinos from real-money sites.
Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing a Social Casino in Canada
We’re nearing the point in this guide where you take the lessons you’ve learned and branch off to explore the world of social casinos on your own. But there’s still some knowledge I must impart before we part.
Here are five key factors to consider when selecting a social casino.
Game Selection
Social casinos, like real-money casinos, are not cookie cutter platforms. Different casinos specialize in different types of games. Some are slots-focused (ex. WOW Vegas), others poker (ex. Global Poker), and so on. It’s up to you to decide which sites best match your gaming interests.
Safety & Trustworthiness
Identifying safe sites that you can trust is perhaps the most important box on this list. At sign up, you will still need to provide sensitive personal information – the same as you would at a real-money casino. You can also make purchases at social casinos, and therefore, have to input your individual banking information. That is why it’s imperative to choose sites with SSL encryption and fair play policies. SSL is a software used for protecting sensitive information exchanged over the internet, while fair play policies ensure game integrity.
Fortunately, all social casinos on this page check this box.
Sweepstakes Model
Under the sweepstakes model, social casinos do not allow real-money wagers. Instead, all wagering is conducted using gold coins, or free-play coins, that are not eligible for prize redemption, and Sweepstakes Coins (SC), which don’t carry direct cash value but can be redeemed for prizes. This is an integral distinction for when you play social casino games, as you will need to decide which currency you wish to wager.
Mobile Compatability
Social casinos do not typically have a mobile app. However, you can play through your web browser. My research has shown that any smartphone or tablet in average condition is capable of producing a smooth gameplay experience indistinguishable to that of a desktop device. Obviously, you will want to monitor things like internet/cellular connection, how many other apps you have open, etc., but the transition between mobile and desktop is nearly seamless.
Customer Support & User Experience
The role of accessible and effective customer support, while often overshadowed by a focus on gameplay and prizes, is paramount to a positive user experience. If anything were to go wrong during my social casino experience, I want to have that safeguard in place. Whether through synchronous live support, comprehensive FAQs, or even a request system, always actively pursue answers to your inquiries, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Safety and Trustworthiness of Canadian Social Casinos
Sticking to only the safest and most trustworthy Canadian social casinos is in your best interest. The process of identifying the right site involves four key steps and is relatively straightforward.
Regulations in Canada
Social casinos are legal in Canada because they do not operate using real-money, and therefore, are not considered a form of gambling. Instead, they fall under the category of sweepstakes contests. This differs from the “gambling house” category, which is illegal in Canada.
According to Section 197 of Canada’s Criminal Code, a gambling house is “a place where people play gambling games and a portion of the bets are paid to the keeper of the place. In addition, fees may be paid by the players for the privilege of being there and the chances of winning are not equally favourable to all persons” who wager.
Security Features
Once again, you will want to engage with sites that employ top-notch security features. This includes SSL encryption, which protects your personal and financial data. The quickest way to identify an SSL encrypted site is to click on the website’s URL. If it starts with “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP” it is SSL encrypted.
You will also want to stick with sites where games are verifiably fair. Social casinos, like real-money casinos, rely on RNGs (random number generators) to ensure fair gameplay. In short, RNGs are mathematical programs that simulate the randomness of casino games. These algorithms ensure providers don’t tamper with game integrity. Fair play information can be found in the terms and conditions, live support, and FAQs.
Account protection is also of utmost importance. SSL encryption certainly helps in that area, but so do simple measures like strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Transparency
Before you even think about playing games or redeeming prizes, I strongly urge you to complete KYC (know your customer) verification at sign up. This process involves submitting a valid government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport to confirm that the personal information you’ve provided is correct and verifiable. Properly verifying your account is how social casinos ensure the fair prize redemption policies outlined in their terms and conditions.
Using only the most trusted of payment methods, i.e., bank transfers, credit cards, and e-wallets, is another measure social casinos take to ensure fair prize redemption.
Signs of a Safe Social Casino
There are a number of factors, many of which I’ve outlined throughout this guide, that go into identifying a safe social casino. On top of primary elements like account and data security and game integrity, I also encourage you to seek out player reviews. Sites with both positive customer feedback and an emphasis on the basic tenets highlighted in this page are certainly worth exploring.
I’ll sum it up like this: a safe social casino is one that prioritizes account security and game fairness, offers accessible and effective customer service, and has both the expert and player reviews to back it all up.
Responsible Gaming for Social Casino Players
While social casinos offer free-to-play avenues, you can still invest your money and time in these sites. That is why it is imperative to install responsible gambling practices into your social casino gameplay.
Here are some helpful tips for exercising healthy gaming habits, alongside a list of leading organizations and resources for players nationwide.
Setting Limits
As I noted earlier, spending can be a part of the social casino experience. Don’t assume that just because the games are inherently free-to-play that you won’t need to monitor your spending. The same goes for the time you spend on each session. It’s best to set firm limits on both time and spending ahead of each session, and abide by those parameters regardless of how the session plays out. You can track your spending through your player profile, and some sites will even let you download a copy of your transaction history.
Recognizing Problematic Behaviour
Being able to self-regulate is especially important when interacting with social casinos. A major component of self-regulation is recognizing problematic behaviour before and during gaming sessions, and then taking the necessary steps to correct the issue.
Examples of problematic behaviour include chasing losses, ignoring time and spending limits, and letting your emotions influence betting decisions.
If you find yourself struggling with these signs, there are several problem gambling support resources available to you (listed below).
Taking Breaks
Gaming sessions have the potential to escalate with the absence of precautionary measures. The simplest, of which, is taking breaks. Calling a timeout and stepping away is an integral part of maintaining a healthy balance, as it allows you to remove yourself from the action and assess the session in relation to your set parameters.
Sometimes, it is the simplest step that is most effective.
Canadian Responsible Gaming Resources
Canadian players have access to an abundance of responsible gambling organizations and resources. Below is a province-by-province breakdown of the organizations and tools for players in need of support.
Ontario
- ConnexOntario: Call toll-free (866-531-2600) or text (247247) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There are also chat and email options available. ConnexOntario is not a counselling service but it does connect you to compatible treatment options local to you.
- Responsible Gambling Council (Available Canada-wide): Phone (416-499-9800)
Alberta
- Problem Gambling Resources Network Alberta: Phone (780-461-1259), Email [email protected]
- Alberta Health Services (contact) + Recommended Educational Resources
British Columbia
- Gambling Support BC: Phone (1-888-795-6111)
- Centre for Gambling Research at the University of British Columbia
Manitoba
- Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM): Phone (1-800-463-1554)
New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Department of Health and Wellness: Phone (1-800-461-1234)
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Humberwood Treatment Centre
- Bridge the gapp
- Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services: Addictions Services: Phone (1-877-753-7589) or (709-752-3916)
Nova Scotia
- Gambling Support Network: Phone (1-888-347-8888)
- Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program: Phone (1-888-429-8167)
Prince Edward Island
- PEI Gambling Addiction Services: Phone (1-855-255-4255)
Quebec
- Gambling: Help and Referral: Phone (514-527-0140) or (1-800-461-0140)
Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline: Phone (1-800-306-6789)
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Casinos in Canada
Yes, social casinos are legal everywhere in Canada except for Québec. The legality of social casinos largely hinges on the fact that no purchase is necessary to play casino-style games.
Yes, you can win real money at Canadian social casinos. Winnings come in the form of prizes that you can redeem after acquiring enough premium currency, known as Sweepstakes Coins (SC), to meet the minimum cash prize redemption threshold at a social casino site. You cannot win real money with gold coins, a.k.a. free-to-play currency.
Sweepstakes Coins, or SC, is the premium currency used at social casinos. Sweepstakes Coins cannot be purchased directly and are instead received as part of bonuses or as free gifts when you buy standard currency (gold coins). You can wager with Sweepstakes Coins the same way you would with traditional Canadian currency. If you win enough SC, you can request a redemption as a cash prize or gift card.
WOW Vegas is currently the best social casino in Canada. It features a diverse catalogue of slots from top providers, a remarkably smooth layout and performance on desktop and mobile, and intuitive social and redemption features. We do, however, recommend all social casino sites listed on this page.
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