How We Rate Online Casinos
Last updated: May 2026 — by Alex Mercer
Every casino that appears on CasinoCA has been evaluated using the same consistent, multi-point methodology. Our goal is simple: give Canadian players the honest, data-backed information they need to choose safely. Below is a full breakdown of the criteria we use and how much each one influences the final score.
Our promise: Affiliate commissions never influence our scores. A casino that pays us a higher commission rate does not receive a higher rating. Our editorial team and our commercial team operate independently.
Rating Criteria
We verify that every casino holds a valid licence from a recognised authority (Kahnawake, MGA, UKGC, or iGaming Ontario). We also check for responsible gambling tools, SSL encryption, and fair game certification by eCOGRA or GLI.
We evaluate the actual value of welcome offers, not just the headline number. This includes wagering requirements, game weighting, time limits, maximum bet rules, and whether the bonus is genuinely achievable.
We test deposits and withdrawals personally, prioritising Canadian methods like Interac e-Transfer. We measure payout speed, minimum/maximum limits, and any hidden fees. Pending periods and withdrawal caps are heavily penalised.
We assess the breadth and quality of the game catalogue — slots, live dealer tables, jackpots, and table games. We check the software providers, whether games are certified for fair play, and if titles load smoothly on mobile.
We contact support via live chat and email at different times of day, including outside business hours. We rate response speed, accuracy of answers, and how well support handles complaints or account issues.
We test each casino on iOS and Android — both in-browser and via any native app. We assess load times, touch responsiveness, full feature availability, and whether the deposit/withdrawal flow works seamlessly on a small screen.
Our Scoring Scale
Each casino receives a score from 1.0 to 5.0 based on the weighted criteria above. Here is how to interpret the scale:
- 4.5 – 5.0: Exceptional — among the very best options for Canadian players.
- 4.0 – 4.4: Very good — strong across all key areas with minor weaknesses.
- 3.5 – 3.9: Good — solid option with some notable drawbacks.
- 3.0 – 3.4: Average — acceptable but outperformed by better options.
- Below 3.0: We do not recommend casinos that score below 3.0.
Blacklist Policy
Some casinos are immediately disqualified regardless of other qualities. We do not list any casino that:
- Has an unresolved pattern of delayed or refused legitimate withdrawals.
- Operates without a valid licence in its jurisdiction.
- Uses predatory or deceptive bonus terms (e.g., no-withdrawal clauses, hidden fees).
- Has unresolved player complaints on major watchdog platforms (AskGamblers, Casinomeister).
- Targets underage players or lacks age-verification controls.
Review Updates
Casino terms, bonuses, and ownership change frequently. Our editorial team reviews each listing at least quarterly and updates content whenever we receive credible reports of significant changes. The "Updated" date on each page reflects the most recent verification of the information.
If you believe any information on our site is out of date or incorrect, please contact us. We investigate all reports promptly.