The popularity of igaming is growing in Canada, and it’s been triggered by Ontario’s decision to create its own regulated market. The move by Ontario has been one of the biggest developments in the Canadian igaming scene and has seen other provinces create government-run igaming operators. Igaming fans can enjoy the activity without fear of the law coming down on them, rather than gaming in the gray area that doing so on offshore sites can present.
Of course, some gaming operators have better sites than others. If you’ve not been on one before, how do you tell the difference between a good one and a bad one? Below is a look at the things you can expect a good igaming website to have, whether you’re looking to play a slot online or other casino games. This article will also look at some of the newer, more innovative features some sites have.
Evidence of licensing and regulation
Safe igaming is important not just to the player, but to the operator as well. Good operators will display details of their licensing and who regulates them, so that players know who to can turn to if they have a grievance with the operator. Legitimate operators will also show any certificates or seals of approval that their games are fair.
Security
Reputable operators take the safety of their business and of their players very seriously and employ robust security measures to protect both. Look for SSL encryption, indicated by “https” at the start of the website’s URL. This is more secure than “http” and encrypts data so that third parties can’t intercept the details of any transactions between the player and the operator.
Variety of games
No operator wants players to feel bored and switch to another igaming provider. That’s why they update their offering regularly. Whereas physical establishments have a more limited selection of games and betting, online igaming operators give players much more variety, whether it’s poker, table games or slots. Players don’t have to stick to the same games.
Variety of payment options
Igaming providers make paying to use the services just as convenient as playing online. As well as accepting traditional payment methods for online services, such as debit cards and bank transfers, many accept payments via digital wallets, payments by mobile and, in some cases, even cryptocurrencies.
Bonuses and promotions
Igaming operators know how competitive the industry is and are grateful when, out of all the many igaming businesses out there on the internet, players choose to play with them. Good operators offer bonuses and run promotions not only to attract new players and retain existing ones, but also to show their gratitude to players. Expect to see several bonuses and promotions on the site of a reputable operator.
The operator is also likely to run a loyalty scheme, which rewards people who play on the site regularly with credits to use on the igaming site or with other prizes. If you spend a considerable amount of money on the site, you may even be eligible for VIP schemes that reward you with extra benefits standard users don’t enjoy. That could be benefits such as tickets to events or the return of certain amounts of money spent even if you lose on games.
Advanced technology
To operate online successfully, igaming operators employ the latest in technology. If they don’t, they can get left behind. Streaming technology is a major tool, as operators will use this to help them conduct live casino gaming, which streams games with croupiers from the igaming operator’s studio and onto the devices of the player.
Innovations you’ll see good operators employing
Igaming operators’ desire to steal an edge on their competitors means they follow tech very closely, leading to some exceptionally cool features on their sites. Here are a couple to look out for:
Virtual / augmented reality (VR/AR)
The incorporation of VR/AR capabilities into igaming is helping players to enjoy an immersive experience. They can feel as if they’re playing in a casino, watching the action at a racetrack or other scenarios that involve betting. The use of avatars adds a personal touch to their experience.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency
Casinos looking to save money on transaction costs have started to incorporate blockchain technology into them. The market for cryptocurrencies is growing and igaming operators are realising they’re missing out on huge opportunities by not accepting cryptocurrencies. As well as cutting transaction costs, the use of blockchain technology allows players to enjoy privacy, better odds and better returns.
Good operators will have most of the features mentioned above, if not all of them. Other elements to keep your eye open for when choosing a site include a user-friendly interface and responsive customer service. If they don’t have these, be patient and look for a better operator. There are plenty out there.
