Offshore online casinos were the only option for Canadian players before provinces started licensing and regulating iGaming operators. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk of exploitation by unlicensed operators. Fortunately, Canadians across many provinces can now access locally licensed gambling sites. The impact of licensing on players is positive, especially when it comes to fair play and player safety.
Some provinces are still dragging their feet on iGaming licensing and regulation. However, the online casino Ontario regulatory authority has demonstrated just how much can be achieved through regulation. Here is a brief overview of how licensing positively impacts fair play and player safety in Canada.
Licensing Impact on Fair Play
It's true that the casino always wins. However, this doesn’t imply that players cannot win. Unfortunately, players may never win at an unlicensed betting platform, as the games may be rigged. Unfortunately, you may never realize that something is not right if you don’t verify the legitimacy of online slots platforms you use. Interestingly, many players simply dismiss it as bad luck.
Fortunately, every player has a fair chance of winning when playing at a licensed online casino. Provincial gaming authorities in Canada demand that operators maintain fair play for all their games. To this end, they regularly perform RNG (Random Number Generator) audits to verify whether games have fair outcomes. As such, there is nothing to stop you from winning if you play your cards right, so to speak, and are lucky.
Licensing Impact on Player Safety
The impact of licensing on players improves their safety in several ways. Interestingly, ensuring fair play is one of the ways that licensing improves player safety. Other notable ways include the following:
Responsible Gambling
Canadian online slot licensing laws demand that all online betting platforms provide responsible gambling tools. To this end, operators in Canada provide the following responsible betting features:
- Financial (Deposit, Loss, and Wager/Bet) Limits: Help players manage and restrict their spending.
- Time Limits: Stop players from spending too much time gambling online.
- Reality Checks: Help players track their gambling activities, such as the money and time spent playing.
- Cool-Off Periods: Let players take short breaks from online gambling.
- Self-Exclusion Programs: Let players suspend their accounts for longer periods (weeks, months, or years) or permanently.
Moreover, the authorities conduct regular responsible gambling audits. Notably, this requirement is essential, as the number of Canadians at risk of gambling addiction keeps growing. Unfortunately, unlicensed, outright fraudulent casinos may not care as long as you keep playing and spending.
Data Protection
Cyberattacks are a real threat in the iGaming industry. Hackers can steal and misuse your personal and financial information. To this end, regulators require all licensed operators to protect their players’ data. Moreover, they perform regular security checks to ascertain that the sites are indeed secure.
As a result, licensed iGaming sites in Canada apply various cybersecurity solutions. For example, end-to-end encryption is a standard security feature across virtually all sites. Besides cybersecurity technology, many sites also have strict data privacy policies that restrict the sale or distribution of their players’ information.
Assured Payouts for Winnings
Interestingly, most players’ complaints against online casinos involve delayed or denied withdrawals. This is not surprising, as unlicensed casinos know that you have limited legal recourse options.
In contrast, licensed gambling platforms are answerable to the Canadian authorities. Moreover, they risk penalties like fines and license revocation if they don’t pay out winnings. To this end, regulatory authorities demand that all casinos keep players’ funds segregated from their other funds. Moreover, they require regular financial audits and reports to evaluate every operator’s financial stability. While debatable, getting your payments on time is the most convenient impact of licensing on players, wouldn’t you agree?
Dispute Resolution
Do you have a complaint against an online casino? You can report the operator to your respective provincial authority. However, this option only works if the casino is licensed and regulated here in Canada.
Once submitted, the authorities will review your complaint and follow up with you and the casino. The authorities are fair as long as your complaint is valid. However, it is worth mentioning that you must first lodge the complaint with the casino before taking it to the authorities.
Conclusion
The impact of licensing on players in Canada is positive in various ways. Players not having to worry about fairness or their safety are the greatest impacts. Licensed operators are subject to Canadian gambling laws, which prioritize players’ overall wellbeing. As such, it is prudent to go for licensed gambling sites over unlicensed ones.
