Online slot games are the most popular casino games among Canada’s growing online gambling market. Naturally, many online casinos and slot providers have set up shop here. With dozens of local and international slot providers in Canada all competing for the same market, one can’t help but wonder what they do.
So, what is the role of local and international slot providers here in Canada? This article has all the answers and more.
What Do Slot Developers in Canada Do?
Slot developers in Canada do most of the work that’s needed to bring slot games to your screen. Their most important roles include the following:
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Game Development
Designing and programming slot games is the most important thing that slot providers do. They write the codes that bring the symbols, reels, and other features together. They are also responsible for the technical, such as setting the RTP rates and volatility levels. Moreover, they come up with creative features like themes, cascading reels, and more. Some developers are even experimenting with virtual reality (VR) slots. Interestingly, every slot developer has a special, signature feature that their games are known for.
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Certification, Licensing & Distribution
After developing slot games, providers license or sell them to casinos, which then bring them to you. Interestingly, some developers also have their own casinos that run their games. For instance, NetEnt owns and operates Red Tiger.
However, the slots must first be tested for fairness. They must also be certified by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. This is why developers use Random Number Generators (RNG) to ensure that the games’ outcomes are fair.
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Marketing & Promotions
Despite there being thousands of slot games, some titles are more popular than others. It comes down to popularity and marketing. While casinos can also promote individual slots, many developers aggressively market their games to make them more popular with casinos and players.
Top Canadian Slot Developers
Canada is home to a few slot development companies that enjoy global recognition. Here is a brief overview of the three top Canadian slot developers:
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Arrow’s Edge
Arrow’s Edge is a slot development company based in Toronto, Ontario. It focuses on developing classic slots with a modern touch. To this end, many of its games look and feel like old-school Vegas-style slots. However, they feature modern, smoother mechanics. Some of its most popular slot titles include the following:
- Time Bender
- Mascot Madness
- Leprechaun’s Wheel of Gold
- Splash Cash
- Jurassic Journey
However, many of the slots lack the kinds of in-game bonus features available in modern Megaways slots. Additionally, most have low to medium volatility. As such, they yield small but more consistent wins.
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Spin Games
Spin Games is an acclaimed slot developer based in Vancouver, BC. It targets operators and players in regulated markets, especially Ontario and the U.S. Some of its best games include the following:
- Buffalo Rising
- Diamond Fiesta
- Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania 3
Interestingly, the developer also makes some province-specific games. For instance, some of its games are only available on PlayOLG (Ontario Lottery & Gaming). The company also partners with some of the world’s leading online casinos, such as FanDuel and DraftKings.
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PearFiction Studios
PearFiction Studios specializes on themed slots. Many of its slots feature Canadian-inspired themes, including the country’s culture and history. Some of its most popular games include the following:
- Lucky Clover
- Golden Owl 243
- Mystic Moon
Most of this developer’s games are optimized for mobile platforms. Additionally, a few of its games are province-specific.
Top International Slot Developers
Besides the few Canada-based slot providers, many international developers also operate here. The biggest names include the following:
- Pragmatic Play: Focuses on high-volatility slots like Wolf Gold and Gates of Olympus.
- Evolution Gaming: Known for live slot gamess like Monopoly Big Baller and Crazy Time.
- Microgaming: Specializes in progressive slots with the largest jackpots, such as Mega Moolah.
- NetEnt: The developer behind iconic games like Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst. Specializes in developing innovative mechanics like cascading wins.
- Big Time Gaming: The company behind the wildly popular Megaways mechanics. Its slots are highly volatile and come with big rewards.
Basically, any slot provider can enter Canada’s growing online gambling market. Interestingly, slot games from international providers are more popular than games from local providers.
Where to Play the Best Slots
Canada’s online gambling market is robust and growing steadily. To this end, many slot providers and online casinos have set up shop here. There are many locally regulated casinos. Moreover, Canadians can access hundreds of offshore casinos with ease. As such, there are plenty of places to play the best slots from local and international slot providers in Canada.
Locally Regulated Casinos
If you prefer playing legally, there are many locally regulated casinos. Most provinces have their own government-run online casinos. Additionally, there are a few land-based casinos.
If you live in Quebec, you can play at Loto-Quebec (Espacejeux). Residents of British Columbia can also play at PlayNow.com. Residents of Ontario can access dozens of locally regulated online casinos, including the following:
- BetMGM
- 888Casino
- BetRivers Casino
- Unibet Casino
- LeoVegas Casino
- FanDuel Casino
- DraftKings Casino
All other provinces in Canada don’t have locally regulated or government-run casinos. Fortunately, their online gambling regulations are loose, and residents can easily access offshore casinos.
Offshore Casinos
Canadians can access any offshore casino they want with relative ease. There are hundreds of international offshore casinos accessible from Canada. They include all of the international versions of the casinos locally regulated in Ontario.
While you can access any offshore casino, it is prudent to choose wisely. The secret is to pick casinos that are licensed and regulated internationally. Moreover, they should be regulated by respectable jurisdictions. Besides licensing, other factors to consider when picking offshore casinos include the following:
- Game Selections – Check whether the casino has your favorite slots. More importantly, ensure that their quality is good. Besides slots, you can also check other game types like table games and specialties.
- Bonuses – The offers should be generous, and their wagering requirements should be reasonable.
- Mobile Gaming – Do you prefer playing on the go? If so, check whether the casino has a mobile-compatible website or downloadable apps.
- Customer Support – Should you need help fixing anything, the customer support desk should be open 24/7.
- Security – Your data is valuable. As such, ensure that the casino’s website and other online platforms are secure. Moreover, check whether the data privacy policy is player-friendly.
Picking a reliable offshore casino can be tricky. However, you can never go wrong if you check other players’ reviews first. More precisely, read a few reviews from Canadian players before signing up.
Final Thoughts
Local and international slot providers in Canada develop and distribute the slot games many people love so much. They work with the country’s and world’s leading online casinos to offer the best slots to Canada’s growing gambling market. Interestingly, a few Canadian-based slot developers are among the industry’s leaders. Essentially, any slot provider can operate in Canada as long as they meet the strict local laws and regulations.
