Watch this video?to find out how to spot a fake casino fast. Here, our casino expert explains what to look out for and what to avoid.

We've been doing our job for years, so we know exactly what to look for in an honest online casino — and we'll only ever recommend one that we know is 100% safe and trustworthy. Keep reading to find out exactly what makes an operator reputable and where you can find the ones Canadian players trust most.

Why does online casino licensing matter?

In short: if a casino doesn't hold a license from a reputable body, it's not worth risking your money there. All good online casinos will have a legitimate license, so this is one of the first things you should be looking out for when choosing your next favourite online casino. You shouldn't have to look hard for it, either, as casinos are proud to show their badges off.

Certification is needed to protect you from fraud, cheating scandals and a whole host of other issues. There are a handful of countries that genuinely license online casinos - although Canada is still getting in on the act. The process of applying for and maintaining an online casino license is often similar to that of land-based casinos, in terms of depth and strictness.

Although things are always changing, the safest online casinos tend to be based and licensed in Malta, Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, and Costa Rica. These countries have been involved in regulated?online gambling?since the early days of the industry and they force online casinos to meet some pretty tough requirements.

The most reputable casinos tend to be based and licensed in Malta, Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, and Costa Rica.

First of all, licenses are not cheap. Not only do the issuing governments want to get a piece of the action, but it is also expensive for them to process applicants and monitor online casino action. That includes running background checks on the founding partners, looking for suspicious financial activity, and ensuring the fairness of the games. With so much time, money, and paperwork required, most casinos that hold a license can be considered reputable. Also, remember that if at any point, they start to slip with their obligations, the license can be revoked and legal charges may be pressed.

While Canadian casino players are often told they cannot trust international online casinos, the truth is that these sites have often had to comply with very stringent and detailed laws to operate. We always suggest doing some research on the jurisdiction doing the licensing, though, as not all are as thorough as the one we have mentioned above.

What about casino testing and auditing bodies?

As part of any reputable casino's licensing, the casino software must undergo rigorous and frequent testing. This ensures that the operator is offering fair and honest games. To take care of this, there are third-party auditing firms like?eCOGRA?and?Technical Systems Testing?that specialize in this kind of work.

Their job is to go into the casino software and make sure that the casino's house edge is accurately reported in the payout percentage. This number tells Canadian gamblers, in the long run, how much money they should expect to receive on any given bet (yes, it's essentially always less than what you wagered). This number accounts for all kinds of games, bonuses, and jackpots.

Looking for the most reputable online casinos? Read our independent,?in-depth reviews?on the top casinos to trust, as well as the ones to avoid.

When you start browsing through international online casinos, you must know which company is responsible for its legally-required third party auditing. We already mentioned eCOGRA and TST, for example, which are by far the most important firms in this industry. If you see another company, check to see what they investigate. Are withdrawals verified? Does the casino measure customer support times? What about bonus payouts? Do your homework so you are not caught out by casinos posing as fair and regulated.

What is a random number generator?

Random number generators (known as RNGs) are pieces of software that, as the name implies, generate random numbers! These numbers are used to determine the result of spinning reels on digital slot machines and the roll of digital dice. They ensure that games are fair, and offer unquestionable honesty to reputable?online casinos.

We have to depend on those big-name third-party auditing firms to randomly test?random number generators?at safe online casinos. If you don't trust the auditors, you shouldn't trust the casino!

Can I trust online casinos?

One of the biggest concerns when gaming online is knowing which online casinos you can trust. The most?reputable online casinos?will provide the same air-tight security you'd expect when shopping or banking online, but the most reputable online casinos will go the extra mile to ensure that your details are safe. You can learn more about?how we rate online casinos.

Always read the fine print

Even with a trusted online casino, you should always make sure you read any terms and conditions when you sign up. Withdrawals generally have some restrictions which can become complicated if you have un-cleared?bonus?money sitting in your account. You should also make sure you know how long it takes to complete?banking transactions?and if your casino charges you any transaction fees. This information is right at your fingertips and it makes more sense to educate yourself before there's a problem than afterwards.

Finally, a lot of players can't stand having to provide documentation to prove their identity to withdraw their money. This, though, is almost always required by reputable casinos and prevents a whole host of problems including international money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion. Just remember that this small inconvenience is the price you pay when you want to play with the most trusted online casinos.

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