Offshore Online Casinos in Canada
Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Mary Henderson
Have you ever Googled “online casinos Canada”? You’ve probably seen a lot of flashy sites with crazy bonuses and jackpots. They all look promising at first.
Did you know most of them are offshore casinos? But most importantly, how do you know they’re safe?
Your former croupier here is about to spill some beans, so stay tuned.
Tell you what, not all that glitters is gold. So, what offshore online casinos actually are, how they operate in Canada, and how to tell if you’re about to score big or get scammed? Find answers to all this, plus a handpicked list of legit foreign-based casinos for Canadian players.
Offshore Casinos: What’s the Deal?
First things first.
In Canada, provinces stick to their own government-run sites. I’m talking PlayNow (British Columbia), Loto-Quebec (Quebec), or Play Alberta (Alberta). They’re doing just fine, but not as good as Ontario. Since 2022, Ontario has been open to a bunch of new gambling brands that play by the province’s rules.
And there are offshore sites (foreign-based, international – call them as you wish). This is when it gets interesting, since many Canadians are hitting those offshore casinos. Why? More games, crazier bonuses, and just better vibes.
So, what are offshore casinos actually?
In a few words, those are glitzy gambling platforms that aren’t registered in Canada. I mean, they are based in other countries, but Canucks can still access them. The thing is that these sites are based in countries with less strict gambling rules, such as Malta, but also target the international market.
Here’s the kicker: even if they’re foreign, many of them are totally legit (licensed). Their variety of games, bonuses, and offers is what attracts players. Facts are facts, and millions of users worldwide, including Canadians, are logging in to these sites.
Legally speaking, offshore casinos based and licensed outside Canada can deliver services to Canadians. But the Canadian law doesn’t allow unlicensed operators to run gambling sites within the country. The thing is that those offshore operators are not regulated by Canadian law, so player protection is somewhat in a gray area.
The trick is to stick to reputable and regulated offshore casinos, even when there’s a ton of sites catching your attention.
Offshore Gambling: Where to Play in Canada?
Let’s chat about foreign-based online casinos that are taking the Canadian industry by storm. As someone who’s seen the ins and outs for several years, I’m here to give you a lowdown on the offshore gambling world.
First up, there’s SmokAce Casino, a crowd favourite, and for a good reason. With licensing from a big boss like the Curacao, it’s more than legit. SmokAce got your back, whether you’re into classy slots, live dealer action, or juicy jackpots. Plus, its mobile app makes gaming a breeze on the go.
Next on the list is Let’s Lucky, another popular platform with a solid rep for being a tried and secure casino. The vast selection of games and the user-friendly site will surely get your attention. What’s more, they’ve got that super-rewarding loyalty program that will keep you glued to your screens.
JackpotCity (who’s been around since ‘98), SpinAway (the new kid on the block with plenty to offer), and Talismania (with an exclusive airport theme) are just a few of the other top choices for Canadians.
Here’s a full breakdown of offshore casinos currently up for grabs in Canada.
1
100%, up to $1,600
- Outstanding four-part welcome offer for new players
- Decent live dealer casino section
- Long-lasting casino, operating since 1998
2
$1,500 Bonus + 100 Free Spins
- Over 2,500 games from A-list providers
- Wide range of payment options, crypto included
- AGCO registration and iGaming Ontario operating agreement
3
50 Free Spins No Wagering
- Award-winning gaming platform
- Licensed in Canada
- Over 3,000 games from industry’s premium providers
4
100% Up to $750 + 200 FS + 1 Bonus Crab
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Excellent selection of promotions
- Multiple payment methods (crypto included)
5
100% Bonus Up to $700 + 100 FS on Gates of Olympus
- Generous welcome package and various promos
- Over 9,000 games from big-name brands
- Multi-tier VIP system
6
$4,500 Welcome Offer + 300 Free Spins
- Partnership with leading game providers
- Generous welcome offer and multiple ongoing promos
- Rewarding VIP programme
7
$5,000 + 400 Free Spins
- Lucrative welcome bonus
- Attractive and user-friendly website design
- A solid selection of casino and live dealer games
8
150% Deposit Match Up to C$200 + 140 Free Spins
- Over two decades in the industry make it a reputable and reliable gaming spot.
- Some of the best welcome offers out there, starting with 40 free spins on a first deposit of only C$1.
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal options to cater to all Canadian players.
9
100% Up to $750 + 200 Free Spins + 1 Bonus Crab
- Multiple promotions and bonuses
- Casino available in several languages
- 24/7 live chat
10
225% Up to $2,910
- Modern platform with top-notch security measures
- Over 9,000 games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and exclusive titles from big brands
- New players can choose between 3 different welcome bonuses
All of the above-listed sites are known as offshore casinos, popular among Canadians. They hold official licenses and provide a secure gaming space for all players. Time-tested and fully regulated, they’ve built quite a rep among users.
How Safe Are Offshore Casinos in Canada?
Itching to try your luck at a foreign-based casino but not sure whether it’s safe?
First off, these sites are not illegal in Canada, but they still don’t fall under local regulations. Sounds like a bit of a Wild West, ain’t it? But licensing says it all.
If the casino you choose (like the ones I listed) holds a legit license from a reputable authority, then you won’t have any problem playing there, even if you’re from Canada. Licensing also means a safe and regulated space where you can enjoy fair games and secure transactions.
For instance, JackpotCity has a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is Canadian. Or LeoVegas and Casumo, which are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, the biggest licensee out there. Ever heard of Gaming Cuaraco? It provides a license to SpinAway, which has been in Canada since 2018.
Licenses are usually displayed at the bottom of the casino’s page, and trust me, casinos do show off their licenses. If you don’t see any mention on the casino’s site, it’s a red flag. But if there is a license from a reputable authority, it means the casino meets all the standards to ensure a fair and safe gaming space. So you don’t have to worry about anything.
On the legal side, Canada is one of those countries that don’t really want their citizens sending business the way of offshore casinos, but there’s nothing illegal about it. To be real, lots of such casinos target the Canadian market. At least, there are no laws stating that playing at offshore casinos in Canada is illegal.
Final Thoughts: Should You Play at Offshore Casinos?
If you want variety in games and bonuses, you could try offshore casinos. See what’s out there. Plus, there are usually lots of payment options offered by such sites (make sure you find your preferred method). What’s more, many foreign-based sites already accept crypto.
On the other side of the block, you can easily get scammed if you’re not careful enough, with so many shady sites out there. That’s why you should stick to reliable and reputable sites. Not all offshore casinos support Canada’s most popular payment options. Plus, some of them have pretty high minimum deposits and withdrawals, which isn’t the best choice for small-stakes players.
The variety of offshore casinos is quite tempting. Just make sure you stick to solid offshore sites out there. Do a little research before going all-in. Better safe than sorry. By the way, you can always hit my list of recommended online casinos in Canada.
Play responsibly and have fun, fellas!
This article is written by Mary, a seasoned professional with a rich background as a casino croupier now transitioned into a digital publisher with a keen focus on the online casino scene. With years of firsthand experience on the casino floor, Mary offers her unique perspective to the digital world of gambling.
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