Top tips for keeping yourself safe when online gaming

You can do many things to ensure that you gamble safely and remain in control whenever you place a wager online. This applies to casino gaming and sports betting. While we appreciate this broad definition, which encompasses several different markets, strategies and ways to bet, most of the elements we will touch on today apply across the gambling world.

It doesn’t really matter if you play online slots, poker or place horse racing bets, the principles remain largely the same. While they may have slight nuances and manifest in different ways depending on the market you prefer, so long as you take on board some of the tips we’re going to explore today, you should set a solid foundation for yourself when gambling online.

Understand the market

This applies to any bet — it doesn’t matter if you’re placing a bet on the lottery or looking for a market on a football game; it is dangerous territory to bet on any game or competition you do not understand. While you can’t necessarily shift the odds in your favor just by having all the facts available, you can better understand the gaming mechanics, the main issues you could encounter, and most importantly, when to stop playing and when you’ve had enough. 

If you play poker, we recommend reading up extensively on the rules. If you want to play other casino games that do not require the same level of strategy, we recommend checking out sweepstakes casinos, where you can play slots or roulette without putting down any money. 

Gain practical experience at a sweepstakes casino

Once you understand how slots and roulette work, which shouldn’t take too long, sweepstakes casinos can provide the next stage of experience, where platforms offer their own unique currencies that you can only use on their site. These may come in the form of gold coins, tokens or betting credits, but most importantly, you won’t have to spend any cash. 

Sweepstakes have become an integral part of the global industry, where they act as a great alternative in jurisdictions where online casinos are not permitted. Licensing requirements differ — you want to consult trusted sources to ensure you’re playing on a safe and responsible platform. Time2play ranks top sweepstakes casinos in Canada, for example, evaluating each operator based on the quality of each platform, gaming options, site security, licensing and reputation within the iGaming community.

Manage your finances 

You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Don't gamble with money set aside for essential household expenditures such as rent or groceries, and always ensure that you set deposit limits to prevent you from depositing any funds over your allocated budget. 

With more casinos offering an array of fresh payment methods, managing your budget remains a pressing matter. Cryptocurrency, which is amid a new bull run in the latter stages of 2024, is becoming a common sight at online casinos. 

Back in the 1990s, Michael Jordan was one of the most famous sportspeople on the planet, and he was renowned for high-rolling late-night blackjack games, even at the height of his career. His disposable income would be much higher than mine or yours, so the budget depends on the individual. 

Ensure you know this figure when you calculate your monthly expenses. This is half the battle and will help you stay in control. 

Time constraints

Set your time limits and deposit limits. Most casinos and sportsbooks have this information on their responsible gambling page, including details and information about how their cooling-off period works or how to set up your account to lock you out after a certain amount of time. 

Given the number of casino games available online and that this number is growing daily, it can be easy to lose track of time as you browse a casino site, especially if you’re looking through a slot gaming library. To remain within your time confines, keep your gaming measured, don’t get carried away and ensure you use the tools available from the casino or sportsbook. 

You can set different time-out periods; some gamblers will opt for a 24-hour cool-off, some for a week and others choose a multiple-month period. Sports betting and casino platforms will also provide you with the option of permanently blocking yourself from their site, but you will often need to consult their customer service to get this put in place. 

Conclusion

Time and deposit limits are the main principles of safe gambling. However, we recommend learning to use responsible gambling tools, such as cooling-off periods and deposit limits that help you manage your gaming. If we were setting up an outdoor workspace or living area, we would take time to prepare, read up on how best to achieve our goal and formulate a plan. The same applies to gambling safely online — preparation is vital.

If you believe you have an issue or know somebody who does, there is help available. Problem gambling can manifest in many ways, but examples include exceeding the time and deposit limits you have set yourself, viewing gambling as a form of income or negatively impact your close relationships. Organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous can direct you to a local support group and assist if you or somebody you know needs help with problem gambling.

The History of Games of Chance in Canada

Gambling, whether it be for fun or competitive, has been present in Canada for centuries. Let’s go through the timeline highlights.

Early Days of Gambling in Canada

The earliest known form of gambling in Canada was the game Slahal, also known as the bone game, stick game, and hand game. It’s a two-player or team-based game with pieces that operate like dice. The game once used animal bones or sticks, although other objects have since replaced these pieces.

During the late 1400s, dice games were banned in England, which also meant they were prohibited on Canadian land when the English claimed it. By the 1600s, European settlers had brought casino games like poker, roulette, and blackjack, although the general attitude towards gambling remained strongly opposed to it.

Introduction of Horse Racing

Formal, organized horse racing arrived in Canada in the 1760s, with one of the first racing events taking place in 1767 near Quebec City at the Plains of Abraham. The race was run to win a purse worth $40, equaling approximately $1,500 today. Since then, horse racing has been one of the few socially accepted and legally permitted forms of gambling in Canada. Racing events became common at county fairs and racing clubs across the country. However, racing was restricted in some locations, such as in Halifax in the late 1700s. 

The Criminal Code Bans Gambling

In 1892, Canada’s Criminal Code was updated to incorporate all forms of gambling and regulate where and when gambling could take place in Canada. This update made most forms of gambling illegal and regulated them at the federal level. The enactment of this Criminal Code provision is believed to have been aimed at gaining public approval, reflecting widespread views of gambling as a heretical and harmful social activity.

However, in 1910, an exception was made for pari-mutuel betting, which splits the losses between the winners and the house. The term comes from a Parisian betting style that France legalized in 1894. Around the same time that pari-mutuel betting was legalized, bingo, raffles, and other forms of gambling for charity were legalized. By 1925, legalization extended to agricultural fairs and town exhibitions. 

Legalization of Lotteries

In 1969, the federal government legalized government-run lotteries after it realized their potential to raise funds for various needs. Since the lotteries had to be run with specific projects in mind, the first national lottery was formed to help fund the Montreal Olympic Games in 1974. It also benefited amateur sports in all participating provinces. In total, $230 million was raised for the games and $25 million for the provinces. Winners also enjoyed a total of $120 million in prize money. 

Provinces Get Control of Gambling Regulations

In 1970, provinces gained control of licensing and regulating legal gambling activities within their borders, though the federal government still determines which gambling activities are allowed to be regulated. This was a change from gambling rules being made at the federal level and taking effect country-wide. From this time on, the laws surrounding gambling in Canada have varied from region to region. It’s also important to note that while the federal government may allow certain activities, an individual province does not have to license or regulate them, making them illegal in that province.

Legalization of Casinos

In 1985, the federal government made a monumental change: It legalized most forms of gambling, giving provinces free reign to license and regulate gaming, including establishments like casinos. By 1989, the country’s first casino, the Crystal Casino, opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Sports Betting & Online Gambling

For years, legal sports betting didn’t include single-game sports betting, and online gambling in Canada restricted Canadians to playing on offshore sites. However, in 2021, this all changed. The government estimated that Canadians were spending billions through illegal or offshore sites and that legalizing the activities would protect players and benefit Canada’s economy. Now, these forms of gambling are regulated from province to province, many of which have embraced them and built lucrative online gambling marketplaces. 

On April 4, 2022, Ontario became the first province to open an online market to the public. Since then, other provinces have begun regulating online gambling as well, making it possible for many Canadians to access real money slot options at SlotsOnlineCanada.com and other regulated and legal platforms.

Current State of Gambling in Canada

Canada’s gambling industry is thriving today. Nearly 19 million Canadians gamble yearly, making up nearly two-thirds of the country’s population. Online gambling is also thriving within the industry and is estimated to generate $4 billion in profit, with $2.6 billion of this attributed to online casinos. These numbers are only anticipated to grow in the coming years.

While the gambling industry brings in a great deal of revenue that benefits Canada and its economy, it also comes with concerns relating to mental health. It’s estimated that 300,000 Canadians are at risk of problem gambling, and the legalization of online gaming has exacerbated the issue; resources like problem gambling help lines have seen a marked increase in calls since online gambling became available. These facts have been met with calls for stricter regulation and have already seen laws restricting the use of gaming ads. It’s not certain how or if these calls will be met or what the proper steps will be to implement changes.

Wrap Up

Canada and its people have long been connected to gambling, which has evolved from casual games to regulated and lucrative markets across the nation. The history of gambling in Canada is still unfolding, with significant milestones occurring in recent years, and from the sounds of it, there’s far more to come. It will be fascinating to see how Canada’s gambling history unfolds in the years and decades ahead.

How to Make the Most of Your Christmas Break

Christmastime isn’t merely an excuse to take time off school or work or to take a break from our responsibilities—it’s a special time of year that has an inexplicable air of magic about it. With gifts under the tree, wreaths adorning doors, and the smell of gingerbread and pine wafting through the air, all these sensory delights let us know that the holidays are here. 

The beauty of Christmas is that we can celebrate the end of the year however we want, whether we prefer solitude and relaxation or want to attend every holiday market known to man. No matter what you choose, this is the perfect time to embrace what the season brings. 

In need of some inspiration? We’ve got seven activity ideas to help you make the most of your Christmas break.

Take Time for Self-Care

Shorter days and colder weather mean many of us struggle to maintain the same energy we did in the warmer months, which signals the perfect opportunity for self-care. Whether you see self-care as a time to play free slots online at casinos.com, soak in a bubble bath, or make an effort to exercise, the holidays are the best time to rest and rejuvenate. Especially with the demanding nature of the holidays with family get-togethers, or the potential lack of them, leading to loneliness, it’s important to take time for yourself and do activities that make you feel joy. Self-care encompasses mental and physical well-being, so be sure to prioritize refreshing your mind and body.

Attend a Christmas Event

Mississauga and the broader GTA take the holidays seriously, so you’re bound to find a variety of events, from Christmas markets to light shows and performances. To kick off the month of December, you can attend the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade, featuring more than 15 floats, dancers, bands, and community members. Or why not attend a showing of The Nutcracker, a classical ballet that has become a Christmas tradition for many? Want to marvel at some spectacular tree installations? The Mississauga Festival of Trees spotlights these artist-made installations and features over 80 food and artisan vendors, workshops, and live performances.

Embrace the Cold Weather

Although the weather has been significantly warmer the past few winters, there’s nothing like basking outside in the cold. Celebration Square’s free outdoor ice rink is a local favourite, with daytime skating options, evening skate times under the city lights, and even themed skates on occasion. Whenever you need a break from the cold, you can warm up at the nearby heated patios. If you want to connect more with nature, you can skate along the 220-metre looped path at Port Credit Memorial Park or snowshoe at the Rattray Marsh conservation area (weather permitting). Would you rather walk around on your own two feet? The Riverwood Conservancy presents an incredible backdrop for a scenic hike, and you might just come across a critter or two.

Share the Holiday Spirit by Volunteering

Everyone deserves to feel the holiday cheer, and volunteering is a fantastic way to make that happen. While it can be a meaningful way to spend time with loved ones, it can also help fulfill the lives of underprivileged families and children. Although you could start your own operation, plenty of organizations around the GTA host holiday drives and look for volunteers during this time of year. For example, Food Banks Mississauga has its own Holiday Drive to provide healthy food to those facing food insecurity. The Mississauga Community Church also hosts a Christmas Toy program, a Clothing Assistance program, Community Meals, and a Christmas Assistance program to support individuals without families who may feel lonely during the holidays.

Go on Vacation

As the winter months are typically considered the off-season for many popular destinations around the world, it can be the best time to travel and cut down on costs. For those who aren’t particularly fond of the cold, you can jet set to tropical destinations like Florida or Mexico or go a little off the beaten path on a safari in Botswana. Copenhagen is another great winter vacation spot, considered the birthplace of hygge (the Danish concept of coziness and simple pleasures), while Hokkaido, Japan, might help you fall in love with winter all over again with its geological beauty. The world is a playground full of new adventures, so what better time than the longest holiday of the year to go somewhere new?

Get Creative

Consider yourself a homebody? There are plenty of holiday crafts and projects that’ll keep you busy, including DIY Christmas decorations, natural wreaths, baking Christmas cookies and treats, and decorating gingerbread houses. Been there, done that with the gingerbread houses? We’re seeing a new trend of charcuterie chalets this holiday season, complete with savoury cheese, pretzels, salami, and dip. Other simple crafting ideas include taking up knitting or crocheting, making festive scented candles, or experimenting with new art media. 

Spend Time with Loved Ones

For most people, the holidays are about spending time with those you love, above all else. Whether doing one of the activities on this list or carrying on an age-old tradition, it’s about making the effort and intention to connect on a deeper level. Some ideas include hosting a holiday movie marathon, cooking a feast together, starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition, sharing funny or heartfelt memories, and playing board games or video games together.