Casino Glossary
40+ casino terms explained for Canadian players. From wagering requirements to AGCO licensing.
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Wagering Requirement (Playthrough)
The number of times you must bet your bonus before you can withdraw winnings. A 30x wagering requirement on a CAD 100 bonus means you must wager CAD 3,000 total.
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RTP (Return to Player)
The percentage of all wagered money a slot machine returns to players over time. An RTP of 96% means the casino keeps 4% on average. Higher RTP = better odds for the player.
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Pay Line
A line on a slot machine where winning symbol combinations must land. Classic slots have 1-5 paylines; modern video slots can have 10-1,024+ paylines (or "ways to win").
Progressive Jackpot
A jackpot that increases every time the game is played but not won. Mega Moolah is the most famous example, often reaching CAD millions.
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iGaming Ontario
The government-owned entity managing Ontario's regulated online gambling market. All licensed operators must register with iGaming Ontario and follow AGCO rules.
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AGCO
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The provincial regulator for gambling in Ontario. AGCO-licensed casinos must follow strict player protection rules including self-exclusion and deposit limits.
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No Deposit Bonus
A free bonus given to new players without requiring a deposit. Usually free cash (CAD 10-25) or free spins. Subject to wagering requirements.
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Free Spins
Free turns on a slot game. Usually part of a welcome bonus package or given as a standalone promotion. Winnings from free spins are subject to wagering requirements (usually 30-40x).
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Live Casino
Casino games played with real dealers streamed in real-time via video. Available 24/7. Includes live roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and game shows like Crazy Time.
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KYC (Know Your Customer)
Identity verification process required by casinos before allowing withdrawals. Typically requires photo ID (passport, driver's license) and proof of address. Required by law at AGCO-licensed casinos.
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Self-Exclusion
A voluntary program where you ban yourself from gambling. In Ontario, you can self-exclude from all iGaming Ontario licensed casinos simultaneously. Contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600.
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Interac e-Transfer
Canada's bank-to-bank payment service. The most popular deposit/withdrawal method at Canadian online casinos. Deposits are instant; withdrawals typically arrive in 1-4 hours.
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Minimum Deposit
The smallest amount you can deposit at a casino. Typically CAD 10-20 at most Canadian casinos. Some premium casinos require CAD 20-50 minimum.
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Cashback Bonus
A promotion where the casino returns a percentage (usually 5-20%) of your net losses over a period. Some casinos offer weekly cashback to existing players.
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VIP Program / Loyalty Program
A tiered rewards system where players earn points for wagering. Higher tiers get better bonuses, faster withdrawals, dedicated account managers, and exclusive promotions.
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House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino has over players. Blackjack has a house edge of ~0.5% (with perfect strategy); roulette is 2.7% (European) or 5.26% (American).
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Volatility (Variance)
How frequently and how much a slot pays out. Low volatility = frequent small wins. High volatility = rare but large wins. Most progressive jackpot slots are high volatility.
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Crypto Casino
An online casino that accepts cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT) as a payment method. Stake.com is Canada's most popular crypto casino with 23.5M monthly visits.
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MGA
Malta Gaming Authority. A highly respected European gambling regulator. MGA-licensed casinos meet international standards for player protection, though not subject to AGCO/Ontario rules.
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Curacao License
A gaming license issued by the Curaçao government. Common among offshore casinos. Less strict than AGCO or MGA. Players have fewer legal protections under a Curacao license.
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Bonus Code / Promo Code
A code entered during registration or deposit to claim a bonus. We never promote promo codes — all bonuses on casinoguide-ca.com activate automatically.
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Wild Symbol
A slot symbol that substitutes for other symbols to create winning combinations. Some wilds are "sticky" (stay in place for multiple spins) or "expanding" (cover entire reels).
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Scatter Symbol
A slot symbol that triggers bonus features (free spins, bonus rounds) regardless of position on the reels. Usually 3+ scatters needed to trigger.
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Bonus Round / Free Spins Feature
A special game mode triggered by scatter symbols or other conditions. Usually offers free spins with multipliers, pick-em games, or other enhanced features.
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Max Bet
The maximum amount you can bet per spin. Important for bonus terms — some bonuses restrict or void winnings if you bet above a maximum while bonus funds are active.
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Rollover
Another term for wagering requirement. The number of times bonus funds must be wagered before withdrawal is permitted.
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Withdrawal Limit
The maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction, day, or month. VIP players often have higher limits. AGCO-licensed casinos must process withdrawals within reasonable timeframes.
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Responsible Gambling
Playing within your means for entertainment, not to generate income. Tools include deposit limits, time limits, self-exclusion. ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 for help.
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ConnexOntario
Ontario's free, confidential helpline for problem gambling, mental health and addiction support. Available 24/7: 1-866-531-2600. Available online at connexontario.ca.
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Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
The province-wide resource for gambling help in Ontario. Call 1-888-230-3505 or visit problemgambling.ca.
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Verified Casino
A casino that our editorial team has tested directly — registered an account, made a real deposit, played games, contacted support, and completed a withdrawal.
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CAD (Canadian Dollar)
The currency of Canada. Canadian players should prefer casinos that offer CAD as a base currency to avoid currency conversion fees.
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GameSense
A responsible gambling program available in Ontario, BC, and other provinces. Provides information, tools and support for maintaining healthy gambling habits. Visit gamesense.com.
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BCLC
British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Operates PlayNow.com — BC's regulated online gambling platform. Separate from iGaming Ontario.
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Loto-Québec
Quebec's provincial gaming corporation. Operates Espacejeux.com — Quebec's regulated online casino. Different regulatory framework from Ontario.
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Welcome Package
A bundle of bonuses offered to new players, typically including a deposit match bonus + free spins spread across the first few deposits.
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No Wagering Casino
A casino that offers bonuses without wagering requirements. PlayOJO is the most notable example — free spin winnings go directly to your real money balance.
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Provably Fair
A cryptographic system used primarily by crypto casinos to prove that game results are truly random and haven't been manipulated. Common at Stake.com and similar crypto sites.
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Evolution Gaming
The world's leading live casino provider. Powers the live casino at most major Canadian online casinos. Offers live roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and game shows.
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Pragmatic Play
One of the leading slot and live casino providers. Known for the Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, and other popular titles. Also offers live casino games.