By Elliot Marsh, lead reviewer (pen name) | Checked
Casino games differ hugely in what they cost you to play: blackjack with basic strategy keeps the house edge under half a percent, craps pass line costs 1.41% and single-zero roulette 2.70%, while keno takes 25% to 29% of every bet, according to the Wizard of Odds. In Canada you can play online casino games for real money legally on your provincial crown site and, in Ontario and Alberta, on private casinos registered with the regulator. This hub compares the main games and links to our full guide for each.
Online casino games ranked by house edge
The house edge is the share of each bet the casino expects to keep over the long run. The lower it is, the longer a budget tends to last. Figures are from the Wizard of Odds unless noted.
| Game | House edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 0.28%-0.43% | Depends on table rules |
| Baccarat, Banker bet | 1.06% | Player 1.24%, Tie 14.36% |
| Craps, pass or come | 1.41% | Other bets vary widely |
| French roulette, even money with la partage | 1.35% | Single-zero wheel |
| European roulette | 2.70% | Single zero |
| Aviator (crash game) | about 3% | From Spribe’s 97% RTP |
| Slots | typically 3%-6% | From the game’s RTP; varies by version |
| American roulette | 5.26% | Zero and double zero |
| Keno | 25%-29% | Among the costliest games |
The slot range is our reading of the published RTPs of popular games, most of which sit between about 94% and 96.7% at their top settings. Poker is not on the list because you play other people and the site takes a fee instead.
Table games: blackjack, roulette and baccarat
Table games are where the lowest house edges are found. Online blackjack rewards correct decisions: basic strategy keeps the edge at its minimum, while a 6 to 5 blackjack payout or side bets push it up. Roulette’s cost depends on the wheel, so always look for a single zero; our roulette guide shows the edge for every bet. Baccarat needs no decisions after the bet, and Banker is the cheapest choice; see our baccarat guide. All three come in RNG versions dealt by software and live dealer versions streamed from a studio.
Craps and sic bo
Craps is a dice game where the whole table bets on the shooter’s rolls. The pass and come bets carry a house edge of 1.41%, which makes them some of the better bets in the casino, while many of the one-roll proposition bets in the middle of the craps table cost far more. Online craps is less common than blackjack or roulette, but RNG and live versions exist. Sic bo is a three-dice game of Asian origin with bets on totals and combinations; its house edge varies a lot by bet, so check the paytable for each one before you play.
Keno and other number games
Keno draws 20 numbers from 80, and you win according to how many of your picks are drawn. With a house edge of 25% to 29%, it costs far more per dollar than almost any other casino game. Free keno games are a good way to see how rarely the big pay tiers hit. Lottery-style games such as scratch cards and instant bingo have their own published odds; our scratch cards page explains where to find them.
Slots, game shows and crash games
Slots make up most online casino lobbies. Their RTP is set by the studio, often in several versions, and their volatility decides how bumpy a session feels. Live game shows such as Crazy Time and crash games such as Aviator sit between slots and table games: simple bets, fast rounds and published RTPs. Our slots hub covers the slot side in detail.
Free casino games versus real money
Free online casino games come in three kinds. Studio demos run the real game logic with play credits. Practice modes on casino sites do the same, where offered. Social casino apps sell or give away coins that cannot be cashed out. All three are useful for learning rules; none tells you anything about future results. When you play casino games for real money, you need an account with a licensed site, identity checks and, in regulated provinces, to be physically located in that province.
Real cash casino games: the legal options
Ontario has OLG.ca and the private brands on the iGaming Ontario list. Alberta has Play Alberta plus a private market that opened on 13 July 2026. PlayNow serves British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Loto-Quebec runs Quebec’s online casino and Atlantic Lottery covers the Atlantic provinces. Offshore sites accept Canadians under licences from places such as Kahnawake, Malta, Curacao or Anjouan; no province licenses them, so provincial complaint routes do not apply.
| # | Operator | Score | Regulator | Legal in | Interac | In your province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  BetMGM Casino | 89 Recommended | AGCO / iGaming Ontario | ON, AB | Yes | - |
| 2 |  OLG | 88 Recommended | Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation | ON | Not stated | - |
| 3 |  Stardust Casino | 85 Recommended | AGCO / iGaming Ontario | ON, AB | Yes | - |
| 4 |  PlayNow | 82 Recommended | BCLC | BC, MB, SK | Not stated | - |
| 5 |  Espacejeux (Loto-Quebec) | 82 Recommended | Loto-Quebec | QC | Not stated | - |
| 6 |  Atlantic Lottery (ALC) | 81 Recommended | Atlantic Lottery Corporation, owned by NB, NS, PEI and NL | NB, NS, PE, NL | Not stated | - |
Choosing a game for your budget
If you want a budget to last, pick games with a low house edge and keep bets small: blackjack, baccarat on Banker, craps pass line or single-zero roulette. If you prefer the chance of a large win, accept that high-volatility slots and long-shot bets will usually cost more over an evening. Whatever you play, decide your spend first. Online casino games in Canada are for adults: 19+ (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec). Our responsible gambling page lists free helplines by province.
Questions readers ask
- Which casino game has the best odds?
Blackjack with basic strategy, with a house edge of about 0.28% to 0.43% depending on the rules. Baccarat's Banker bet at 1.06% and craps pass line at 1.41% are next.
- Which casino games have the worst odds?
Keno, with a house edge of 25% to 29%, and long-shot side bets such as the baccarat Tie at 14.36%.
- What do I need to play casino games for real money?
Yes, on your provincial crown site and, in Ontario and Alberta, on private casinos registered with the AGCO or AGLC. You must be of age and physically in the province.
- Are free casino games the same as real ones?
Studio demos use the same game logic but play credits. Social casino apps use coins with no cash value. Neither predicts real-money results.