There is now no reason to visit your local casino in order to play slot games, with those based in Canada being able to play their favorite titles on a variety of online platforms. Whether it be classic 3-reel slots, video slots or virtual reality slots, online casinos now have all bases covered, with this page outlining everything in which there is to know about slots, including their advantages and most popular titles. With slots providing one of the most enjoyable and potentially rewarding methods of gambling online today, let’s start by taking a look at their history. 
History and Background Knowledge of Slot Games
Slot games are believed to date back to the 1880’s, where the first coin-operated devices were developed. Such games were very minimalistic however, with an example being just two horses racing after the inserted coin. As well as this, winners were often paid in drinks and cigars, with cash prizes being introduced by 1888. Modern slot machines were introduced in 1894 in San Francisco, while just four years later saw the first three-reel slots with automatic payouts.
Fast forward to the 1920’s and slot machines had become popular in regions across the globe, with many being found in private social clubs. Governments were attracted due to the tax revenue involved, with the 1950’s bringing about a greater number of payout schemes, including 3- and 5-coin. Electronic slots were first developed in 1986, with a machine in Las Vegas paying our $40 million in 2003. The turn of the millennium then saw a massive increase in the amount of online casinos, despite strict regulations surrounding banking.
Playing online slots is easier than ever
Fortunately, the wave of high-speed Internet connections is growing every year. Whether you live in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Val d'Or in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, or anywhere else, access to trusted online casinos has never been easier.
Playing online is much more convenient
Even if you live near a casino like Montreal or Gatineau, online gambling platforms allow you to play slots without having to get in your car. You can go to a site like Casumo in your pajamas, pick your favorite games and spin the machines.
Convenience isn't the only benefit. Playing online also gives you total privacy, the kind you don't get when visiting a real casino. You don't have to worry about being seen by your co-workers, your boss, or a former partner. Online casinos give you the opportunity to play without anyone knowing about your passion for slots or how much you've won/lost.
In addition, online slots are perfect if your free time is limited. You're only a few mouse clicks away from a game, making it a great way to fill 15 minutes. Are you ready to learn about the best slot machines and the sites that host them? Find details on our favorite machines below.
Free Slot Machine Play
Want to play slots online? Not ready to deposit money yet? Most of the major casino sites and online slot creators allow players to check out their games for free. Casumo is one of the many sites that offer players the opportunity to play slots without registering first. With hundreds of different games to choose from, you can spend hours determining which games you like best.
If you prefer to stay away from gaming sites until you're ready to deposit, some game providers offer players the opportunity to sample their creations. Take NetEnt for example: on their site, you can play Starburst, one of the most popular slot machines on the Internet, for free.
This way, you can understand the tricks of the game without using your hard earned money. Once you feel comfortable, you can turn around and transfer your money to the site of your choice. Most sites accept several Canadian-friendly payment methods, including iDebit and InstaDebit, e-wallets, bank transfers and eChecks.
Mobile Slots
We are always on our mobile devices. The majority of Canadians and Quebecers use their smartphones or tablets as their primary device to access the Internet. As a result, all websites have adapted to mobile devices.
Online casinos are no different. These days, most online casinos offer an app that allows iOS and Android device users to access casino games like slots. If not, their site is optimized via mobile browsers to allow players to access slots like Big Bad Wolf or Book of Dead without any problems.
Tips and Tricks to Find the Best Online Slot Casino for Canadian Players
With there being so much choice for players when it comes to slots today, be sure to take into consideration the following tips and tricks before signing up with an online casino:
- Licensing – Any potential online casino offering slot games must hold a valid gambling license, which enables them to cater for players based in Canada.
- Customer Support – The best online slot casinos offer a variety of customer support features, including telephone, email and live chat, while response times should also be good across the board.
- Banking – Depositing and withdrawing cash should be safe, fast and convenient for players, whether it be through credit cards, e-wallets or bank wires. Be sure that the payment method in which you wish to use is available on any potential casino site.
- Terms & Conditions – Any online casino in operation today should make their terms and conditions available to players, with those who fail to do so likely to be breaking the rules, making them unreliable as a result.
- Software – Slot games today are delivered by leading software providers, helping to add to the excitement and potential rewards. So, be sure to look into which providers a potential online slot casino works alongside.
- Mobile – Ideally, slot games should be available to play on both desktop and mobile platforms, without any of the quality being effected.
- Demo – For beginners, it may be important to take advantage of free-to-play slot games before using your own money. Doing so will allow players to fully understand how such games work, including the rules, bonuses and jackpots.
