10 Best online slots in Canada

Canadians love their online casinos and, in particular, slot machines. So what makes them such a great draw? And which games rank among the best there is to offer?

Based on the top 10 slot games our pick is - SpaceCasino

How popular are real money online slots in Canada

Firstly, exactly how popular are online slots?

While the reasons for it are much-debated, everyone agrees that there is currently a boom in the popularity of the online slots in Canada.

What’s particularly interesting is the rate in which their popularity is increasing. According to a report from the Montreal Times, online gambling as a whole increased in the two years leading up to 2021, with slots making up a large proportion of that growth.

In other words, Canadians love their online slots.

What to look for in an online slot

While the fact of their popularity cannot be denied, not all slots are built the same. With such varied quality, it’s not surprising that Canadians have notable preferences. For some, it’s all about the theme. Some of the most loved include vikings, wolves, mystical settings and the classic fruits and symbols of yesteryear.

While the label “best” can only ever be subjective, there are other elements that can inform a player of the quality and playability of the design, all of which we’ve taken into consideration for the following list.

What is RTP?

RTP stands for return to player. In other words, how much of a percentage of the bet will, on average, be returned via winnings. So if, for example, a slot machine’s RTP is 95%, that means, on average, a player will win 95 cents for every dollar spent. 

It’s typical for most online slots to provide around 95% RTP, but many of the newer designs can reach higher than this. For the following list, we will take RTP into consideration when ranking the best slots.

What are features?

A less straightforward element of online slots to rate are features. These are the bonuses, extras, jackpots and mini games that a slot machine provides. They include free spins, wager limits and wilds. 

Features are a much more subjective element to consider because the more you have does not necessarily mean the better the design. For example, some prefer a simple, old-school, pick up and play slot that is easy to understand and not overwhelming. 

Others, instead, think the more the merrier. With modern day graphics and sound, this can offer a heart-racing experience that is highly immersive. There is no right way to play slots, just the right way for you, so we’ve also taken this into consideration for the rankings.

The best 10 online slots in Canada (according to us)

1. Wolf Gold - Pragmatic Play

There are many wolf themed video slots to choose from, but few come with the reputation of Wolf Gold. The first thing you’ll notice is the quality of graphics. This isn’t the type of fruit machine you’ll find in the corner of a smokey bar. Its stunning and immersive interface is only matched by the variety of gameplay that marks it out as one of the most unique online slots in Canada.

Some slots are all noise with no depth, but that’s not the case for Wolf Gold. If features are your thing, you’ll adore the Hold and Spin, Lock and Link, free spins, respins, scatters and wilds it provides. All with an RTP of over 96% and 5,000x wager jackpot and you might begin to understand its popularity.

2. Starburst - Netent

We start with a classic. Launched in 2012 and likely inspired by the popularity of mobile games, Starburst quickly became one of the most played online slots in the world. It’s easy to understand gameplay makes it suitable for new players and veterans alike. 

Features are, as you’d expect for a video slot with simplicity at its heart, straightforward. You have free spins, wilds and expanding symbols, all available in the 5x3 interface. The maximum win is a manageable 600x your wager amount and with an RTP of over 96%, it’s a generous offering from this legendary slot.

3. Thunderstruck II - Microgaming

First released in 2010, Thunderstruck II was an instant hit as well as an instant classic and it’s easy to see why. Way ahead of its time, the laidback music mixed with dramatic touches allows for a unique backdrop to a classic design. Add to this the generous jackpots and payouts, it’s easy to see how it has managed to stay popular years after many of its contemporaries were surpassed.

Features are pretty standard when it comes to Thunderstruck II but it’s how they’re implemented that makes the difference. Wilds, scatters, cascading wins, multipliers and free spins are all here, but the huge 8,000x your original bet jackpot provides an edge of the seat experience. It also has an RTP of over 96.5%, among the highest in the industry. 

4. Book of Dead - Play’n Go

A sequel to the hugely popular Book of Ra, this time our intrepid hero, Rich Wilde, is in Egypt on the trail of the Book of Dead. If you’re getting Raiders of the Lost Ark vibes here, it’s because the designers are clearly influenced by the classic film in its theme and presentation. The graphics and sound effects are all spot on, giving a cinematic feel to the whole thing. 

While its presentation is impressive, this isn’t an overwhelming online slot. Its subtlety is matched by its careful feature designs, including bespoke mechanics, scatters, wilds, free spins and double or nothing mini games. With a pay system 5,000x your original wager, there is scope to dream. The RTP is slightly on the low side, but not noticeably so at just under 95%.

5. Immortal Romance - Microgaming

A slot machine with an Emo twist? If that sounds intriguing, wait until you hear the rest. It’s rare a video slot that has its own soundtrack, and by soundtrack I mean actual songs by an actual band. Such is the level and quality of this slot that you’ll feel like you’re watching a classic vampire show rather than playing a slot machine.

Features are rich as well for Immortal Romance, with free spins relating to each of the four characters. Wilds are aptly named Wild Desires and there are various scatters, substitution symbols and multipliers to access as well. If that’s not enough, a wager jackpot of 12,500x will get your heart racing, not to mention the almost 97% RTP. It’s no wonder this 2011 classic remains so popular.

6 Chakras - Genii

Spirituality in a video slot? Well we can’t guarantee you’ll reach enlightenment, but we can definitely vouch for the fun and simple beauty of this online slot. The premise is quite simple, there are seven symbols, the chakras of the title, and you need to line them up. Each chakra has a different “win” relating to 49 line wins, which makes sure you’ll always be on the edge of your seat, while also feeling the zen of the sound effects.

Features are easy to understand, you have your wilds, free spins, scatters, stacks and other standard bonuses. But this simplicity is its strength, 7 Chakras is all about the line hits. The maximum jackpot is a serviceable 1,653x of your wager and the RTP is just a touch under 96%. 

7. Rainbow Riches - Slingo

Another classic online slot theme is the luck of the Irish and Rainbow Riches touches upon this in its imagery and concept. Why is it so popular? Well you can’t do much better for a slot than lucky symbols and pots of gold. This is a slot that leans heavily into simplicity. You don’t need a physics degree to enjoy this one. That’s not to say there isn’t game depth and clever takes on the modern day video slot, however.

Features are minimal, as you’d expect, but they’re regular, colourful and fun, a winning combination for a slot machine. There’s a bonus wheel and other similar mini games, free spins and multipliers. With an RTP of just under 95%, it’s a competitive slot with bags of charm.

8. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways - Red Tiger

While some video slots lean heavily into themes or symbols, a few focus instead on a central character, the hero of the story. This can give the game a fun edge when it works and the various Gonzo’s Quest games are the perfect example of a character based slot. It’s Indiana Jones meets Laurel and Hardy, as our intrepid explorer provides bags of personality in a slot machine that’s a perfect balance of simplicity and depth.

Gonzo first made an appearance in 2011 and he’s received various updates since. Now he’s on the magnificent Megaways engine, which is what makes this version of the classic so popular. From cascading wins to multipliers, scatters and free spins, it’s the ultimate way to play this classic video slot. If that’s not enough, there’s a 21,000x wager jackpot to keep you on the edge of your seat. The RTP is also competitive, at just under 95%. So what are you waiting for? GOZAR!

9. Big Bass Bonanza - Reel Kingdom

As you might have noticed, cinematic gameplay isn’t always necessary when developing an immersive experience in video slots, and Big Bass Bonanza is a perfect example of this. While the presentation is colourful, fun and of high quality, it’s a less bombastic affair, allowing the player to breathe and enjoy the game on its own merits. That’s not to say it creates a less than immersive atmosphere, Big Bass Bonanza is just more laid back and engaging. The “Under the Sea” soundtrack is pitch perfect.

Bonus rounds are key for Big Bass Bonanza, with various free spins, scatters and wilds to really capture your attention. This provides you with an engaging experience that’s surprisingly captivating for such a relaxed online slot. The jackpot of 2,100x the wager amount is not groundbreaking, but with a high RTP of just under 96%, it’s more likely your winnings will accumulate.

10. Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways - Blueprint Games

If you liked Big Bass Bonanza, you might want to try Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, another theme that has grown over time to incorporate new graphics and the Megaways engine. A classic slot that has been popular for years, the Megaways upgrade is arguably the ultimate experience for this fun and colourful slot. Simple it may be, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a slot with more instant playability and engaging gameplay than this. 

You can usually tell what type of slot machine you’re playing by the amount of features it provides. The hugely impressive graphical interfaced games are often coupled with various features that are an immersive thrill a minute ride. At the other end of the spectrum is the easy to play, fun and instantly charming designs like Fishing Frenzy, With free spins, multipliers and, of course, the Megaway engine, it’s a simple and joyful treat. The maximum jackpot is a hugely impressive 10,000x the original wager and with an RTP of over 95%, it’s also on the generous side of payouts.

9 Pots of Gold - Gameburger - Just misses but we had to mention!

Another in the long line of Irish-themed slots is 9 Pots of Gold. While this could appear to be another fairly simple affair, the depth of the gameplay and magnificent music make it one of the most fun experiences you’ll have with an online slot. A Glam Rock style soundscape with fiddles, what’s not to like? The gameplay is actually quite deep, with various features to supplement the normal spins and various jackpot levels to keep you engaged.

As mentioned, this is a deceptively feature rich slot, with mini games (including the always fun wheel), free spins (with multipliers), scatters (with jackpots) and wilds. The RTP is high at over 96%, even if the maximum jackpot is just 2,000x the original wager. But, for us at least, it’s all about that foot-stomping soundtrack!

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