Nova Scotia residents have a lot of gambling options. Now that online gambling is legal, they have even more ways to play their favorite casino games online. This gives NS players in small communities a way to play without having to travel to Halifax to visit one of the casinos.
Some of the best NS casinos can be found right from your PC or mobile device. This option allows players to choose from a larger selection of games, take advantage of more bonus offers, and play on their terms.
Are you a Nova Scotian looking for the best online casino sites? You’re in the right spot. Today, we’re going to talk about the top online casinos in Nova Scotia and how you can play.
Gambling has always been popular in Nova Scotia. It was reported that over 64% of adults in the province have gambled at least once per year. This includes slot machines, table games, online casinos, sports betting, and lottery tickets.
In Halifax and Sydney, there are physical casino locations, like Casino Nova Scotia. However, all throughout the province, people can find slot machines and lottery terminals at liquor establishments that have a license from the Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Corporation.
Choosing the right Online Nova Scotia Casino for you
Before you join an online casino in NS, you should review and compare your options. With new sites popping up all the time, it’s important to make sure you choose the right one. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should review before joining.
Safety – the easiest way to check if a set is safe and secure is by looking at the URL bar. Safe sites have a closed lock symbol beside the website’s address. Sites that aren’t safe and secure will show a “!” in a triangle symbol.
Bonuses and Promotions – a bonus is essentially free money that can be used for online casino games. Players get to keep the profits if they win a game or bet with their bonus.
Compatibility – make sure the betting site you want to join is compatible with the device you plan to use. Many casino sites now offer mobile apps. With casino apps, you get access to all of the same games as you would on the PC. The only difference is that they are fitted for a smaller screen.
Selection of Games – always check the game selection to make sure the casino has online games you want to play. All casino sites are different. Some are focused on slots and have thousands of different slot games to choose from. Others are focused on live games, with roulette tables and poker rooms.
Lottery Games – lotteries and draws are always exciting for betters. (The Atlantic lottery corporation website has all lottery tickets online)
Payments and Payouts – does the betting site feature payment methods you’re familiar with? You should also check the FAQ section to learn about payouts. Some things you will want to know if how long do payouts take, what the minimum and maximum payouts are, and the rules regarding payouts.
Why play at Nova Scotia Online Casinos?
The main reason people in Nova Scotia prefer online casinos is the convenience. When you visit Casino Nova Scotia, you could have to wait for hours for another player to get off your favourite slot machine. Playing with an online casino in NS allows you to access your favourite games within seconds.
Nova Scotia players prefer the lottery over other forms of gambling. Atlantic Lottery Corporation makes it easier for people to purchase lottery tickets from their own homes. That way they never miss out on a big draw.
Our recommendations for Online Nova Scotia Casinos
Are you wondering which online gambling sites are the best in NS? Below are some of our favorites.
Sports Interaction/SIA Casino – this is the most popular sports betting site in Atlantic Canada. The SIA casino section features a wide range of slots, table games, live games, and jackpots. Players can also take advantage of new bonuses each week.
Jackpot City – this is one of the best-reviewed casino sites in NS. They offer NS residents a very generous welcome bonus. This site also has a great selection of online slots and other games to choose from.
Spin Palace – this is one of the best betting sites for mobile devices. There are many ways to win by playing with this innovative casino. It’s never been easier for NS players to access exciting casino games.
Most popular Nova Scotia Online Casino Games
Have you ever wondered what games other players in the province are playing? These are the most popular casino games in NS.
Bingo
There are many ways to play this classic game in NS. Bingo halls and radio bingo have always been popular. Atlantic Lottery Corporation also has live bingo events on its website.
Online slots
There are thousands of slots to play online. Fans of this classic game won’t get bored with the endless options. Choose from classic slots, jackpot slots, animated slots, and more.
Card Games
Players in NS get a lot of thrills through card games. Whether it’s a live game of blackjack or a live poker room, there’s always fun to be had when cards are involved.
Nova Scotia Land-Based Casinos
If you want to play at a land-based casino in Nova Scotia, these are your options.
Casino Nova Scotia
Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax is one of the most popular casinos in the province. The game floor features many slots, table games, and more excitement. Visitors can also enjoy fine dining and live entertainment.
Casino Nova Scotia Sydney
Halifax isn’t the only location for this popular casino corporation. Casino Nova Scotia Sydney offers players the same level of betting excitement in a different area.
Truro Raceway
If you’re interested in horse racing betting, you will need to head to Truro, NS. There are many live races scheduled throughout the year and off track betting options are provided through Simulcast. If you can’t make it to Truro, you can still stream races live.
Dartmouth Sportsplex
Are you looking for live bingo games in Dartmouth? You will need to keep tabs on the Dartmouth Sportsplex schedule. This location frequently hosts bingo nights.
Rodd Grand Hotel
You can find gambling options at the other end of the province in Yarmouth. This charming hotel features a lounge area with popular slot machines.
Nova Scotia Land-Based vs. Online Casino
There are reasons people enjoy both online casinos and land-based. Let’s take a look at why players should visit both types of casinos.
Online Casinos
Land-Based Casinos
No wait time
A fun night out of the house
More gaming options
Get to enjoy other amenities at the location (ie, restaurant, lounge, pool, etc.)
You don’t have to travel
Meet new people
Sportsbetting in Nova Scotia Casinos
Sports betting is also popular with Nova Scotia residents. There are so many options for single-game sports betting online. Let’s take a look at what you can expect.
Horse racing
If you can’t travel to Truro to bet on races, you can still gamble online. You can find options for horse racing betting among many popular sports betting platforms in the province.
Esports gambling
Did you know you can place bets on video game competitions? Many online sportsbooks feature a section with upcoming tournaments.
Sportbooks
Online sportsbooks are the #1 form of sports betting in NS. The ALC site offers Proline options for Canada’s ocean playground. However, you can also find sites focused on sports betting, like Sports Interaction. Many sportsbooks will also allow you to stream games live as you bet on them.
Mobile Online Casinos in Nova Scotia
Modern players are logging in from their mobile devices. If you are one of them, you should be focused on finding online casinos that offer mobile apps for download. This makes it easier to play on your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or Fire tablet.
Even ALC has a mobile app. This means that you can buy a Lotto Max ticket, bet on an NFL game, or even play slots right from your device.
Claiming Bonuses at Nova Scotia Online Casinos
Let’s get into the good stuff. One of the most exciting parts of casino sites is getting to claim a bonus. Let’s take a look at some of the different bonus offers available.
Deposit match – the casino will match a certain % of the deposit you make. For example, if you deposit $50 on a 100% deposit match bonus, you will get an additional $50 in betting money.
Free spins – get up to a certain number of free spins on eligible slot games. You will get to keep the gambling winnings on free spins.
Free bet – place an eligible sports bet on behalf of the betting platform. Players get to keep their winnings from free bets.
Welcome bonus – receive a bonus when you register with a casino site.
Loyalty bonus – this bonus is given to members after they have been registered with the casino for a certain amount of time.
Cashback – receive up to a certain % of your wager back if you lose a bet.
Ways to play the Lottery in Nova Scotia
For years, Nova Scotians were stopping by a local convenience store to purchase lottery tickets. They could also stop into a licensed liquor establishment or casino corporation to play video lottery terminals.
Atlantic Lottery Corporation
ALC provides government-regulated lottery options for all four Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. All profits earned by this crown corporation go back to essential services in the province.
Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is partnered with ALC and the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. They are responsible for regulating safe and entertaining gambling throughout the province. Casinos regulated by this corporation have many benefits for players, like safety and options for responsible gambling.
Nova Scotia Online Casinos you should avoid
Most of the online casinos available in NS are safe to play. However, there are a few that all players should avoid.
Cherry Red
Players aren’t able to win more than $2000 through the casino
Slow payments
Casino has disappeared without warning on several occasions
Cirrus Casino
History of refusing to payout winnings
Part of a casino group with a reputation for ripping off players
History of fraud
Eurocity Casino
Rogue casino
History of not having fairplay
Withholds winnings
Responsible Gaming in Nova Scotia
Every Nova Scotian joining an online gambling site needs to learn about responsible gambling. Here are some of our top tips to stay safe while betting online.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose. There is no guaranteed way to win.
Only join casino sites that have been approved by TRUSTe and eCOGRA. These sites have been tested for fair play.
Check the settings in your profile to set limits. This includes deposit limits, wagering limits, and daily/weekly/monthly betting limits.
Stop while you’re ahead. One of the most irresponsible mistakes to make is chasing losses.
Don’t bet on every sporting event you watch. This can lead to addictive gambling.
Conclusion on Nova Scotia Online Casinos
We love the convenience of betting online in NS. There are so many options at your fingertips. One piece of advice we have for all Nova Scotia residents playing online is to join the casino’s email list. This is how you can stay up-to-date on new and exciting bonuses and promotions.
FAQs: Nova Scotia Online Casino
What is the legal gambling age in Nova Scotia?
All players must be at least 19 years old to gamble in NS.
Are taxes deducted from online casino winning in Nova Scotia?
All gambling winnings are tax free! Nova Scotians don’t have to pay tax on their winnings.
Do all Nova Scotia casinos accept sports bets?
Sports betting isn’t available through every casino site. However, there are several ways to bet on sports online, including ALC.
Do I need to download software to play online Nova Scotia casinos?
Most casino sites will allow members to play directly from the browser. You won’t have to download any software. However, downloading a mobile app is optional.
Can I play for free on Nova Scotia online casinos?
Certain online casinos in Nova Scotia offer free play. This is a demo version of popular games. While you don’t have to pay to play, it’s important to remember you don’t receive money prizes from free games. The only exception is when you get to play for free using a bonus.
Chief Editor and slot-aficionado Todd Knowles is our go-to guy for everything related to iGaming. Todd has a wealth of online casino knowledge since he has worked in the industry for more than 11 years and in the digital media industry for more than 15 years. In his spare time, Todd is a family man, but still finds time to play his favourite slotmachines.
