As more and more online casinos keep opening up for Canadian players, don't be fooled into thinking they are all basically alike because you will actually find big differences among them. Sometimes a new place you know nothing about will have a slick website and on the surface sound terrific, but without an established record to back it up, you don't really know what you are getting in for. Rather than take a chance on what you hope is a reputable casino, there is a lot to be said for going with a tried and true one like 888 Casino which has been operating successfully since 1997.

If you have been playing online gambling games awhile, the name 888 should already be familiar to you. This highly regarded international online casino is now not only very popular with Canadians, but one of the largest casinos on the Internet, with more than 25 million players worldwide. 888 Casino is also the only operator to have platforms in all three U.S. states (Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey) where online gambling is now legal.

888 online casino is licensed in Gibraltar and carries the eCogra seal of approval, your assurance that this is a safe and secure place to play and that every game offered is fair and honest. Over the years, the casino has also won multiple prestigious awards. In addition to previous repeat wins for Best Company in the Betting and Gaming Industry, 888 won the Totalgaming Award for Best Online Casino of the Year in 2012. 888 also won the EGR award for Best Online Casino of the Year 2013.

888 Casino uses its own proprietary software. Downloading is quick and easy, or if you prefer, you can select the non-download instant play flash version. You can also play some of the 888 online gambling games on your mobile device.

888 Casino Review

Games

888 Casino, with 150+ games to choose from, certainly can't be compared with the huge online casinos that have more than 400 games, but most players should not find that a problem. All of the most popular games are represented, and there is still more than enough variety in both slots and table games to suit virtually anyone's taste and bankroll.

Also, because 888 Casino creates its own platform, it owns exclusive rights to all of the slot games, including the hard-to-resist progressives with million dollar plus jackpots. You won't find these machines anywhere else. Another point to keep in mind is the fact that this casino wasn't built yesterday doesn't mean that the software and games are dated. On the contrary, the 888 platform is continually being updated to reflect the very latest cutting edge technology on a par with what is being offered today at other major online casinos.

For example, you can play blackjack, roulette, or baccarat with a live dealer. State-of-the-art 3D graphics, high definition webcams, and audio microphones not only allow you to watch the wheel being spun or the cards being dealt, but to carry on a conversation with the dealer. The experience so resembles a real casino, you will almost believe that is where you are instead of online sitting at your computer.

If you would like a private high limit game with live dealer, 888 online casino offers that option, too. One of their blackjack tables has a $50 minimum and $10,000 per hand maximum.

There are plenty of games for small stakes players, too. Whatever you play, you're unlikely to go wrong because the average reported payout for all games combined exceeds 97%. You can check the monthly updates from eCogra on the website.

Also, if you ever feel like taking a short break from the slots or tables to play poker or Bingo, or make a few sports wagers, at 888 you can do exactly that. Simply head for the separate poker room, Bingo room, or sports book.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Canadian players can choose from a wide range of fast and secure banking options. However, some of the deposit methods might not be available for withdrawal, so check with the casino directly to make sure or if you have any other questions or concerns. Customer Support is available 24/7 in several languages, including French, via phone, email, and presumably, live chat. However, the live chat is sometimes down, as it was during the writing of this review.

Welcome Bonus

888 Casino, just like most other online casinos, offers all new players a Welcome Bonus upon signing up and making their initial deposit. The Welcome Bonus for 888 consists of 100% match of your first deposit up to $200. But before you can withdraw your deposit, bonus, and associated winnings, the bonus is subject to a 30x playthrough. While every game counts something toward meeting the playthrough requirement, only slots and parlor games count 100%; the other games count much less. So, for all practical purposes, the bonus is of little use except for slot play. But it is still a very good deal because some online casinos require the bonus to be played as much as 50x prior to withdrawal. Many other online casinos require a playthrough of both the bonus and the associated deposit and then don't allow you to withdraw the bonus at all.

If you're a low stakes player, the wagering requirements may still be too high for you. In that case, deposit what you can afford and be content with a smaller welcome bonus.

Loyalty Program

From day 1, you start earning comp points for every game you play. When you accumulate enough of them, the points can be converted into cash into your account. You can also use comp points toward purchases in the casino store.

Players who achieve VIP status receive their own personal concierge and exclusive rewards and privileges, including VIP vacations and invitations to special events.

Exciting Extras

This is the area where 888 Casino really shines, and you don't have to be a high roller to take advantage. One easy way to pick up some extra cash is to refer a friend. If your friend signs up and plays, you get $100 just for making the referral and your friend gets an extra $50.

Then circle your calendar for the 1st and 21st of every month. On the 1st of each month, just for logging on, you could be one of 26 players to receive a share of $888. On the 21st, you get a 20% match bonus on your deposit up to $300 to play classic blackjack (subject to a 10x playthrough for withdrawal).

If you play blackjack at certain designated tables any day between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. (GMT) and you are dealt a bonus card, you will win anywhere from $25 to $150. Or play live dealer roulette between 8 and 9 p.m. (GMT) and win $8 if the ball lands on 8. (Both of these bonuses have a 30x playthrough for withdrawal.)

But wait-there is much more. In addition to the above, plus the constantly changing, but always creative, special seasonal promotions, you won't want to miss the casino's "Daily Deals" where the exciting special offers keep coming every day of the week. So, whether you make Sunday your "fun day" to go after some big money, enjoy a version of "Saturday Night Live" you'll never get on TV, or any or all of the other "daily deals," you are almost certain to have a good time. Here is a brief summary of all the little exciting extras that this casino has conjured up for each day of the week.

Sunday Fun Day

100 lucky players win a prize in a raffle drawing. Make any deposit, and you're entered.

Jackpot Manic Monday

Receive a 30% match of your deposit up to $150 for free play on designated slot machines.

Table Tuesday

Receive a 30% match of your deposit up to $150 for freeplay at any or all of the following: European Roulette, Classic Blackjack, Casino Reels Video Slots.

Winning Wednesday

Receive 20% up to $20 cashback on the day's losses.

Traveler Thursday

Receive a 20% match of your deposit up to $100 for freeplay in two destination games.

Freaky Friday

Upon making a deposit of $120 or more, receive $60 in freeplay on designated slot games.

Saturday Night Live

Receive a 20% match of your deposit up to $100 to play any game you like including a live dealer game.

Check the website for exact terms and the small (3x or 5x) playthrough requirements for withdrawal.