By  Manuela Muroni

December 13th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Casino bonuses are one of the best things when it comes to the prospect of playing casino games from the comfort of your own home. With every casino offering a plethora of enticing bonuses, gamblers usually find themselves feeling like a kid in a candy store. Although having so many options can sometimes make it difficult to choose, we still think it’s better to have too many options than not enough of them. Besides, since the possibilities are endless, you can get casino bonuses every day – and here’s how.

Understand the different types of bonuses
The online casino market started growing even before the pandemic, but it became particularly popular in the days of the lockdown. Even though we are still in the pandemic in a way, the lockdowns have subsided – but the appeal of online casino games hasn’t. With so many different types of bonuses and promotions waiting for you, why would you lose the desire to play with real money or cryptocurrencies?

Now, which types of bonuses a casino will have depends on the casino itself. Nevertheless, most casinos will offer a welcome bonus, no deposit bonus, and VIP or loyalty programs.

Welcome bonuses
As the most widespread and transparent bonuses out there, welcome bonuses are frequently used by most casino players. The premises are very simple – you sign up and receive free spins after making your first deposit. And according to Time2play many casinos will actually offer free spins for the first three deposits that you make.

Whether you are playing with Canadian dollars or the most used cryptocurrencies, you might first have to invest at some point.

But a word of caution is advised here – not all casinos will let you play all games with free spins. So if you have your heart set on a particular slot, it would be best to first check whether you can use those free spins. If not, there’s a plethora of other games waiting for you to discover them.

No deposit bonuses
While welcome bonuses are the most common ones, no deposit bonuses are definitely the most enticing of them all. With the casino paying the bets and the player taking the potential winnings, it’s easy to see why this is the kind of bonus you will be after. However, these also come with a few strings attached.
If you win, some casinos could demand that you make a deposit before being able to withdraw your money. Whether you are playing with Canadian dollars or the most used cryptocurrencies, you might first have to invest some to get some. Besides, casinos will usually place limitations on how much players can make through no deposit bonuses, as they want to ensure that the winnings aren’t too high. That’s why it’s wise to first look into the terms and conditions before getting ahead of yourself.

VIP or loyalty programs
The third frequently seen type of bonus refers to a collection of promotions, discounts, and benefits, all wrapped in the package of VIP or loyalty programs. These programs are a casino’s way to give something back to their most loyal clients who frequently invest money in various games. And even though gambling should never be viewed as anything more than just a form of entertainment, some individuals treat it as a side hustle.

VIP or loyalty programs are a casino’s way to give something back to their most loyal clients.

There’s no doubt that loyalty points and bonuses are great, but they can make you fully attached to one place. If you like to experiment and try your luck in different casinos, then being a VIP member might not be a good idea. This way, you’ll feel like you are missing out on loyalty points any time you visit another online casino, and that’s going to take all the fun out of gambling.

How to get casino bonuses every day?
And now for the fun part – how do you manage to track down these bonuses and enjoy them every single day? The first way is the most obvious one – by frequently signing up for new casinos and getting access to the welcome bonus. You can use the free spins and possibly get a few other bonuses that will be unique for that casino. Apart from allowing you to enjoy constant bonuses, this is also a great way to discover new games. Since online casinos have their own assortment of games, you will be able to play versatile ones and find out what suits you the most.

The second way to get casino bonuses every day is by signing up for a VIP or loyalty program. These programs oftentimes include seasonal and time-limited bonuses, so they are always keeping things interesting. These bonuses are oftentimes the most significant ones, as casinos want to make sure that their loyal clients are happy, constantly coming back for more.

However, there’s a big thing to remember here. In most cases, you will only be able to use these bonuses for slot games. There are many casino games that require a set of skills and a good strategy, upping a player’s chances of winning more. These games, such as Blackjack and Poker, are usually not in the bonus system. As an avid poker player, you shouldn’t hope for hefty bonuses.

The bottom line
If you want to get casino bonuses every day and make gambling more interesting, you have quite a few options. Apart from welcome and no deposit bonuses, you can also decide to become a VIP member at a casino of your choice, after which you would unlock a set of special promotions, deals, and benefits. And if you are not sure where to find the casinos that provide the biggest benefits for their clients, you can always do some research on the Internet. There are many review-style forums where people will leave comments, letting you get familiarized with a casino’s offer before signing up. Of course, it’s always best to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, as they never go out of style. But if no one in your vicinity seems to enjoy gambling as much as you do, then feel free to turn to the online environment.

By Staff

November 30th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Adi Developments announce today that a settlement of all outstanding regulatory issues has been reached with the HCRA. Tariq Adi, CEO of Adi Developments, said, “We are happy to have this behind us and look forward to completing our existing projects and bringing more high-quality homes and communities to the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) market.”

Adi Developments, a developer with a 15-year record of building successful housing projects in the GTHA, was notified of the HCRA’s intent to revoke Adi’s building and vending licences on August 25^th, 2022.  Adi appealed this to the Ontario License Appeal Tribunal.

At the same time, Adi initiated discussions with the HCRA aimed at resolving the issues outside of the appeal process. Today’s announced agreement is the culmination of those discussions.

The settlement encompasses the following key elements:

The Nautique: currently under construction

The Lakeshore project at the centre of the HCRA’s action was the first cancellation in Adi’s 15-year history, driven by a dramatic increase in construction costs which seriously jeopardized the project.

“These are unprecedented times for the development industry,” said Tariq Adi.  “We were facing cost escalations in the range of $43M which the project simply could not absorb. As a result, we had to seek additional financing and reconfigure the project in order to be in a position to complete it. Regrettably, however, the situation forced us to cancel purchase agreements, which we hated to do because our customers are the most important part of our business.”

For purchasers who opted to stay with the Lakeshore project, Adi mitigated the impact of the cancellations by allowing them to re-purchase their units at approximately 20% below market prices and crediting them with $10,000 per unit in décor dollar upgrades. The project is currently 85% sold with construction actively underway and going strong.

For purchasers who opted not to enter into a new purchase agreement, Adi, as a gesture of goodwill, began paying them 6% interest on their deposits in May 2022, something Adi did not have to do. This will result in more than $2,500,000 being paid directly to affected purchasers.

By Scarlet Hobler

October 27th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

It’s okay to believe that every casino in the country has one advantage over the majority. That’s often not true, as there are fake and unlicensed e-gaming platforms out there. To avoid getting scammed of your betting points, you need a guide to help you make the right choice. We’d share some pro-tips and hints to look out for when selecting your preferred betting platform.

Have you tried a few e-gaming sites and somehow didn’t feel comfortable with the graphics? Did their excessive promotional packages turn you off? Would you love to know how to select the right website like a professional? Read until the end to understand why it’s possible not to fall victim to scams in such an overpopulated sector. Let’s get started!

Verify their Licenses

A casino’s legitimacy is everything in the online gambling Industry, and we aren’t talking about referrals here. Licensed online casinos have higher chances of operating under fair gameplay policies. In some cases, it goes beyond acquiring their license to practice gambling. Online gambling sites need to be regulated and vetted frequently to ensure they still play by the rules. Licensing is an essential criterion in your quest to choose an online casino as a Canadian.

Trustworthy Canadian online casinos must be licensed by the respected gambling authorities in the country. While at it, stop to verify that their licenses are indeed as valid as they claim. Slots, roulette, and blackjack players in Canada visit only legit online casinos that have been accredited by the gaming commission and reviewed by trustworthy experts. This list of legit e-gaming platforms in Canada is mostly trusted by thousands of Canadians to play casino games without worries.

Double-Check their Banking Options

Making presumptions depending on how popular a Canadian online casino is on social media wouldn’t do the trick. Players ought to be concerned about how they intend to get their real money after playing and winning. It is important to skim through the payment methods outlined on a gambling site when choosing an online casino. You can easily miss out on a good opportunity to win more money if you fail to get your deposits credited to your profile on time.

Check that they have a good lineup of payment options, credit/debit card methods, e-wallet services, and cryptocurrencies. Gambling becomes more fun and interesting when you can easily make deposits and withdrawal transactions without delays. Read through online casino reviews about the operator to see what active users have to say about payments. Platforms with one or two payment options are huge red flags. Try to avoid them as much as possible.

Preview the Games the Casinos Offer

Never choose a betting website without confirming they have real money casino games. Many often complain about playing online casino games without getting cash rewards. This is because not all card or table games come with money rewards. You have to check the game selection of a site before registering. A casino’s gaming library determines how financially buoyant they are, enough to offer multiple games.

Canadian casinos are always known to have good game selections in their libraries. Choosing the best online casino here wouldn’t be that difficult. Players looking for the best online casinos for Canadians with a wide range of games would get a nice pick if they consult with the reliable reviews. Some of the top e-gaming platforms in the country have at least 400+ games in their library to choose from. A good way to get a preview of what games online casinos offer is to read through reviews.

Gifts, Bonuses, & Promotional Offers

Bonus offers and promotions mean a lot to players that choose to make money from e-gaming. Bonuses like free spins can double your betting strength for more wins. Platforms offering higher welcome packages and bonus credits are more likely to have the finance to bankroll huge jackpot wins. They might not have the best wagering requirements for when you intend to withdraw, but you’d get your money guaranteed.

The wagering terms that come with every bonus package should be of great concern to players. Only choose websites with fair wagering conditions after reading their withdrawal policy sections. In our experience, most e-gaming promotions attract stricter wagering conditions than most people realize. We have users spend weeks on long calls with the customer support team over misinterpreting the wagering terms. You can avoid this by picking carefully.

Ask about the Casino’s Reputation

After all is said and done, you need concrete proof that the operator truly does what it claims. One of the best ways to clear this doubt is by reading a review on the website. This would grant you access to an expert view of the operations and added features of the website. It’s like sitting back to watch a hyped movie’s trailer and film review before streaming it on your device. Another way to get ahead of this is by reading feedback from active users.

When you visit review sites, some actual users have played a few games on the website. They’ve tested first-hand how their promotional packages, games, payments, and withdrawals work. Watch out for their ratings and feedback on certain aspects of the e-gaming platform. You’d get other information on the live chat feature of the casino, and withdrawal limits, amongst others. A casino without a convincing reputation isn’t worth trying at all.

Conclusion

Before choosing a casino, there are several factors to put into consideration. There are lots of casino choices for gamers in Canada today. Most of them offer a high-performance e-gaming experience, while others do not. It’d be difficult to achieve if you do not know what factors to look out for before making a choice.

We’ve listed some hints professionals use in selecting a reputable and trusted e-gaming platform. Every casino is unique in one way or another, but reputable ones share similar qualities. Master the tips mentioned above for a much easier way to select a platform that guarantees fun and secure e-gaming. Do not forget to make available the necessary information needed for the KYC verification to get your account running.

By Staff

October 14th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

A call came in earlier today from a regular reader who lives close to the Martha Street – Lakeshore Road intersection – the site of the ADI Group Nautique development that has people in the area very upset with the noise and disruption.

Architects rendering of the Nautique, currently under construction at the intersection of Martha Street and Lakeshore Road.

The ADI Group was advised by the  Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA), that a Notice was being issued that they were subject to a possible license revoction

The caller mentioned that there has been no work done since the Thanksgiving holiday – at that time there were some 30 construction workers hurriedly putting things away.

Since then nothing – which pleases the neighbours.

The following was published on Storeys, a news web site that publishes content about the construction/development industries.

The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA), confirmed today that ASI is appealing the regulatory action.

In a release dated September 12, Adi, which has operated as a builder in the Greater Toronto Area for 15 years, states an appeal was filed on Thursday, September 8, emphasizing their “disappointment” in what they say has been an abrupt and uncommunicative course of action from the provincial regulator.

“The process undertaken by the HCRA in issuing the Notice has been incredibly disappointing, cursory and arbitrary. Typically, a Regulator is required to exercise their statutory powers with fairness and openness to those under investigation,” said Adi President Tariq Adi, in an emailed statement to STOREYS.

“In our case, we were given no notice of the impending proposal, no understanding of the grounds or documentation for their allegations, and no opportunity to respond or clarify issues before HCRA made the decision to issue a Notice that contained very serious allegations and would have very serious consequences for Adi. Adi Developments’ reputational damage due to this lack of due process and hasty move by the HCRA has been severe.”

The ADI Group brothers Tariq and Saud

In an emailed response to STOREYS, the HCRA stated, “The Home Construction Regulatory Authority is committed to protecting consumers and providing resources to help Ontarians.

The HCRA had made it clear that bad actors in the industry will face severe consequences as a result of the measures introduced by the Ontario government.”

On August 25, the HCRA issued a Notice of Proposal to revoke the building licenses of the nine builder/developer entities operating under the Adi Development Umbrella Group, making an exception for three in-progress developments, including the Nautique, a 26-storey condo located on Burlington’s lakeshore.

The ADI site at Lakeshore and Martha in May of 2021.

Under grounds for the proposal, the HCRA alleges that, after selling units in the Nautique between 2015 – 2020, Adi then sought to cancel existing purchase agreements, citing financing issues. The builder then allegedly failed to return consumer deposits, falsified documentation provided to the HCRA, and demonstrated they were relisting the units for a higher purchase price while refusing to issue deposit refunds until a unit was resold.

As a result, “Adi Development Group has demonstrated, through the conduct of its related entities and interested persons, that its corporations should not be licenced builders or vendors under the NHCLA,” states the regulator’s filing.

Revocation or refusal to renew a licence are the most severe consequences for a builder/vendor. Revoking a licence prevents a developer from legally operating in the new home construction sector. Should a builder continue to illegally operate without a licence, the regulator can take additional enforcement steps such as

Compliance Orders;
Restraining Orders;
Freeze Orders; and
Provincial Offences Act charges

In a statement regarding their appeal, Adi refutes the allegations. “The suggestion that Adi acted unethically or that it provided incomplete or false information to the HCRA as part of this process is ludicrous as well as defamatory,” states the release.

They go on to say the HCRA’s proposal was actually spurred by steps taken by the builder to “ensure the ongoing success and completion of their 26-storey condominium Lakeshore project,” citing increased project costs due to the pandemic and “inflationary pressures”. According to Adi, the cost to build has ballooned to $43M, a 35% increase from the original budget.

“Adi was forced to seek additional financing and to cancel purchase agreements in order to secure the new financing,” states the release.

Construction crane being put in place

Adi says it consulted with the HCRA in regards to the situation, and that cancelled purchase agreements were done so lawfully and within the contractual terms and regulations set out by Tarion, as they gave purchasers “alternative options.” The builder refutes the allegations made by the HCRA that original purchasers who agreed to forfeit their purchase would only receive a deposit refund once the unit had been resold and a new deposit obtained.

“At no point did Adi tie the return of deposits to the resale of the units, as HCRA alleged. It shocked Adi that this proposal was the path taken by HCRA in respect of the Lakeshore development without prior notice or discussion and that it included eight other unrelated projects within the Adi group of companies in the regulatory net,” reads their release.

As well, writes the builder, “In a demonstration of good faith and in order to mitigate the impact on purchasers,” it offered former purchasers who were not interested in a new purchase agreement an additional 6% interest on their deposits. Adi also says that for the “majority of purchase agreement holders who did wish to move forward,” they were offered to repurchase their units at 20% below market prices, and were also given $10,000 in “décor dollars” as an incentive.

The builder says they have been working with Lakeshore purchasers on their deposit returns, including interest, claiming that as of September 7, 85% have been returned, totalling more than $9M.

“We have cooperated fully with the HCRA up to this point and remain willing and hopeful that despite the appeal we can reach an expedited resolution on all issues with the HCRA so that we can complete the Lakeshore and other projects,” states Tariq. “Many builders out there require guidance from HCRA in order to get through this, not to have their licences pulled. We feel we have been unfairly singled out.”

Adi’s case will now go to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) for a case conference to reach a resolution, with a hearing to be held if one isn’t reached. If the LAT decision upholds the HCRA’s decision and the licensee does not appeal the decision in Division Court, then the licence is revoked.

By Pepper Parr

September 9th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Earlier today we published a short piece on the decision HRCA (Home Construction Regulatory Authority) made regarding the public filing made to the attention of Tariq Adi, Daniela Tom, calling for the revocation of building licences of six of the umbrella group’s nine entities for violations under the New Home Construction Licencing Act (NHCLA).

The regulator is also proposing amendments to the licences for the remaining three  Adi Developments (Lakeshore) Inc., Adi Developments (Thomas Alton) Inc., and 4880 Valera Road — to allow them to complete ongoing development projects to “avoid putting purchasers at further risk by cancelling these projects mid-construction.”

Realm Condominiums at 4853 Thomas Altona Boulevard

The ongoing projects in question are The Nautique Lakefront Residences located at 364 Martha Street, Realm Condominiums at 4853 Thomas Altona Boulevard, and The Valera, at 4880 Valera Road, all in Burlington.

“Adi Development Group has demonstrated, through the conduct of its related entities and interested persons, that its corporations should not be licenced builders or vendors under the NHCLA,” states the filing.

Bob Aaron, real estate lawyer at Aaron & Aaron Barristers and Solicitors, tells STOREYS that this is the first such act of enforcement made by the HCRA since its formation as a standalone regulator outside of Tarion in 2021. The inability of Adi to obtain an HCRA licence (formerly a Tarion Registration) essentially shuts them down, barring their ability to vend or build any new projects.

“Anybody who sells new construction without being licenced can be fined, and in fact, there have been cases where unlicensed builders have gone to jail for exactly that thing, selling unlicensed properties,” he says.

“If they try to sell new projects they will not have a Tarion licence and that will be disclosed in the agreements of purchase and sale, and nobody’s going to buy it if there’s no Tarion warranty.”

The HCRA specifically points to the Nautique development, which it opened an investigation into after receiving numerous consumer complaints.

The condo development, which sold units between 2010 – 2015, gained notoriety after Adi notified 174 purchasers on March 23, 2022, that their agreements would be terminated due to the builder’s “failure to obtain satisfactory construction financing.”

However, as the regulator notes, despite making this claim, Adi didn’t cancel all purchase agreements — just those without a high enough sale price. The developer then sought to resell the units at substantially higher prices, the HCRA states.

The Nautique at Martha and Lakeshore in Burlington.

Three months later, on June 20, 2022, the HCRA found Adi had only issued 27 purchasers their deposit refunds. The builder also confirmed at that time that they would only issue a refund to an original purchaser once a unit had been resold, and a new deposit received.

“Adi Morgan Developments (Lakeshore) Inc. has cancelled hundreds of purchase and sale agreements for condominium units in order to increase its profits. It expects purchasers under an existing agreement to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars more for their units. For those who are unwilling to do so, Adi Morgan Developments (Lakeshore) Inc. will only return deposits once a new purchaser comes along who is prepared to pay the increased price,” states the filing.

The HCRA adds that in response to a request for sale agreement documentation, Adi provided falsified versions, with altered dates and termination clauses.

“Not only is this unethical, and a violation of both the NHCLA and the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act (ONHWPA) but it also raises concerns about Adi Morgan Developments (Lakeshore) Inc.’s financial responsibility and competency.”

An advisory distributed by the HCRA on August 19, outlines the code builders must adhere to in regards to price escalations and contract terminations, stating that licencees must honour their agreements.

“If the Addendum and Agreement do not include a specific additional charge, payment, or anticipated adjustment, or if such a clause is not clear or is potentially misleading, the HCRA expects licencees to honour the original purchase price and complete the Agreement unless the purchaser consents by amendment to the Agreement to price adjustments/additional charges,” states the advisory.

“Depending on the circumstances, the HCRA may consider a licencee’s attempt to amend the Agreement to increase the purchase price as an indicator that a licencee has not demonstrated the necessary competencies to possess a licence including financial competency.”

These factors can include the amount of the requested price increase, the reason, the stage of construction, and the number of impacted purchasers, as well as how soon the project is to its closing date.

Aaron says that while he commends the HCRA and the government for their “proactive stance”, he’s curious as to how much this enforcement pertains to the price increase hitting consumers, or the other unethical behaviour Adi has allegedly engaged in.

“I wonder how much of these proceeding relates to them not refunding deposits versus increasing the prices without justification. So we will have to see whether HCRA is going to pursue other builders who may be returning deposits, but have increased the prices without justification,” he says.

“If we find another builder who does not falsify documents, who has refunded the deposits, but who has just made enormous price increases, one wonders whether the HCRA will peruse those builders just for increasing the prices — that remains to be seen.”

Adi Development Group has the option to appeal and request a hearing before the License Appeal Tribunal, and must deliver notice of appeal within 15 calendar days. If no action is taken, their licence is to be revoked as of Friday, September 9.

The bulk of this article came from Storeys, a Newsletter targeting the real estate and development sectors.