 By Joseph Peters
October 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada features a diverse landscape in land-based casinos, ranging from small gambling halls in the midst of endless plains to skyline-defining complexes such as the Niagara Fallsview casino or the Montréal Casino.
Over the last few years, this diversity has grown with the rise of online casinos. These casinos offer players an unrivaled number of games, ease of access, and welcome bonuses. This has given rise to an explosive growth, that could lead to a combined 5-billion-dollar market by 2030. But does this growth rival the classical brick-and-mortar casinos or is the growth in gambling more than a zero-sum game?
The growth
Since the introduction of online casinos, Canada has seen a steady growth in its online casinos. The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montréal was one of the first licenses for online casinos and is still a respected party among different licenses. Online casinos aren’t allowed to offer their services from Canada, but Canadians are free to play at offshore casinos.
 Mohawk Territory Casino just outside Montreal These offshore casinos have seen tremendous growth over the last few years. The COVID-19 virus undoubtedly helped, because as land-based casinos were struggling, profits for game developers such as Evolution rose by about 90% – a trend that slowed down, but still shows an impressive 51% growth over the first half of 2021.
Other reports foresee a similar growth. The Canadian sports betting industry is estimated at around 2.2 billion dollars for 2030, with the iGaming (online casinos) industry growing even more, with a projected total revenue of $2.4 billion. This means the average adult Canadian will spend $60 a year on sports betting and $75 a year on online gambling.
The benefits of online casinos mentioned above combined with the availability and the coronavirus means that more and more Canadian players are also visiting online casinos. These new players are often overwhelmed with the different options, welcome bonuses, and online-only games. A good gambling guide can help these new casino players capitalize on all the benefits of online casinos.
The threats and opportunities for local casinos
Although this growth of online gaming poses a threat to land-based casinos, it also provides opportunities. When brick-and-mortar casinos are open for business as usual, they can also incorporate online casinos to diversify their business. Nevertheless, local casinos need to step up their game to match the online casinos’ benefits.
First of all, online casinos are open and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even to someone living right above a brick-and-mortar casino that never closes, pulling out a smartphone to play live roulette is more convenient. To combat this, land-based casinos need to focus on offering an unforgettable experience that players can never get on screen.
 Offer an unmatched in-person experience when a player visits a casino. A second benefit for online casinos is scalability. Online casinos can ‘effortlessly’ offer thousands of games without ever running out of physical space. Although brick-and-mortar casinos don’t have that advantage, they can (and have started to) implement some of the same one-to-many games. Offering blackjack where players share the same cards and make decisions on a console gives physical casinos a similar offering. These consoles could even offer an online version of the casino – merging the brand and reliability of the brick-and-mortar casino with the flexibility of an online casino.
Finally, online casinos are able to operate on better margins for players. Online slots, for example, often have a house edge under 5% – compared to around 12% for physical slots. Although shrinking the house edge may be an obvious solution, online casinos will always have the advantage here. The solution here is to offer an unmatched in-person experience when a player visits a casino.
Bonuses for new and existing players
One of the trickiest advantages of online casinos is the welcome bonus and other bonuses for existing players. These bonuses can sometimes double a player’s first deposit, giving them twice the money to play with. Although casinos have always offered comps, they can’t match the bonuses online casinos give out.
Especially players looking for a new online casino can really get a head start using these welcome bonuses. These bonuses can consist of free spins and/or bonus money that can be used to play the games. Similar bonuses exist for existing players, too.
Playing from home
Another advantage of online casinos is a logistic one. Players can play anywhere and at any time. Using a mobile website, players can use small breaks in the day (toilet breaks, waiting for the bus) to play their favorite games. In contrast, a physical casino requires a trip to the casino, parking, going around, and going back home.
Physical casinos will always be at a disadvantage. It can only serve those players that live close enough to the casino to make the trip worthwhile. Other players will flock to their online counterparts by default.
More game options
Even when land-based casinos use online casinos as an inspiration to broaden their offering of games, it will be impossible to truly compete with online casinos. These online casinos often partner with twenty or more game developers. Not only does it give players the chance to pick their favorite roulette version, it also allows for more competition, creating bigger and better games.
One example is the introduction of roulette games with huge multipliers. A usual roulette game offers the largest win of 36x a player’s bet. Online roulette versions can skyrocket this multiplier to 500x or even higher multipliers. Although the technology may be copied, it takes the scalability of hundreds of players to truly make this work.
 By Staff
October 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casino gaming is legal and available to Canadians, but what’s it really like? While there is a growing interest in online gambling all over the world, some people are still apprehensive about signing up to a site and trying it out themselves.
That’s understandable. After all, many people are also apprehensive of giving money to any online site. However, online casinos are usually incredibly safe and can be a lot of fun. Provided that you make sure a site is licenced by a reputable gambling authority such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, you can be sure the casino is safe and fair. Still, it’s a good idea to do some research before signing up to a site if you want to make sure you have a fun experience.
 Quality on-line gambling sites offer an opportunity to play in a demo mode to let you get a feel for how they work. Games
Games are one of the most important factors when it comes to playing at an online casino. They’re usually the main reason anyone signs up. There are lots of popular games available, including trending slot games in Canada and classic table games like Blackjack, Roulette and Poker. No matter what kind of games you like to play, online casinos usually have a huge collection to choose from. Before you play a game for real cash, most sites will also let you play in a demo mode. This way, you can try out a game, learn the rules and experience what it has to offer without risking your own money. It’s always recommended to play in demo mode before you make a deposit and start playing for real cash.
Bonuses
 Bonuses are one of the main ways online casinos attract new players. Most sites will offer at least a welcome bonus, which is a reward available to claim when you first join a site. Bonuses come in all different shapes and sizes, from small free spin offers to big matched deposit bonuses. Before you choose a Canadian casino to play at, make sure you take a look at the promotions page to see what’s on offer. You’ll also want to make sure you read through all of the terms and conditions carefully and determine whether it’s worth it. Although some casino bonuses might look great at first, they often come with restrictions that make them difficult to use.
Risk
Whenever you play at an online casino for real money, you’re risking your own cash for the chance to win some for yourself. Although it is possible to win big sums of money, there’s always the risk you might lose a lot too. Before you start playing, you should make sure you fully understand the risk and what it means. All games at online casinos have a way of seeing how much they will theoretically payback. This is known as the Return to Player (RTP) rate, and it’s shown as a percentage, for example, 95%. The higher the number, the less risk to you, although you can still win money from low RTP games if you’re lucky. If you want to avoid losing money when playing at an online casino, you should make the most of bonuses and set a budget for how much you’re going to spend each week or month.
Playing at Canadian online casinos can be lots of fun, but you should be sure to pick the right casino first. Choosing a good online casino is important, as it will let you play the best games while being fair and safe to use. Ensure that any casino you play at is licenced and has good user reviews online.
By Julie Saunders
August 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
You can have fun playing free slots in all online casinos. But if you want to win real money, you have to play for real money. And if you want to add a big prize on top of the money you can win from slots, you should join casino tournaments. These fun events allow you to compete against other players and try your luck for a big prize just by playing games. So, what exactly are casino tournaments, and what should you consider when choosing them? We answer these questions below.
What Is a Casino Tournament?
Casino tournaments are usually monthly events. Casino management selects a set of games, mostly from a particular supplier, and makes them part of the event. These games are almost always slot machines, and players who play them during the event period earn points for various achievements. These points determine your place on a scoreboard: the more points you earn, the higher your ranking.
 The Games offered are really varied – all kinds of choices When the tournament is over, the top 10 ranked players split the grand prize among themselves. Other players get consolation prizes such as free spins. But in this respect, the rules of each casino are different. Some casinos reward the first 50 players, others only the top 5. Therefore, it is very important to read the terms and conditions before participating in a tournament. In this way, you can understand what you need to do to win and learn where you need to be in the ranking to win prizes. Speaking of prizes, the amount is variable: most casino tournaments have a prize pool ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 100,000.
Types of Casino Tournaments
Casino tournaments are basically divided into two categories: free and buy-in. Free tournaments are the most common nowadays, and you only need to be a member of an online casino to participate. In other words, you do not need to pay any additional fees. If you are a member of the casino and play the games included in the tournament, you will automatically participate. Buy-in tournaments, on the other hand, are quite rare nowadays. You must purchase a separate ticket to attend these events. So, you pay an additional fee, and the tournament only covers ticket holders.
It is possible to divide casino tournaments into two categories according to the way of earning points too. In these events, you win points based on either the bet amount or the prize amount. The latter is more advantageous, and you should prefer it whenever possible. To briefly explain both:
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 Sometimes it is the name of the game that makes you feel lucky. Bet-based tournaments: In this type of event, points are earned according to the amount of the bets. For example, a player who deposits 100 EUR in a slot game included in the tournament gets 10 points. The player who deposits 10 EUR can only earn 1 point. In these tournaments, it doesn’t matter how much you win in games. The total money you spend matters, and even if you don’t win a single prize, you can still win the tournament if you’re the one who spends the most.
- Prize-based tournaments: In this type of event, points are earned according to the amount of payouts. For example, a player who wins 100 EUR in a slot game included in the tournament gets 10 points. The player who wins 10 EUR will have to settle for 1 point. It doesn’t matter how much you bet. Those who win the most in the games get the highest points. Therefore, if you are lucky enough, you can participate with a budget of only 1 EUR and still win the grand tournament prize.
As mentioned above, prize-based tournaments are better because they are based on luck, not budget. That’s why it’s essential to read the Terms and Conditions. This is how you can find out if your tournament is bet-based or prize-based. In this regard, it is recommended not to expect much from bet-based tournaments if you are playing on a limited budget. You can still get a certain place in the ranking and win a consolation prize, but it will be impossible to get into the top 10 (unless you have enough budget).
 If this is what you are and you are on a roll – have fun. One of the best things about casino tournaments is that the prize is wager-free. So, if you win a prize, you don’t have to complete a wagering requirement to be able to withdraw it. Even if you don’t make it into the top 10, you can still win a prize. Moreover, all you have to do for this is to continue playing the games you are already playing. It is possible to participate in this event almost every month and try your luck again. For all these reasons, it is strongly recommended to participate in casino tournaments: you can have fun and make additional profit.
By Norbert Fraught
April 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The methods available for making deposits and withdrawals is undoubtedly one of the most integral parts of the iGaming industry. Keep reading to check the most popular payment methods in Canada.
Online gambling is an activity that is becoming more and more popular in the Canadian market over the past few years. One main reason for this is the increased level of convenience and easy access that online casinos and sports betting sites bring players, allowing them to engage in their favorite pastime from just about anywhere at any time.
 Deposits and withdrawals methods are an essential aspect of online casinos that often influence players’ choice of where to play. Of course, to play free slots no download, or just about any casino games for real money from the comfort of your own home, you will have to transfer money into your casino account. This is why deposits and withdrawals methods are an essential aspect of online casinos that often influence players’ choice of where to play. Thankfully, Canadian players have access to a plethora of payment methods that are fast, secure, and readily accessible for making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the most popular payment methods that gambling enthusiasts use to make deposits and withdrawals at online casinos in Canada.
Interac
Commonly referred to as the national debit card for Canada, Interac is one of the most popular, safest, and reliable payment methods that Canadian players use to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos. It is a Canada-exclusive interbank network that links participating Canadian banks and other financial institutions for the purpose of electronic funds transfer and transactions. Simply put, Interac is a payment service that allows Canadian players to fund their casino account directly from their bank or credit union accounts. In addition, this payment method provides an extra layer of protection for players online since there is no need to share sensitive financial information. Over the years, Interac has launched many branded services, and the two most popular ones you will find in most casinos include:
Interac e-transfer Service
Interac Online
Reasons for its Popularity
As we have mentioned before, the number of online casinos featuring the Interac payment method is on the rise, and it has become the first choice for millions of Canadians. However, this popularity doesn’t come solely because it is a local service but is based on several reasons. Below are some of these reasons:
Interac is available for both deposits and withdrawals. Many popular payment methods are usually only exclusively for deposits, and players would have to find another method when they want to withdraw. The flexibility of Interac makes it a neat and valuable method.
Depositing money with Interac into an online casino is instant. But, on the other hand, withdrawal through Interac is also fast and almost instant.
With Interac, you can use the Canadian dollar and don’t need a currency converter.
Interac is relatively safe and secure, which means that your financial information remains private.
Interac is not expensive. Depending on your bank and casino of choice, it may cost little to nothing to fund your casino account through Interac.
 The way you remit and receive funds from your sporting activity is important. Mastercard
Perhaps the most popular payment method for funding online casinos in Canada and the global market is the credit/debit cards payment method. And when it comes to credit/debit cards, Mastercard is one of the oldest and most reputable ones you will find online. When you go online to gamble, you will find that almost all online casinos accept deposits and withdrawals through Mastercard.
Reasons for its Popularity
Here are some of the reasons why Mastercard remains one of the most popular payment methods for players in Canada:
Mastercard allows high limits transactions, meaning that players can deposit or withdraw huge amounts of money at any time.
Due to its popularity, Mastercard is available at virtually every online casino that caters to Canadian players.
Mastercard provides top-rated safety measures such as fraud detection technology, secure code password protection, and others to keep players safe from intruders.
With Mastercard, deposits occur instantaneously, and though it may take a while depending on online casinos, withdrawals are also fast.
Mastercard ensures that their services are only available at licensed and legit online casinos.
VISA
With roots dating as far back as 1958, Visa is arguably the oldest, largest, and most used payment method in the digital world today. It is considered one of the most reliable and easy-to-use credit/debit card payment methods for making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos in Canada. Like the Mastercard method, almost every online casino worth its salt accepts Visa.
Reasons for its Popularity
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that Visa is only prevalent in the Canadian market because it happens to be one of the oldest forms of online payment method on the market. On the contrary, it is popular because it offers a wide range of benefits to its users.
Some of these benefits include:
Visa gives its users access to credit.
Visa provides deposit and withdrawal transactions with little to no fees from casinos.
Visa provides fast transactions for both deposits and withdrawals. Deposits are instant, while withdrawal may take some extra time.
As one of the most well-known payment methods globally, Visa is security conscious, and its services come with the best security measures, making transactions safe and secure for players.
Ecopayz
Ecopayz is a global payment solutions provider that offers instant, safe, and reliable payment services to Canada and the international market. Established in 2002, Ecopayz is one of the longest established e-wallets in the world. Like most e-wallets, ecoPayz acts as a gateway between your bank account and your online casino account, allowing you to fund your account without providing your financial information effortlessly. With two decades of experience in the financial industry, ecoPayz is an experienced player in the digital payment industry, offering its services to more than 155 countries and supporting more than 50 currencies. So naturally, many casinos in Canada support this payment method, and it is among the most popular options you will find in Canada’s online gambling market.
Reasons for its Popularity
Ecopayz has been providing payment services to casino players in Canada for many years now. Below are some of the reasons why it is very popular:
You can use ecoPayz for both deposits and withdrawal transactions, which is not the case for many banking methods.
Transactions at casinos using ecoPayz are quick and easy, with deposits occurring instantly and withdrawals being instant up to a few hours.
Using Ecopayz adds an extra layer of protection for players as their financial information is never shared when players pay online.
Ecopayz uses the latest security and fraud protection technology.
By using electronic operational and physical security measures, ecoPayz protects players against viruses, spyware, and attacks from hackers.
Paysafecard
Rounding up our list of popular casino payment methods in the Canadian market is the world’s most popular online prepaid payment method, Paysafecard. Paysafecard is a prepaid online payment method that provides shoppers and online casino players with 16-digit PIN code vouchers, which they can use to make payments online. Customers can buy these vouchers from local sales outlets that sell them. They come in these amounts in Canada: 10, 30, 50, 100, 150, 0r 250 CAD. Naturally, the card also works with online casinos, and you will find that tons of online casinos support this method as a means of processing payment transactions.
The best part about the Paysafecard payment method is that it is entirely independent of bank accounts and credit cards and does not require you to provide your personal information. The only downside is that you can only use the Paysafecard for making deposits and cannot use it to make withdrawals.
Reasons for its Popularity
Here are some of the reasons why Paysafecard is popular in the Canadian casino market:
The Paysafecard does not require players to provide any personal, bank, or credit card information.
The prepaid principle of the Paysafecard guarantees absolute security when you are making deposits online.
Depositing with Paysafecard is quick and easy.
Paysafecard does not give the means of overdrawing funds, thereby giving players some form of forced control over their spending.
Other notable mentions include:
MuchBetter
iDebit
Instadebit
Neosurf
American Express
 By Jeannie Longford
August 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
You’ve been waiting all year for it, and it’s finally here. Online casinos on websites like https://games.netent.com/ca/ have been the customers’ number one choice during the lockdown, but they are finally getting some well-deserved competition. They can offer hundreds of online casino games with a no deposit bonus, free spins and more. However, Ontario casinos are quickly preparing to reopen. Recently the Province surpassed the guidelines that were in phase two. They have officially moved into the third phase of their reopening procedure.
Ontario casinos spent most of the year shut down; until now, the Province has finally given them the green light to reopen. But there are a few things you should know.
What you can expect during phase three ?
 Masks will be required during phase 3 in Ontario With Ontario being in the final phase, casinos will only be open at 50% capacity. Although reservations are no longer required, some things you can expect are plexiglass barriers, contact tracing, and covid screenings. Casino staff must have Covid-19 health and safety training. While employees and customers will have to wear masks, sanitize, and use physical distancing. Signage has been increased to remind employees and customers about their health, safety and keep common areas risk-free.
The news of Covid-19 cases steadily declining is well received by people ready to return to normal. These are people who missed the vibrant and bustling environment that an in-person casino provides. Thousands of employees can return to work after months of waiting, and casino owners are hard at work getting everything prepared for the influx of people.
WhIch casinos are still closed?
Ontario casino doors were allowed to open on the 16th, and Great Canadian Gaming Corp opened 11 of its casino locations. But some are reopening slower than others. Caesar Windsor, Fallsview Casino Resort, and Casino Niagara will first open this Friday, the 23rd, while Casino Rama is set to wait until the 29th.
 Fallsview Casino Resort is a very popular destination – you will never tire of looking at the falls. A few of the casinos will close at two in the morning instead of staying open 24 hours. Other casinos are still waiting to open table games and amenities later through July as restrictions continue to loosen. You might have to wait longer for the famous casino buffets and the tracks as well. However, casinos have dining options that follow guidelines, available if you get hungry while hitting the slots.
What if you need something more?
Many people are excited to line up at their doors to try their luck at winning millions, much like the pair of best friends that recently won the Lotto Max Grand Jackpot in June of this year.
 On-line is a choice many like because of how easy it is to play for a couple of hours without having to leave home. But if you’re feeling wary about returning to the casino, you still have options. You might think the new Covid restrictions are too much or too lax. If you still want to gamble, online casinos could be an option for you. Canada allows online casino and gaming that is safe and well regulated. You can still win big prizes from the comfort of your own home. There is also a rise in using casino apps on your phone or tablet.
Whether you go to the casino, play online or on your phone, you’ll hopefully be winning.
So which are you going to play first?
 By Johnny Pitt
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Steps to Follow to Play Canadian Cookie Casino
Like you play other casinos out there, the Canadian Cookie casino is not different.
However, the platform offers a wide variety in most of its features. Comfort and convenience are also integral to your experience with Cookie.
 Follow these steps to get started with this Canadian casino:
• Visit the home page of Cookie’s official website from your mobile or web browser.
• Click on the signup button.
• Fill in your credentials as required. Make sure you use the correct information, including your name, phone number, and email.
• Wait for a few minutes for account verification.
• Once verified, you can log in with your username/email and password.
• Make your first deposit using any of the deposit methods.
• Go to the section of the game you want to stake on.
• Choose your preferred game(s) and stake on it.
You can cash out your winnings at any time, depending on your deposit transaction method. For an easy and quick cashout, make sure you use the same deposit option.
 The Cookie Casino operates under the authority of the Malta Gaming Authority. Why Choose a Canadian Cookie Casino?
Canadian Cookie Casino was founded in 2020 to provide alternative gambling for casino lovers. It operates a legitimate gambling license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Its real stakes and real money attest to the reliability of the platform. Playing at the Canadian Cookie casino offers incredible convenience, thanks to its fun-filled web and mobile interface.
It boasts a wide range of features that include multiple payment and withdrawal options, a massive game catalogue, attractive bonuses and promotions, interactive web and mobile design, and secure and safe staking. It also comes with a high rating in terms of payout.
When it comes to bonus offers, Cookie casino comes atop. The no deposit offer allows players to claim 20 free spins to use in the Gold Canyon. The welcome deposit offer is a massive CAD300 plus 200 free spins. Players can use the Cookie casino bonuses on several games, including table games, video slots, and video poker.
The multiple payment options include Visa, Skrill, Paysafe Card, Mastercard. While the casino boasts one of the maximum withdrawal limits ($40,000), the processing period for most cashouts is 48 hours. To claim your winning, the playthrough is 40 times your deposit. In terms of deposit, the minimum you can fund you put into your Canadian Cookie casino account is C$20. All transactions are safe, fast, and secure.
 The platform is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices. You can also play the casino on the web via a Mac or Windows PC. With a user-friendly website, navigation around the Canadian Cookie casino is quite easy and convenient. Whether you log in to the casino via your mobile or web browser, be sure of convenience. The platform is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices. You can also play the casino on the web via a Mac or Windows PC.
What’s more, Canadian Cookie casino features a wide variety of great games powered by the top-rated software providers in the industry. Some of the games include Firestorm, Joker Strike, Jewel Blast, Story of Hercules, Legend of Cleopatra, Ark of Mystery, Big Bad Wolf, and more.
Final Thoughts
Although it is relatively new in the industry, the Canadian Cookie casino boasts a lot of things that reinforce enthusiasm in punters. With its amazing features and services, the Canadian Cookie Casino stacks up against many of the Canadian-based casinos.
You can be sure of a vast range of casino games and software providers, secure and familiar banking methods, mobile-friendly interfaces, exciting promotions plus free spins.
Customer support is also impressive, thanks to its live chat, phone and email options. The game filter allows players to choose what to stake in. Plus, internal searches and easy-to-navigate features come in handy for punters for a seamless experience. Overall, make sure you understand the wagering requirements before you play Canadian cookie casino.
 By Staff
July 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
More play equipment available to borrow through the Lending Library, thanks to donation from Tim Hortons
Burlington residents can now borrow more play equipment from the City’s Lending Library program, located at Brant Hills Community Centre at 2255 Brant St.
Thanks to a donation from Tim Hortons, the City was able to purchase more equipment, so now more families can play together, get outside and try new activities.
The play equipment is available to borrow for free (with a credit card deposit) for a one-week period. Equipment bookings can only be made online. Pick up and drop off is located at the east entrance, through Duncaster Drive. All items are disinfected between each use.
Bikes and Pickle Ball equipment can be picked up at the Seniors’ Centre
For a complete list of play equipment available to borrow, visit online reservations. Check the website regularly as new items are frequently being added.
Examples of equipment to borrow:
 A telescope is expensive – before buying one you might want to borrow what the city has in its Lending Library. • Archery set
• Beginners astronomy kit
• Bird watching kit
• Giant outdoor matching game
• Large Connect 4 game
• Lawn darts
• Portable practice target net
• Stilts set
• Bikes, including a three-wheeled bicycle
For more information on the Lending Library program, visit burlington.ca/playlending.
Link to the site showing what is available is HERE
 By Pepper Parr
June 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The focus on the issue of a statue of Egerton Ryerson started in Toronto when the city proposed to create 34 neighbourhoods for administrative reasons, labeling one of them as “Ryerson” to capture the downtown area mainly occupied by the University campus that bears his name. The initiative rebooted the demand to remove Ryerson’s statue on Gould Street and to change the name of the university dedicated to his memory.
At about the same time members of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) began to take an interest in how the Ryerson name was used.
The HDSB has a Superintendent Etough who pays attention to matters of equity and diversity. His view was that the public did not fully understand how traumatic the issue is for the Indigenous community.
 An elementary school in a quiet neighbourhood with fully matured trees and a city park next door. This is a community where children can safely walk to school. Through a process that could have been a little clearer, the trustees made the decision that the name on a school on Woodview, Ryerson PS, was no longer acceptable and decided to remove the name and go through a Board process in place to name schools.
At a Board meeting on June 16th, there were trustees who wanted the name removed immediately. Director of Education Stuart Miller explained that the name could not be removed until there was a new name in place that had the necessary input from the community.
Given that the community is going into summer and schools are closed the Director advised the trustees to wait until the fall and begin the process then when parents are around and not on vacation.
That led to the trustees agreeing that the re-naming process was to be completed no later than November 30th.
 Fallon Melander, the Indigenous mother was formally asked the HDSB to change he name of Ryerson PS During the webcast of the Board meeting we heard Fallon Melander, a parent with children who attend Ryerson, explained why she wanted to see the name removed from the school.
As I listened to the debate, staff comments and what the trustees had to say I began to wonder who had done the research that led to the trustees deciding that the Ryerson name should be removed from the school.
 Trustee Margo Shuttleworth I was told by Trustee Margo Shuttleworth that she had done the research. Ms Shuttleworth has been trained in jurisprudence at a University on Scotland – she is not an historian nor does she have any known expertise on the history of education in Ontario.
I asked where that research was deposited and could we have access to it.
We made this request because what we were hearing during the meeting differed significantly from what had been published else where by Ron Stagg and Patrice Dutil.
We also asked Trustee Shuttleworth for a copy of her remarks, which were worth putting on the public record, and for the delegation made by Fallon Melander,the parent who asked formally that the name be changed.
Shuttle offered both documents. They have yet to arrive – we did send a second request.
The Gazette has had problems with Shuttleworth in the past; notably in the 2014 election when she came up with the idea of putting out a pledge that she would do her job if she was elected as the trustee for ward 4. She didn’t get elected in 2014 but she did get elected in 2018. There is a link to that story below.
Egerton Ryerson (1803-1882), the Methodist minister who has long been celebrated as the founder of the Ontario public school system, stands accused of creating a residential school system designed to stamp out Indigenous culture. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In an article in another national newspaper Ron Stagg, professor of history and Patrice Dutil professor of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University set out a very factual story which we set out below.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission investigated the the history of the role Ryerson played in the formation of schools for Indigenous youth, its final report made no such claim. It did not seem to matter: a small but nameless constituency still argues that Ryerson was the predecessor to federal politicians who launched new residential schools in 1883, and should therefore be erased from public memory. Note that Ryerson died in 1882
Ryerson is being misjudged. He was not a racist and he did not discriminate against Indigenous people. It was the exact opposite! As a young man he was appointed to the Credit mission, home of the Mississaugas. He learned their language, worked in the fields with the people of the settlement and became a life-long friend of future chief Kahkewaquonaby (Sacred Feathers), known in English as Peter Jones.
In fact, it was in recognition of his services to the Mississauga, that Ryerson was adopted and given the name of a recently deceased chief, “Cheechock” or “Chechalk.”
After he left the Credit mission, Ryerson kept in touch with Peter Jones. In the 1830s he assisted the Mississaugas, whose land was confiscated by colonial authorities, by approaching Queen Victoria personally through back channels. He also advanced the careers of a number of talented Indigenous individuals. When Peter Jones was gravely ill at the end of his life, he stayed in the comfortable home of his old friend Ryerson in Toronto. Ryerson was a friend of Indigenous people.
It is also wrong to blame Egerton Ryerson for creating residential schools. It was Peter Jones, working with another prominent Methodist, who argued that the government should fund schools to educate Indigenous men in the new techniques in agriculture, so that they might survive in a colony where land to hunt and fish freely was rapidly disappearing. By 1842, the authorities accepted the concept, as a way to put First Nations on farms and to eliminate the expense of annual treaty payments, not as a way to assimilate them.
In 1846, government agents met with thirty chiefs, representing most of the First Nations in what is now southern Ontario. After some discussion, almost all the leaders agreed that such schools were necessary, and many even agreed to use part of their treaty payments to help support the schools. A year later, the government approached Ryerson, an acknowledged expert on education, and asked him to provide a curriculum for schools that would train Indigenous people for a settled life.
 Egerton Ryerson did not do what many think he did do. Given the social values that prevailed when he was alive he was one of the best friends the the Indigenous community had. Ryerson was fully in agreement with the plan because he worried that Indigenous communities would be destroyed unless they changed their economic life. He delivered general suggestions for a curriculum — nothing else — that were typical of his day. It was patronizing, as it was based on Euro-Canadian models, but it had the support of most of the Indigenous leaders.
 The Ryerson statue was covered in paint before it was toppled and destroyed. Ryerson participated precisely because he saw education as the best instrument to protect First Nations from advancing settlement.
Two schools were established. They would be supervised by the government, and run by the Methodists, just like most of the on-reserve schools. They differed markedly from later residential schools, however. Teaching was done by teachers trained for the regular school system, not by the clergy, and children could speak their own language.
Attendance was voluntary. Religion was a subject in the curriculum, not a tool of forced conversion and assimilation.
As a devout Christian, Ryerson would have been horrified by the abuses and cruelties later perpetrated on Indigenous children by residential schools.
The schools were failures, mainly because of government refusal to adequately fund the project. But in this small aspect of his career Egerton Ryerson demonstrated his uniquely humane instincts of generosity and recognition of minorities.
This was the same man who boldly championed schools for Catholics and for French-Canadians.
The HDSB has not fully informed itself and appears to have let emotions get in the way of the facts. What this country has done to the Indigenous community is shameful and it is vital that we make amends. The people who want to focus on a name change can better serve the members of the First Nation by ensuring that every child buried in unmarked graves is disinterred and buried properly with dignity and grace.
While we are at it can we ensure that these people have potable water running into their homes and that the housing they have is not sub-standard.
The Halton District School Board has two members who hold doctorates – for them to allow such a shoddy approach to the collection of the facts is disappointing and disturbing.
If this is the best a Board that sets out educational policy for the children in the Region can do we are indeed a society in serious decline.
We can do better – hopefully during the public consultations on a name change the public will point out where the Board has fallen short.
Related news story
The pledge
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
Sidney Adams
June 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
So much of life and leisure has moved online over the course of the last year. The coronavirus pandemic has shifted almost everything that possibly can be digitalized away from in-person and right on to the web – and gambling is no exception.
Some people have predicted that the vaccine rollout and the tentative easing of coronavirus restrictions might end up leading to a shift away from the institutions and places which have enjoyed a boost in success over the course of the pandemic. But the benefits of gambling and gaming online are clearly being felt – and there’s little sign of online casinos winding down any time soon. This article will delve into more detail about how and why this is the case.
The numbers
The evidence shows that online gambling is very much on the up. In-person casino firms have spent recent months making acquisitions that bolster their online gambling credentials: Caesars Entertainment, for example, has picked up the British firm William Hill in part in order to build out its web and mobile gambling provision.
In the UK, meanwhile, data from the Gambling Commission released during the early phase of the pandemic showed that those who were already gambling were upping their use of gambling services. Figures showed that just over two thirds of such people boosted either the amount of cash or time they spent gambling – suggesting that the established gambling community were firmly happy with the shift to online.
Privacy is key
 Some online gambling sites are offering cryptocurrency deposit options which don’t have an ownership record. It’s easy to see why online casinos remain so popular. For some, the privacy offered by being able to gamble at home is a real game-changer. And now that some online gambling sites are offering cryptocurrency deposit options which don’t have an ownership record thanks to their decentralized nature, it’s easier than ever to gamble in private.
It’s interesting to ask whether privacy concerns also exist with online gambling. However, the privacy concerns with online casinos are just different. While it’s possible that your Internet service provider or a government can track your online usage, it’s harder for your friends and family to get to know. And with services like browser history clearers or VPNs available, it’s possible to add extra security.
Ease of use
Online gambling sites are also easy to use, too. Once the requisite age and other checks have been performed, a gambler can get started with play straight away. With a physical casino, this isn’t the case – and depending on where you live, it can take even longer to get started if there’s a big distance involved.
And online casinos that you can find on sites such as Onlinecasinolistings.com can also offer the gamer another advantage – choice. Online casino games come jam-packed with all sorts of fun features and designs, and it’s possible to customize your online casino experience in a way that you can’t quite at an in-person gambling venue. In-person casinos might have a certain degree of excitement that a website can’t replicate – but they can’t offer the same sheer breadth of choice of table game, aesthetic or multimedia as a good online casino can.
Legal consequences?
Finally, it’s interesting to look at whether or not the increased shift towards online casinos – and the apparent staying power that they have – could have consequences when it comes to the law. In some parts of the world, countries still don’t have laws in favor of online gambling – and in some places, the practice is banned outright. Behind the scenes, many legislators and governors are working with stakeholders in their areas to unblock these sorts of logjams. But progress is slow.
Online casinos are clearly now institutions. Given that online casinos don’t appear to be going anywhere fast, some are starting to wonder whether the apparent permanence of the institutions within the gambling community might be enough to push governments into making pro-gambling decisions. This could well be the case when the fiscal side of things is considered: the more online gamblers there are, the more potential tax revenue there is for governments. However, it is likely that only time will tell whether governments will come around.
Ultimately, online casinos are clearly now institutions. A long pandemic year of having fun online rather than in-person has entrenched these sites as part of the gambling community’s fabric – and that doesn’t look like it’s going to go away. What the long term effects of this will be (especially when it comes to the legal and regulatory frameworks), however, is what remains to be seen.
By Jocelyn Bell
April 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
More people are gambling at online casinos than ever before. In particular, Canada is experiencing a huge growth in online gambling that has surprised a lot of people. This means that this year, there are going to be a lot of changes in the industry. Online operators have to keep offering new and trending products in order to keep their players interested. So, here are the latest online casino trends in Canada.
 Playing along in real time with a hand like this is as exciting as being in a casino. More Live Games
Have you ever played a live game at a casino online? This is becoming very popular and it is likely that more operators are going to start offering live games. Players are demanding more from online casinos this year.
They want to have an authentic casino experience from home. This means that operators have to provide this if they want to beat the competition. Namely, this is coming through live games.
The idea of a live casino game is that there is a dealer working in real-time with the player. They are recorded live from another location and technology means that they can interact with the player. This allows a player to play along in real-time as if they were at a real casino.
This creates excitement for roulette tables and some card games. It is a trend that we are going to continue to see in Canada.
Cryptocurrency as a Payment Method
It is common knowledge in the online casino industry that players like choice when it comes to payment methods. For example, this is why bonusninja.com lists a lot of big online websites. They are popular because players like the freedom they can enjoy from choosing what type of payment method they want to use for deposits and withdrawals.
Of course, there are some common payment methods that you see a lot. This includes VISA, Mastercard and Paypal. But, an emerging payment method that some major casinos are starting to offer is cryptocurrency. Now, it is possible for players to pay with Bitcoin or other common cryptocurrencies. This is something that can be beneficial if you have crypto and it can help to build trust between the casino and the player.
Offering Better Promotions
If you have played at online casinos before, you will know that a lot of them offer deals and promotions for first-time players. This is something that is set to continue for the future in this industry. The reason is that there is so much competition. A lot of online operators are having to fight to capture players and this means that they have to do everything they can to get their business. Often, this is through offering deals and free spins. Thus, if you are a player, you can look forward to a lot of benefits. It can be beneficial to play at several online casinos to take advantage of the promotions.
Playing with Virtual Reality
Trends in the casino industry that we are likely to see soon in Canada is virtual reality. This is something that a lot of people like and it can create an immersive experience. A lot of players want an authentic casino experience and this is something they are definitely going to get with virtual reality. Right now, the technology for this is expensive in Canada. But, this may change in the future. It can mean that players can step into a casino and play games virtually rather than using animated games on the computer.
Betting on Esports
Have you heard of Esports before? This is a name for electronic sports or it can be referred to as competitive video gaming. Players take on others from around the world and try to beat them at their favorite games. This is something that a lot of people enjoy taking part in. But, when it comes to online casinos, we are seeing a trend of betting on esports. Not only are more people taking part in competitions, but there are a lot more spectators. This has led to betting on esports and creating more excitement around tournaments. Therefore, it is likely that this year in Canada, more casinos are going to allow players to bet on big esport competitions.
 By Staff
April 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Those seniors who are 75 and over will see a 10% increase in the Old Age Security Benefits. It is often difficult to see something in a federal budget that impacts your pocket. Real dollars that you are going to receive directly – to your bank account if you are smart enough to use direct deposit.
The budget also proposes to increase Old Age Security by 10% for seniors 75 and over, beginning in 2022.
The current Old Age Security benefit maximum is: $615.37.
These just may be the Golden Years.
 By Staff
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Province has announced a province-wide emergency and Stay-at-Home Order, with additional restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19.
Municipalities now have to find ways to give people places to go and things to do that make it possible to get out and get some fresh air and exercise without compromising the rules that are vital: Wear masks – stay six feet away from people you do not know.
Spend your time with immediate family members and don’t be part of groups that are bigger than five people.
Outdoor exercise is considered essential for physical and mental health. Please use caution and follow all public health precautions.
 Tyandaga Golf Course
Tyandaga Golf Course is preparing for opening Saturday, April 10, 2021 with COVID-19 safety precautions in place to help keep both golfers and staff safe by minimizing the spread of the virus.
The course is in great shape and combines a perfect mix of urban convenience with rural beauty, natural waterways, contours and mature trees.
Players wishing to book a tee time can now book online at tyandagagolf.com. Booking by phone can be done starting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by calling 905-336-0005.
New Rules and Operations
• Tyandaga will be open daily, 7 days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to close
• Tee times can be booked online through tyandagagolf.com and by phone only, no walk-in green fees
• Only credit card or debit cards will be accepted for payments (no cash)
• Food and beverage services will be limited to window take-out service only. Dining area is closed
• No tournaments at this time
• At this time, Clubhouse will be closed except for washrooms and pro-shop area. Only one guest allowed in pro-shop and washroom at a time
• All power carts are equipped with dividers for player safety. Masks are mandatory to be worn while in the power cart, if not from the same household
• Lessons and rental clubs currently not available
• Practice greens and practice chipping areas are open
• Sand bunker rakes have been removed. Any shots in the bunker are a free drop
• All high-contact surfaces are regularly sanitized such as the payment terminals, all service-related surfaces, power carts and bathrooms
The tee times for the next two weeks are fully booked. The Junior membership has been closed – a flood of new membership applications took up all the spots that were available.
 Parks and Trails
City-run parks, playgrounds, skateboard parks, Bocce Ball Court and trails are open. Residents are reminded to stay off all artificial turf fields (that are locked and closed) and to stay six feet away from anyone not in your household. Wearing a mask is also strongly recommended.
Please be courteous to all visitors and help keep the parks clean by taking all your garbage home for proper disposal. Please note most park washrooms are not yet opened for the season, please plan accordingly.
Team sports on fields will be cancelled as there are no permitted activities at this time. Outdoor amenities can be used for casual use.
Participants for community sport and recreation rentals are advised to check in with their organization directly for more information.
We ask that you cooperate with others using outdoor spaces and follow all COVID-19 health precautions and posted signage. If the outdoor recreational space is busy, please try another outdoor recreational amenity in the city or come back at a different time. Please be kind to one another, remain vigilant and stay safe. For a list of opportunities available in Burlington (weather permitting) visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Outdoor Play Spaces
All playgrounds, skateboard parks, Bocce Ball Court are open.
Sport Courts and Ball Hockey Courts
Sport courts and ball hockey courts are open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for 30-minute, first come, first serve usage. Masks must be worn when not playing, and highly recommended during play. Two-meter physical distancing is required at all times.
 Outdoor Courts
All outdoor tennis and pickleball courts are open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for 30-minute, first come, first serve usage. Masks must be worn when not playing, and highly recommended during play. Two-meter physical distancing is required at all times.
Lending Library
Play Equipment – Horseshoes, glow in the dark soccer balls, Kanjam, washer toss, tennis, Spikeball and more are available to borrow. Visit burlington.ca/playlending.
Pickleball Equipment – Borrow pickleball equipment for free (deposit required), including noise-reducing paddles, ball packs and portable nets that can be used anywhere. Visit burlington.ca/pickleball.
TelePALS
TelePALS, is a free phone service designed to help adults stay connected as everyone practices physical distancing to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
Through TelePALS, users can participate in free, over-the-phone programs, including Chat Groups, Listen and Learn, Game Shows, Ask the Expert and Listen for Enjoyment.
All programs available through TelePALS can be viewed online at Burlington.ca/telepals.
Active at Home
Stay active at home with our virtual activities online from fitness to crafts for everyone to enjoy. Learns more at burlington.ca/activeathome.
Recreation Services and Facilities
City of Burlington indoor recreation facilities are closed, and all in-person Spring Session 1 programs are cancelled, including Spring Break Camps and PA Day Camps. Virtual and TelePAL programs will continue as planned. Recreation Services staff are contacting user groups, renters and program participants affected by these changes. An exception applies for user groups who provide childcare, they are able to continue during the emergency brake as per the Provincial Guidelines.
Residents are asked to please be patient during this time as it will take two to four weeks for staff to process the large volume of cancellations.
Those who paid using a credit card will receive a pro-rated refund to their card where possible. This applies to rentals and program participants. All other payment methods will receive a credit to their recreation account.
Cheque refunds can be requested by emailing liveandplay@burlington.ca. Please be sure to include your full mailing address in your request. Individuals with questions can follow up with their sport provider or user group or call Recreation Services customer service at 905-335-7738.
By Matthew Gomes
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
How to win more with online gambling
 You can play responsibly from the comfort of your couch. While the thrill of playing your favourite games at a physical casino is real, sometimes, you might have to twist up your gaming a little bit and try out an online casino instead. Online casinos come packed with tons of benefits, the first on the list being the fact that you get to have quite a blast, right from the comfort of your house. In addition to this, online casinos boast tons of lucrative promos and bonuses, allowing you to take full advantage of some hot deals!
If you are eager to win big at an online casino, here are some CasinoTop10 Tips that you can consider:
Welcome Offer Package
Most online casinos will try their best to appeal to new customers by way of giving them sign up bonus offers. As you shop around for your favourite online casino, be sure to check out what offer they have in store for you.
Wagering Requirements
While a particular online casino’s welcome bonus offer might be seemingly lucrative, it is no use if the wagering requirements are too high to meet. Look for a platform that has relatively fair and easy to meet playthrough terms.
Consider your choice of games
Understandably, you might feel the need to try out as many games as possible, hoping to increase your chances of winning. However fun it might be, this is not the best approach. It is advisable to choose a few of your favourites and stick to them. This gives you the opportunity to focus on those games, and with time, you will learn some tricks on how to win big on them.
 There are any number of on-line gaming locations – find the one that you are comfortable with and have fun. Practice on Demo mode
Most people live delving right into wagering, without necessarily taking their time to learn the details of how their online casino of choice operates. Seeing as most casinos allow game-play in demo mode, be sure to try it out before you can bet using your hard-earned real cash.
Game selection
Look for an online casino whose game selection is wide in the array. You don’t want to join a casino with limited games available. This gives you an opportunity to try out several games before you can settle for your favourite ones to focus on.
Choose a reputable site
Picking the right casino leaves you rest assured that there won’t be challenges with payouts and that your personal information is safe and secure.
Try out jackpot games
Most online casinos will have a range of Jackpot games available. Be sure to try them out seeing as great treasure awaits, especially on progressive Jackpots.
Ensure that you read all terms and conditions
While most people tend to ignore the details here, it is quite crucial to familiarize yourself with the various terms of your online casino of choice. This way, you get to learn how the site operates, including bet options, minimum deposits, as well as the rules of engagement on different games.
 Stick to your betting Budget
Agreeably, one might be tempted to bet more with each loss made. However, it is advisable to have a plan for your betting finances to avoid making even bigger losses.
Have a well-balanced betting strategy
Ensure that you use an appropriate betting strategy to ensure that you work with calculated risks. An example would be striking a balance between low and high-risk bets.
By Franz Kerl
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The surge in popularity for all types of gaming over the course of 2020 is a phenomenon that has already been discussed. This has been particularly noticeable in the online casino sector, which has benefited from more potential players being at a loose end at home, along with land-based alternatives facing temporary closures.
 Get into the game for as little as $1 Those within the industry have taken full advantage, and you need only take a glance at this site to see Canadian minimum deposit casinos compared and to get a picture of just how competitive a market this is becoming. The various platforms don’t purely focus on bonuses and free offers to tempt new members. They all have their own ways of trying to bring something extra special to the table, and one technology that has proved exceptionally popular has been live gaming. This is when the player is connected via webcam to a real dealer spinning the wheel or dealing the cards. But why has this proved to be such a major attraction?
An authentic experience
There is more to a night at the casino than the mechanics of a card game or a spinning wheel. Casino goers love the theatre of the blackjack table or the roulette wheel, and that is something that live casino manages to achieve, even in the online environment. Studios typically have multiple camera angles so you can see the action from every angle, while the croupiers are professionally trained.
Increased trust
 Today’s casinos are closely monitored and regulated by bodies like the Kahnawake gaming commission. Everyone knows that the games are not rigged and the random number generators can be trusted to give a fair game. But despite all that, players still feel more comfortable seeing a physical roulette wheel spinning, or watching a real dealer shuffle a real deck of cards. Ultimately, even in the technical world of the 2020s, we still trust another human being more than we trust a computer algorithm.
Social play
There has been lots of talk about social gaming over the past few months. It is important to appreciate that social games are about more than Words with Friends and the like. Is there any gaming experience more social than sitting at a blackjack table or jostling around the roulette wheel, chatting to the dealer and exchanging some banter with the other players? Live casino games allow you to do all that, just without the jostling, via the chat box on your screen.
 The game is live – you see everything you would see if you were in the gambling hall. Mobile connectivity
Live casino games have been around for a while, but it is only in the past year or so that the mobile infrastructure has been sufficient to allow you to play them from your smartphone. Given that mobile is now the platform of choice for more than 50 percent of all gaming, bringing the live casino experience to iOS and Android has been a crucial factor in it’s rising popularity. It is a phenomenon that will only increase.
By John Gaar
March 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Did you know that the worldwide audience for E-sports games is forecasted to reach 250 million people?
The growth of Esports has been phenomenal, with new games being launched every year. Some games, however, dominate the landscape and are more popular than others. When we talk about the biggest Esports games, it can mean different things to different people. Some games are more popular globally while others are regional successes.
Gambling (also known as betting) is the wagering of money or something of value (referred to as “the stakes”) on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the primary intent of winning money or material goods.
Gambling thus requires three elements to be present: consideration (an amount wagered), risk (chance), and a prize.
Most of the online casinos offer no deposit bonus Canada or Australia players can use as well as UK or USA gamblers. The outcome of the wager is often immediate, such as a single roll of dice, a spin of a roulette wheel, or a horse crossing the finish line, but longer time frames are also common, allowing wagers on the outcome of a future sports contest or even an entire sports season.
Some have a lot more players while others organize bigger tournaments with large cash prizes. In this post, we have sorted the biggest Esports games by the amount of reward money that they have awarded for tournaments. All information on this is collected from the Esports Earnings website.
So, let’s get started with the list of the biggest Esports games.
 Fortnite is a popular multiplayer online game developed by Epic Games. It has three different game modes but still counts as one game. Release Year – 2017
Total Prize Money Awarded – $89.1 million
Noteworthy Tournaments – Fortnite World Cup, Fortnite Fall Skirmish Series, Fortnite Summer Skirmish Series
Top Players – Kyle Giersdorf, Harrison Chang, David Wang.
Fortnite is a popular multiplayer online game developed by Epic Games. It has three different game modes but still counts as one game. Here are the details of each game mode:
Save the World – It involves up to 4 players fighting zombie-like creatures to defend themselves and other survivors.
Battle Royale – This is a player-versus-player type of game where up to 100 players fight to be the last person standing. It can also be played in teams.
Creative – This is the sandbox mode where players have creative control over the game world.
 Dota 2 is a popular multiplayer battle arena Esports game developed by Valve Corporation. It is a sequel to Defense of the Ancients: All-Stars. It is most popular in North America and Europe. Release Year – 2013
Total Prize Money Awarded – $224.7 million
Noteworthy Tournaments – The International
Top Players – Johan Sundstein, Jesse Vainikka, Anathan Pham
About the Game
Dota 2 is a popular multiplayer battle arena Esports game developed by Valve Corporation. It is a sequel to Defense of the Ancients: All-Stars. It is most popular in North America and Europe.
The same is usually played in teams of five, with each one defending their area on a map. One team wins by destroying a structure called “Ancient” within the other team’s base.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
 Counter Strike: is a first-person shooter game and is the fourth one in the Counter-Strike series.
Release Year – 2012
Total Prize Money Awarded – $96.5 million
Noteworthy Tournaments – World Electronic Sports Games (WESG), ELEAGUE
Top Players – Andreas Højsleth, Peter Rasmussen, Nicolai Reedtz
This is another popular Esports game developed by Valve Corporation, in collaboration with Hidden Path Entertainment. It is a first-person shooter game and is the fourth one in the Counter-Strike series.
This game is basically played between two teams—terrorists and counter-terrorists. The terrorists take hostages and plant a bomb. The counter-terrorists have to save the hostages and defuse the bomb.
By Matt Jones.
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
How to find the best online bonuses for Canadian casinos
With more online casinos than ever opening in recent years – the total number of online sites now numbers in the many thousands – this space has become incredibly competitive. In fact, if recent industry reports are anything to go by, the global online gambling market is expected to reach a staggering $127 billion by 2027!
Much of this competition centers around the need for online casinos to not only attract new customers to their platform but to keep them playing there in the long run.
But with so many options available to both new and old players, this is no easy task!
 There are reliable online casinos that cater to the Canadian market. One of the most popular methods online casinos use to ensure they can attract new players to their platform is to lure them with enticing welcome bonuses. These come in many different shapes and forms, but the end result is much the same; they provide you with a little bit of an incentive in the hope that you will keep on playing with them.
With so many online casinos out there these days, there is understandably a huge variety when it comes to what kinds of bonuses are available. Although choice is always a good thing for consumers, an unfortunate consequence of having so many options is that it can become quite difficult to choose a casino to play with. For newer players in particular, this can sometimes be a daunting task – and this time of year often sees an influx of new and inexperienced players. People who are searching for some indoor leisure activities to wait out the usual heavy snowfall in February.
But what are some of the main things we need to keep in mind when looking for a new online casino platform to start playing with, and how can we identify and take advantage of the best casino bonuses on offer?
Know your bonuses
Before you start trawling through pages of Google search results looking for the best bonus out there, you first need to understand the different types of casino bonuses that are offered by online casinos.
Not all casino bonuses are created equal and there is significant diversity in terms of who can avail of them, how easy they are to use and how lucrative they might be.
Generally speaking, the main types of bonuses that online casinos will offer you are cash bonuses, deposit bonuses and free game bonuses.
As you might have guessed, cash bonuses typically involve the online casino in question giving you an amount of money, credited to your account, simply for opening an account with them. You will usually be able to use this on any game type you like, unless they specify that it can only be used on certain games. Similarly, a deposit bonus involves the casino giving you a certain percentage of any deposits you make to the platform, as a bonus. This will usually have some wagering conditions attached to it that you have to hit before you can withdraw any funds you win using the deposit bonus. You will generally be able to use deposit bonus funds on any game, with the bonus credited straight to your account once you meet the initial requirements. In contrast, the free game or free spin bonuses are limited to specific games and will, once again, be subject to wagering requirements.
Of these, the deposit bonuses tend to be the most lucrative, as online casinos will typically offer you a full match, up to a specific amount, on your initial deposit. Unfortunately, however, deposit bonuses are usually only available to new users signing up for the first time, which limits their availability for more seasoned players.
How to find the best online casinos?
As mentioned earlier, the huge number of online casinos bursting onto the scene in recent years has made it a difficult space for individual users to navigate. When a simple Google search can potentially yield millions of results, finding the right online casino to use can often be a discouraging task.
According to the trusted Canadian casino portal SuperLenny.com, however, this is exactly where their services come to the rescue. Using a review aggregator portal such as SuperLenny allows you to compare and contrast a wide variety of online casinos in one centralized location, without the need to trawl through pages and pages of search results.
 The main types of bonuses that online casinos will offer you are cash bonuses, deposit bonuses and free game bonuses. Read the rules carefully and understand your limits. This means you can spend less time searching the darkest reaches of the internet looking for the best possible deal, and more time doing what you love – settling in for an exciting online casino gaming session! It also has the benefit of allowing you to directly compare the type of bonus offered, without the need to navigate directly to the website in question.
By Staff
January 23, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Play equipment lending and other outdoor activities are available now.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor, active, and fun winter play with the City of Burlington. Dress appropriately, stay safe and enjoy a winter wonderland!
 Snow shoeing – great winter fun. Play Equipment Lending Library is available with winter-play equipment such as snowshoes, glow in the dark soccer, snow play kit, tug of war, and horseshoes and is intended for use by one family at a time. A list of play equipment is available HERE
• Equipment can be borrowed, starting Jan. 14.
• $50 deposit is required at the time of booking
• Play equipment is available for pick-up and drop-off only at the Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
• Late and administration fees may be deducted from the $50 deposit
The outdoor ice at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is open. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington – the rink is open most days from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free; however, online, pre-registration is required and can be booked no more than 25-hours in advance.
To accommodate as many community members as possible we ask that they only book one skate per day. The rink is very popular and capacity is reduced for COVID-19 safety. If you cannot come to the rink at your reserved time, please cancel your time so the next group can have an opportunity for fun and activities.
Anyone having difficulties with registering or cancelling their reservation time, please email Customer Service at liveandplay@burlington.ca.
To pre-register, visit burlington.ca/skating.
For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.
 By Alex Gramantin
January 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the world coping with a pandemic and people in many countries in a lock down situation or restricted on which commercial operations are actually opening and operating, millions of people are shopping on-line.
Some method of paying for what you buy on-line is needed.
Let’s start with the obvious, using your credit/debit card to make transfers and online payments is pretty annoying. Constantly having to log in and typing your card information is a hassle, and it’s not that safe for various reasons. Thankfully, there are loads of online payment systems and e-wallets you can use in Canada.
There are a lot of them, so many in fact that it may be hard to choose which one is better and more convenient. I’ve set out below the most popular payment systems for Canadians and given you the pros and the cons based on my experience; you will then be able to determine which one suits you best.
 PayPal Canada
Want a payment method that doesn’t use any of your information with the store you’re purchasing from? PayPal Canada is perfect for those wanting a secure banking option that will ensure that no one can get to your actual banking details even in PayPal casinos in Canada. Better yet, you don’t need to replenish your PayPal e-wallet, it automatically uses money from the bank account linked to it. There are over 6.4 million PayPal users in Canada, and yes – it does work with the CAD currency.
Pros:
-Extremely fast, and easy to use
-No transaction fees
-Downloadable e-wallet
-Plenty of discounts with various retails
Cons:
-Long withdrawal times (3-4 days)
-Business account use charges
-Accounts get frozen randomly
GooglePay is in the process of revising their logo
Google Pay Canada
Google really is dominating the world, and now you have an option to make payments via Google Pay. Canadian users can use this system on the website, or download a mobile app (Android Pay) that is beyond easy to use. Using Google Pay, you will have the opportunity to earn cash back, gain reward points, and have a secure experience with scam and fraud protection. A little over 12% of Canadian residents happily use this payment method for online shopping, quick transactions, and thousands of available retails in the region.
Pros:
-Lots of rewards and promotions
-Widely accepted online
-No transaction fees
-Charges in CAD
Cons:
-Not as widely accepted in physical retails as PayPal
-Only accepted on smartphones with NFC
-Isn’t compatible with mobile voice assistants
 Instadebit
If you want to feel the lightning speed power transactions, Instadebit CA is going to blow your socks off. This payment system is incredibly fast, and offers instant transactions, hence the name. The company serves thousands of Canadian users, as it quickly proved to be a highly convenient online financial system. It’s very similar in structure to most other online payment methods, and can be used for various digital payments except this one happens to be extremely popular in the online gambling world. Making an Instadebit account is as easy as ever, and depositing to online casinos couldn’t be speedier. There are currently over a hundred legal Instadebit online gambling sites for Canadians.
Pros:
-Incredibly fast transactions
-Fast online casino deposits
-Quick online casino withdrawals
-Quick registration process
-Accepted on many Canadian casino sites
-Secure payment system
Cons:
-Doesn’t work with some CA banks
-Can only be tethered to one bank
-Lack of anonymity
My take on what is available:
Whether you’re shopping online, depositing money to friends and family, or gambling online – there are plenty of options. You will find dozens of online payment systems in Canada, but make sure to always read reviews and weigh out the pros and cons before linking your bank details.
PayPal, Google Pay, and Instadebit are all reliable. They have their differences but they are all secure options with quick transactions, and no excessive fees.
Alex Gramantin is a consultant who is located in Europe. He consults for an international clientele on internet based payment services.
 By George Wolfson
October 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, almost every online casino advertises spectacular jackpots. Providers claim you can win millions of dollars for free, or after making a modest deposit. Surely, many people regard these offers as scams. You may be surprised, but millionaire-maker slots can be legit.
It is not easy to find a reliable casino. For players in Canada, the choice is abundant. Review sites like realcanadianslots.win analyze and compare different platforms to help them make a decision. Trustworthy casinos are not fiction, and some games do pay millions. Here is how they work.
 There is always a happy face when you win. Progressive Jackpot Games
The most famous game of this type is Mega Moolah. It was released over a decade ago – in 2006. Since then, its popularity has been soaring, and new variations have appeared. The original slot is safari-themed: it has five reels with cards and African animals.
What makes the game so attractive is its ever-growing prize fund. Such is the logic of any progressive slot. The jackpot keeps growing from a fixed initial size until some lucky player hits it. The Mega Moolah family has four jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. The latter is the most desirable: after being hit, it rolls back to the initial size of 1 million dollars.
The largest prize has already been paid several times. The most recent example is the $16,774,073.89 win secured on August 17, 2020. This is not the most spectacular result, though. In 2018, an anonymous player won a whopping $21.7 million at Grand Mondial Casino, which is part of the famous Casino Rewards system. This broke the previous record of $13.2 million – this is how much British Army lance corporal John Heywood won in 2015.
What Do You Need to Win?
It is difficult to ascertain the exact odds of hitting the jackpot. Too many factors are variable, including the number of games, betting thresholds, etc. According to some estimates, the chances are one in 50 million. Still, given the sheer number of casinos featuring the game, winning big is not impossible.
 The image on the screen tells you if you are a big winner. Types of Progressive Games
The lowest payouts are offered by standalone progressives. Each of these machines has a separate prize fund which is fed only by bets on this machine. In general, you may expect to win no more than $10,000. This type is becoming less and less common.
Other slots are connected to one another, forming groups of different sizes. Local progressives are machines linked within a single casino. Generally, the biggest jackpot ranges between $100,000 and $1,000,000.
Finally, systems like Mega Moolah are classified as ‘wide area network progressives’. These are enormous, as they connect machines across different casinos. It is exactly what makes astronomical jackpots possible and legit.
Games That Make Millionaires
The probability of winning millions online is real but modest. Progressive jackpots may grow to eight-digit figures, but they are not won every day. Still, it is clear why these slots are irresistibly alluring.
George Wolfson is an analyst who follows the on-line casino gaming sector
By Robert Fennell
October 22, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Can gambling be a hobby, or is it just an addiction? Continue reading to find out if gambling is a hobby and how to identify that it turned into an addiction.
There is no denying that gambling is incredibly attractive in terms of the fun and excitement it provides. It is also quite tempting due to the chance of winning a big payout. Many people gamble for different reasons; it can be a source of entertainment for some, it can be a source of income for some, and some gamble because they find it difficult to give up. It is vital to know why you are gambling to know if it is a hobby or it has become an addiction.
Gambling as a Hobby
 Gambling can be fun – just know your limits and have fun. A hobby can be described as any activity a person does and enjoys in their spare time for fun. It is a hobby as long as they derive pleasure from doing it. Activities like gardening, cycling, watching movies, watching sports games, racing, singing, and many more are hobbies that many people enjoy doing.
And for some, gambling is a hobby that they enjoy. They take different gambling activities like placing bets on sports and casino games as a source of entertainment. These people tend to visit casinos or claim bonuses like the 1 deposit casinos bonuses online to play games for fun. In some circles, there is a stereotype that gambling is a bad habit and that most people who engage in it are addicted. However, just because a person enjoys the activity a lot doesn’t necessarily mean that they are addicted to it. As long as you have strict schedules and plans for your gaming activities and stick to it religiously, it won’t become a compulsive habit, and it would be difficult for you to get addicted to it.
Gambling as an Addiction
Addiction happens when an activity has become a habit of an individual, making it extremely difficult to stop or give it up. It is normal to lose money when playing casino games, but it now becomes an addiction when you deviate from your established pattern, start chasing losses and find it difficult to stop. When gambling stops being fun and starts to become an obsession for you, you should know that you are starting to get addicted.
 All in – seldom a good place to be. Whatever the limit it – it isn’t being observed Gambling addicts get obsessed with chasing the high they get from anticipating their bets’ results and end up in the cycle of losing and trying to recover it by continuing to gamble. Eventually, such people’s activities trigger a lot of consequences, which gets them into financial trouble and affects their mental health and their relationships with their friends and family.
Signs to Recognize Potential Gambling Addictive Behaviors
There are various signs and behavioural patterns that you can use to know if you are getting addicted and need to either take a step back or stop. Some of the signs to know that gambling activity is becoming an addiction:
Ways to Avoid Turning Your Gambling Hobby into an Addiction
- Don’t let gambling be a coping mechanism for boredom or problems that you are facing
- Find another hobby you can enjoy
How to Try and Treat Gambling Addiction
- Admit you have a problem
- Get support
- Avoid any avenues and environments that will lead to it
- Replace gambling with other positive activities or hobbies
- Ask for help
There is a thin line between a hobby and an addiction because it is often our hobbies that usually end up turning into addictions. Being addicted to gambling doesn’t happen in a day, so it is important to monitor yourself to know when your habit is getting out of control, and your hobby starts to become an obsession.
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