Finding the right place to play online is not as easy as it sounds, not even in regions where gambling online is regulated. People would prefer to choose local operators, as they are more trustworthy - especially in Canada, where state lotteries are the ones running them. But there are several factors that influence their decision, driving many of them to offshore operators, thus also diverting their tax dollars outside the country. Here are a few reasons why gambling online at an out-of-state casino is the preferred choice for many.

Habituation

Until the launch of Play Now, the state-owned casino operated by the British Columbia lottery, Canadians were playing at reputable international casinos like the Royal Vegas casino. And, as there is quite a lot of competition on the international casino market, they got used to the benefits and the game variety offered by them.

To stick with the above example, the Royal Vegas has five to ten times as many games as any state-run Canadian casino. It is available on all platforms, desktop and mobile alike. Its game collection covers all tastes and needs - it has table games, slot machines, arcade games and casual titles to choose from. And it offers its players attractive promotions and other benefits to keep them coming back, and also keep them from switching operators.

Bonuses and jackpots

The bonuses offered by the Royal Vegas are quite attractive, and usually beat those provided by state-run operators. PlayNow, for example, offers its players a $100 casino token when they sign up, but only if they make a deposit of at least $100. Things are a bit different at the Royal Vegas - its players get a 100% match, up to $250, on their first deposit, with similar wagering requirements, followed by other similar bonuses on their second and third ones.

Another reason for players to choose the likes of Royal Vegas over state-run lotteries are jackpots. The largest progressive jackpot offered by PlayNow is a bit over $100,000 - while at the Royal Vegas the flagship jackpot game gives players the chance to win at least $1 million. This April a lucky Canadian player Mark A. has hit a jackpot at the Royal Vegas, cashing in on a life-changing $7.5 million win. State owned operators can hardly beat that at the moment.

I'm not saying state-owned operators are not good at what they do. Their initiative to keep the residents' cash within their respective territories is laudable. But online gambling is a highly competitive business, with some really big names on the market - and competing with these will take more than just a handful of casino games offered online.