Canada has some of the western world’s most complex gaming laws and regulations. Not only are different aspects of betting tackled under different laws – each of the ten Canadian provinces can make its own rules too.
Yet gambling has been a part of culture in Canada since natives were observed using sticks for betting games. And since John Cabot and the European settlers arrived, Canada has been importing a huge range of playing cards and dice games.
Sports betting, casino gaming and internet games of chance like online poker sites are all very popular in the country. In 2024 experts predict that if there are changes to the gaming laws in Canada, they are likely to be in favour of more liberal attitudes.
More recently the Canadian national government has appeared to scratch its collective head, look puzzled and left all the major decisions about what is and isn’t legal in the country’s gaming world to its individual provinces.
According to the Canadian Criminal Code, the provinces are allowed to license third parties to conduct various gaming activities however it is not those that are operated on or through a video device, a dice game, a computer, or a slot machine.
The Criminal Code of Canada is a federal law that however also allows provinces and territories to conduct and manage lottery schemes.
So, most of the provincial governments have since launched their own platforms for digital gaming usually operated by the province’s lottery corporations.
In addition to this, an estimated $4 billion is spent be Canadians on an annual basis, on offshore websites for sports betting solely. The Canadian authorities do not seem to be interested in prosecuting online casinos or sportsbooks that are run by foreign operators.
Different provincial rules
Provinces and territories have the authority to regulate and license gambling activities within their boundaries. This includes casinos, lottery schemes, bingo, and other forms of betting.
This means that different regions may have varying types of legal gambling. Common forms available in different provinces include lotteries, casinos, horse racing, charitable gaming, and online gambling.
As an extra complexity, each province and territory have its own regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities. Examples include the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
Physical casinos
Most areas of Canada however allow the operation and visiting of land-based casinos.
The country’s first casino was built and opened in Winnipeg in 1989. Other soon followed, such as Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova scotia. In reality the moral decisions about playing at online casinos is mostly left to individual players. At the same time, in addition to casinos and horse tracks, many Canadian provinces have approved the installation of video lottery terminals to generate revenue for themselves.
Online gambling
The regulation of online gambling varies across Canada. Some provinces have introduced their online gambling platforms meanwhile others rely on national or international operators. It’s complicated for players to be aware of the specific rules in different provinces – especially if they are travelling around the country.
For example, the legal age for gambling varies by province or territory, but it is generally 18 years old – but it can be 19. So, it is important to look up the online gambling age of the country you may be visiting if this is something you are likely to participate in.
Changes in regulations
The laws about online gambling in Canada are a complex and evolving landscape. The rules and regulations vary between the provinces and territories, and the legal status of online gambling can be different in each region of the country.
Some provinces for example, operate their own online gambling platforms. In Ontario, there is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), while British Columbia has the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
These gaming platforms offer various online casino games, poker, and sports betting. At the same time Canadians also have access to international online gambling sites. The legality of using these offshore platforms is a grey area. Canadian authorities have not typically prosecuted individual gamblers. The focus tends to be on regulating and licensing operators within Canada.
The recent legalization of single event sports betting in Canada has allowed provinces to offer this type of betting. This is expected to lead to expanded sports betting options, both through provincial platforms and potentially through private operators.
It’s important to note that the legal landscape does change across the ten provinces and is a changeable web of rules. For the most accurate current information, check the specific regulations where you are, as well as any updates in Canadian national legislation.
Nevertheless, online gaming industry experts are predicting a strong future for internet casinos in Canada.
Technological advances and a growing consumer base are likely to fuel the boom in playing games of chance remotely.
Globally, experts point out, the popularity of mobile gaming continues to rise and is likely to impact the Canadian casino industry as more players turn to mobile apps and websites to access their favourite games.
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