On this page we discuss gambling in Canada and the laws and regulations that apply to residents of Canada who want to gambling online or in brick and mortar casinos.
As a rule, gambling is legal in Canada provided that it is licensed or managed by the government, either the federal or provincial government. Before you play, read first our guide on the applicable gambling laws in Canada below.
Canada is composed of 10 provinces that include British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Each province is self-governing as such, they can enact laws specific to their needs, including gambling. This led to the growth of a few gambling companies that provide regulated gambling activities in the country. The top companies holding the biggest market share in the Canadian gambling industry are:
As mentioned, the regulation of gambling is a state subject. Here are the leading authorities that regulate gambling in the country, both physical and online:
Gambling is highly regulated in Canada. The legal age to enter a casino in the country is 19 years of age, similar to the rules on drinking. However, in some provinces like Manitoba, Quebec, and Alberta, the minimum gambling age is 18 years. Here’s a summary of the minimum age requirement for gambling in Canada:
Canadian residents are allowed to register and play real money games at licensed offshore casinos, for example holding an MGA or Curacao license, provided they are at least 18 years of age.
Online gambling in Canada is a complex issue, as it falls under the jurisdiction of both the federal government and the provinces. In general, it is not illegal for Canadian residents to play at online casinos, but the laws and regulations surrounding online gambling vary depending on the province.
The Canadian Criminal Code states that it is illegal to operate a gambling business within Canada, but it does not prohibit Canadians from playing at online casinos that are based outside of the country. This means that many online casinos that are based outside of Canada continue to accept Canadian players.
The provinces of Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia have their own gambling regulations and operate their own online casinos. In other provinces, the regulation of online gambling is left to the individual operators and players have access to a wide range of international online casinos.
It is important to note that the laws and regulations surrounding online gambling in Canada are subject to change, and it is always a good idea to check for updates and to ensure that you are playing at a reputable online casino that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority.
The Canadian gambling industry provides you with a wide range of casino games to play. As a Canadian resident, you can bet on horses, play the lotteries and enjoy popular casino games from slot machines, poker, and a wide range of table games such as baccarat and roulette.
In brick-and-mortar casinos, you can enjoy slot machines, poker, and video lottery terminals (VLTs). The VLTs are present in almost all provinces of Canada, with the spinning reel, poker, and keno as the most popular variants.
You can also bet on horse races in a few legal horse racing tracks in the country. For example, you can visit the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Center in New Foundland or the Assiniboia Downs in Manitoba. In online casinos, you can enjoy a diverse games portfolio. In regulated online casinos, you can play online slots, table games, poker, bingo, and live dealer games.
Since gambling in Canada is primarily a state subject, you can refer your complaints to the
concerned regulatory agency in the province. However, it’s best to report first your complaints to your online casino operator. You can contact the site’s Customer Support Team to get answers or assistance. Most offshore licensed casinos maintain 24/7 Support that’s available across channels including email, toll-free number, or Live Chat.
All regulated casinos are mandated to provide a safe and secure gambling experience for their players. As a customer of an online casino, you can use the following tools:
There are organizations too that can help Canadian players play sensibly or cope with their addiction. We list below some of the leading organizations that promote responsible gambling and help players manage their activities online.
In case you need help, you can visit one of the following Offices:
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). This is a leading independent and non-profit organization that promotes responsible gambling in Canada. The Office offers guidance, advice and connects problem players to different treatment centers.
The Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling. The group was established through the initiatives of the RGC. Its objective is to involve several provinces in the creation of a steering committee to promote research and policy development.
Problem Gambling Guide. This is a directory of websites that are related to responsible gambling.
Although forms of gambling have been permitted since 1892, the major changes in the industry happened in the 1970s. This was the time when the provinces were given the authority to regulate gambling, with some exceptions. The changes pushed for the growth of the gambling industry and in 1989, the country’s first casino was opened in Winnepeg. This was followed by a casino in Montreal in 1993.
Provinces have the power to draft and implement policies, but the major legislation at work is the Criminal Code of Canada. The Code covers a wide array of illegal gambling activities, with the most common covering Section 201 (offenses), Section 202 (illegal betting, book-making and pool selling), Section 206 (lotteries and games of chance), and Section 209 (cheating at games with the intent to defraud). In July 2010, these offenses in the Code were elevated to ‘serious offenses’.
The primary task of regulating casinos fall on provincial governments. This helps grow the gambling industry as it individually responds to the needs of its residents. British Columbia is the first province that allowed gambling. It offers a specific set of legislations and directives to guide operators and casino players. Also, its official website regularly publishes enforcement bulletins and advisories that can inform stakeholders about the current changes in policy.
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