While the governments of other countries are trying to regulate the activities of land-based and online operators as strictly as possible, Canada is showing its liberalism even in this matter. In this country, you will not hear about the prohibition of casino games. Most Canadian gambling laws remain flexible, but at the same time, the government considers the interests of Canadian society.
Thanks to this approach, Canada managed to build a gambling industry that is attractive even for foreign players and brings enormous income to the country’s economy. At the same time, a loyal and flexible legislative system ensures its effective work.
In this guide, we have covered gambling laws in all provinces and territories. This information is the basis for providing a safe gaming experience, regardless of where the player lives.
Canadian Gambling Laws History
Until 1970, all types of gambling in the country were considered illegal and prohibited by law at all levels, from federal to provincial. All those who participated in providing and consuming gambling services were considered individuals who violated the law.
By the end of 1970, the legislative landscape had undergone some changes. As a result, some types of gambling entertainment have become available even to ordinary citizens. The year 1985 was an important one for Canada’s gambling industry. Back then, the federal government allowed provincial and territorial regulators to make their own decisions about the legality of slot machines, lotteries, and charity games.
Despite this, illegal operators flourished in the country, violating the laws and falsifying the game results. Because of this, there was a need to regulate and punish their criminal activities. Here the Criminal Code of Canada came to the fore. Most often, illegal activities in the field of gambling were regulated by:
- Section 202. This section of the Canadian Criminal Code deals with any illegal activities of betting houses and bookmakers.
- Section 206. This section covers violations of the law relating to the operation of national lotteries and other forms of gambling.
- Section 209. This section describes any fraudulent activity intended to defraud a player or gaming house as illegal.
Modern Legislation
Today, virtual gambling sites are either regulated by provincial authorities or fall into a gray zone. Federal law, as before, does not prohibit real money Internet betting. However, the main condition is the availability of a license from an independent international commission or local authorities.
Violations of the Law
Despite all the flexibility and loyalty of the Canadian gambling laws, there have been cases in history when the government held operators accountable for their illegal activities.
For example, the government of British Columbia fined Starnet Communications International 4 million Canadian dollars. Another incident happened in 2013. At that time, Ontario regulators carried out 10 raids on all Platinum Sports Book gaming houses and seized over 2 million Canadian dollars.
Thanks to such measures, the government manages to regulate a huge market. Fortunately, today any Canadian gambler can find a safe place to play their favourite games by adhering to certain criteria.
Main Gambling Laws in Canada
Today, almost all laws and regulations governing the Internet gambling market are adopted in four Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario. However, all online operators that provide their services in these provinces are exclusively regulated by the authorities of these provinces. These include:
- British Columbia Gaming Control Act;
- Ontario Gaming Control Act;
- Manitoba Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act.
At the national level, several articles of the Criminal Code also regulate the gambling industry, including:
- Article 204 governs the rules for betting on horseracing.
- Article 206 describes several gambling activities and activities prohibited in the country.
- Article 207 describes all gambling entertainment, games, and activities permitted by law.
Canadian Gambling Laws by Province
As you know, Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. Each has its legislation and regulatory bodies. So naturally, this also applies to the main Canadian gambling laws. Below we will talk in detail about the main types of gambling entertainment in each province and their legality.
Ontario
Ontario is one of the most populous provinces in the country. Both land-based and virtual casinos are very popular among locals. Recent studies have shown that about 83% of adults in the province have gambled at least once during a certain period. The following types of gambling entertainment are available here:
- Land-based and online casinos;
- Slot machines;
- Horseracing bets;
- Sports betting and esports;
- State lotteries;
- Charity games.
Quebec
Residents of Quebec have been legally able to play some forms of gambling since the 1970s. Local regulators continue to move towards a more efficient gambling market, offering Canadians more and more forms of legal entertainment to choose from, including:
- Physical casinos;
- Horseracing bets;
- National lottery;
- Online gambling;
- Sports betting;
- Video lottery terminals;
- Bingo and charity games.
Nova Scotia
Residents of the second largest province in the country also like to visit land-based and virtual gambling halls. According to statistics, about 87% of adults gamble at least once a year. Local lovers of excitement have access to:
- Lotteries and charity games;
- Land-based casinos;
- Horseracing bets;
- Sports betting and esports;
- Online gambling;
- Video lottery terminals.
New Brunswick
Despite the small number of Canadians living in this province (about a million), they have access to a range of legal gambling entertainment:
- Video lottery terminals;
- Physical casinos;
- Totalizers for betting on horse races;
- Online casinos;
- Sports betting;
- State lottery;
- Charity games.
Manitoba
In this province, almost all gambling activities are legal. The Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Authority regulate local operators. The following activities are available to locals and province visitors:
- Online gambling sites;
- Physical gaming establishments;
- Bookmakers;
- Totalizers for betting on horse races;
- National lottery;
- Charity games;
- Bets on all sports;
- Video lottery terminals.
British Columbia
For more than three decades, locals have had access to Canada’s legal gambling market. Every year, the provincial government takes decisive steps to legalize and regulate the industry, opening up more and more opportunities for local players. Available legal forms of gambling include:
- State lotteries and bingo;
- Horseracing bets;
- Casino;
- Charity games;
- Online gambling sites;
- Bookmakers for sports betting.
Prince Edward Island
It is one of the smallest provinces in Canada. The Lottery Commission of Prince Edward Island regulates all gambling activities. Available to residents are:
- Sports betting;
- Lotteries;
- Totalizers for horse races;
- Video lottery terminals;
- Charity games;
- Virtual gambling sites;
- Physical casinos.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In this province, almost all types of gambling are allowed under the control of local regulatory authorities. The most popular are:
- Charity games;
- Lotteries and bingo;
- Horseracing betting;
- Video lottery terminals;
- Online casino games;
- Sports event betting.
Saskatchewan
A study by Statistics Canada showed that the average family in this province spends more on gambling entertainment than anywhere else in the country. For those who care about complying with all the Canadian gambling laws, the following games of chance types are legal in Saskatchewan:
- Video lottery terminals;
- Charity games;
- Land-based casinos;
- National lottery;
- Totalizers for betting on horse races;
- Bookmakers where you can bet on sports;
- Online casino sites.
Alberta
About 4% of the province’s total revenue comes from the gambling sector. However, local authorities are concerned about the growing number of problem gamblers, so they are acting appropriately. Nevertheless, residents of the province have access to:
- Horseracing bets;
- Video lottery terminals;
- Sports betting and esports;
- Physical casinos;
- Virtual gambling sites;
- Lotteries;
- Charity games.
Canadian Gambling Laws by Territory
Like the provinces’ laws, the Canadian gambling laws of the three territories also differ and are controlled by local authorities.
Yukon
The small territory is not the center of the gambling industry. However, some of their legal forms of gambling are available to residents, including:
- Charity games;
- State Lottery;
- Three-day casinos;
- Sports betting.
- Virtual casinos.
Nunavut
Canada’s least populated territory also has access to the gambling entertainment market. Available options include:
- Terminals and slots for video lottery;
- Charity games;
- Lotteries;
- Bookmakers for sports and horse racing betting;
- Online gambling sites.
Northwest Territories
Gambling is popular even in the most remote corners of the country. According to the current legislation of the Northwest Territories, now, locals have access to:
- Lottery games;
- Land-based casino;
- Sports betting;
- Online gambling sites.
Age Limit for Gambling
Another important aspect of Canadian gambling laws is age limits. Each province and territory has its own allowed gambling age.
| Provinces and Territories | Legal Gambling Age |
|---|---|
| Ontario | from 19 years |
| Quebec | from 18 years |
| Nova Scotia | from 19 years |
| New Brunswick | from 19 years |
| Manitoba | from 18 years |
| British Columbia Prince Edward Island | from 19 years |
| Saskatchewan | from 19 years |
| Alberta | from 18 years |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | from 19 years |
| Nunavut | from 19 years |
| Yukon | from 19 years |
| Northwest Territories | from 19 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no law in the country prohibiting online gambling. As a result, some online operators operate under Canadian law, and some fall into a gray zone. However, both must have an appropriate license and not violate generally accepted Canadian gambling laws.
In most cases, the laws of provincial governments and commissions regulate local gambling sites. However, they must all comply with and not violate the relevant sections of the Canadian Criminal Code.
It depends on the province and territory where you live. The average allowed age is between 18 and 19 years old.
Yes. As you know, the federal government of Canada has passed a law that allows betting on certain sporting events. There may be minor differences in the law depending on the province.
Yes. If you play on licensed sites, you can choose any gambling entertainment and play for real money.
There are no restrictions and laws prohibiting players from other countries from using local casino sites. However, in addition to Canadian gambling laws, the player should also study the laws of their country, in this case, the United States.