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Canada
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As one of the largest gambling markets globally, Canadian players need to stay informed about the local gambling laws. This article delves into both federal and provincial gambling statutes while also highlighting resources for responsible gaming available to Canadians.
In Canada, each province regulates gambling independently , resulting in a variety of laws and oversight bodies. These regulations can vary significantly. For instance, the legal age to gamble is 18 in some regions, while in others, it is 19. You can only access casinos if you meet this age requirement. Quebec , but in Yukon Regarding online gambling, there are no specific laws governing this sector separately. The Canadian Criminal Code does not have explicit provisions for online gambling, meaning the same rules apply to both traditional and online gaming. age restrictions .
Even though many provinces restrict residents to only one form of online entertainment, such as state lotteries, individuals still frequent online casinos. This situation has evolved, as laws were much stricter regarding online gambling until 2009, when many such platforms were deemed illegal, yet Canadians found ways to participate in offshore casinos. land-based casinos In summary, online gambling has gained great popularity and accessibility in Canada , although in the majority of provinces, it remains only partially legal, primarily through web-based lotteries. Nevertheless, players still have the option to access foreign online gambling websites.
In Ontario, for instance, the launch of regulated online platforms has greatly improved access for players, creating a secure and safe environment for gaming. This marks a significant advancement for the online gambling landscape in Canada.
Local Gambling Rules Across Canadian Provinces a legal online casino Given the decentralized nature of gambling laws in Canada, the regulations can vary significantly from one province to another. To assist you in understanding these laws, we have compiled essential information regarding the regulations in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and other areas.
• In Alberta, the minimum legal age to gamble is 18.
| Province | Regulations |
| Alberta |
• Although a specific date is yet to be confirmed, Alberta plans to adopt an online gambling framework similar to Ontario's. • Gambling regulations in British Columbia fall under the jurisdiction of the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). • In British Columbia, the legal gambling age is set at 19. |
| British Columbia |
• Residents can engage with online casinos that hold international licenses. • The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba oversees gambling regulations in that province. • Individuals aged 18 and over are permitted to gamble in Manitoba. |
| Manitoba |
• Apart from the provincial platform PlayNow, residents have access to licensed offshore online casinos. • The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) is tasked with regulating gambling activities in New Brunswick. • In this province, the legal gambling age is 19. |
| New Brunswick |
• Local players can legally gamble on international online platforms that are duly licensed. • The Alcohol and Gaming Authority (AGA) is the regulatory body for gambling within Nova Scotia. • Nova Scotia also sets the minimum gambling age at 19. |
| Nova Scotia |
• Similar to several other provinces, Nova Scotia operates a government-managed online gambling platform while also permitting access to foreign online casinos. • Gambling regulations in Ontario are enforced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in collaboration with iGaming Ontario (iGO). • Players in Ontario must be at least 19 years old to engage in gambling activities. |
| Ontario |
• Since 2022, online gambling has been made legal and is regulated under a local structure. • In Quebec, the authority responsible for gambling regulation is Loto-Québec. • Quebec is one of three provinces in Canada where the legal minimum gambling age is 18. |
| Quebec |
• The province is home to a single legal online gambling platform, Espacejeux, while residents can also access offshore online casinos. • The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) oversees gambling operations in that province. • The legal age for gambling in Saskatchewan is 19 years. |
| Saskatchewan |
• Residents can take part in online gambling on various international platforms. In April 2022, Ontario established a legal online gambling market. By January 2025, it has 50 licensed online gaming operators generating a revenue of C$2.4 billion. While online casinos capture 73% of this revenue, sports betting contributes significantly with C$667 million. While the responsibility for promoting safe gambling practices falls at the provincial level, there are numerous resources available for Canadians facing gambling addiction. Here is a list of organizations dedicated to aiding individuals struggling with gambling issues: |
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
: Provides clinical support services for those dealing with addiction, including gambling problems.
Are gambling ads legal in Canada?
What is the best way to verify if a casino is operating legally and in accordance with the law?
Are winnings from gambling taxed?
To ascertain whether a casino is legitimate and compliant with the law, check its licensing number. Then, verify its authenticity on the website of the relevant licensing authority.
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