Canada Gambling Regulation
- Regulations of Canada’s Gambling Laws. In 1892, the Canadian criminal law code was enacted. This law was made to keep gambling in check to regulate their growing activities and tolerate gambling under strict conditions.
- Gambling Regulations in Canada in 2019 While, for most people, gambling is legitimate entertainment or an engaging hobby, there are others who are against all kinds of gambling. Because of this, gambling laws have been somewhat contentious. Some countries have outlawed it entirely while others have been merely slow to accept it.
Unless you’re from the Great White North, you might not consider it Canada to be a gambling mecca. But both land-based and online gambling are in full swing, sanctioned by provincial gambling laws in Canada. The landscape features nearly 100 casinos, and 38,000 VLTs fill in the gaps.
The nation of Canada is a unique blend of natural beauty and urban modernity.
From the frozen tundra of Nunavut to the steel and glass skyscrapers of Toronto,
the world’s second-largest country in terms of total area has a lot to brag
about. This sense of national pride also applies to their robust gaming
industry, as well as the gambling laws created to keep it running efficiently.
While other nations across the planet swing wildly from one extreme to the
other on the question of gambling, the citizens and lawmakers of Canada have
managed to take an even-handed approach despite the allure of easy money. In
most cases, the laws remain flexible while still keeping the welfare of the
public in mind at all times.
In this report, it’s my goal to provide you with an overview of the gambling
laws in Canada, specifically as they apply to various forms of gaming. I’ll also
include additional statistics and factoids in order to add a greater layer of
depth and distinguish this document from those of a similar nature.
Please keep in mind, however, that I am not a lawyer. The legal landscape of
gambling in any nation can change rapidly, so even the most well-intentioned
information can become outdated within a short span of time. If you want to be
cautious, it’s always best to consult with an attorney or email a government
agency directly before embarking on the life of a high-rolling Canadian gambler.
Illegal Gambling in Canada
Several decades ago, illegal gambling in Canada was largely the domain of
organized crime. And since most forms of gambling were outlawed throughout the
country prior to 1970, these unsavory individuals had plenty of chances to ply
their trade.
That slowly began to change in 1970, when certain previously-illegal gaming
activities were made accessible to the average citizen. Another major leap took
place in 1985, when provinces and territories were given the right to oversee
activities such as slots, charitable gaming, and lotteries.
While modern organized crime figures still rely on illegal gambling as a
primary source of revenue, the practice has also been adopted by a more
tech-savvy generation of independent crooks. In either case, these unscrupulous
individuals bilk customers, rig sporting events, and avoid paying their fair
share of taxes. This has resulted in a greater burden for city and provincial
law enforcement, as well as national organizations such as the Canadian Security
Intelligence Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The Criminal Code of Canada deals with a wide array of illegal gambling
offenses, but the following are the most common:
- Section 201 – Includes a large number of offenses, but the most common involves keeping a common gaming or betting house.
- Section 202 – Deals with illegal betting, book-making, and pool-selling.
- Section 206 – Offenses related to lotteries and other games of chance.
- Section 209 – Cheating at games of chance with the intent to defraud either the customer or house.
In July of 2010, the above offenses were adjusted in the Criminal Code to be
considered “serious offenses.” Under the laws of Canada, a serious offense is
indictable under the code or act of Parliament, and the federal government
doesn’t need to bring the matter before Parliament as an amendment to the
existing legislation.
While some serious offenses within Canada carry a maximum prison term of five
years, gambling-related offenses often fall significantly short of this mark.
Most are limited to two years imprisonment, while an offense such as knowingly
keeping a common betting house is limited to no more than six months in jail and
a $5,000 fine.
When compared to their neighbor to the south, Canada has rather lenient
gambling laws. This is in keeping with their desire to be a more progressive
nation, reserving long stretches of prison time for crimes such as murder and
rape.
if it’s not licensed or managed by the government (either on a federal or
provincial level).
This certainly applies to major gaming operations such as
land-based casinos, but it also applies to charitable options such as bingo and
raffles.
Online gambling often falls into something of a grey area. Canadian law
doesn’t prohibit the practice of betting via the Internet, but it does require a
service to be licensed or owned by a provincial government in order to be
considered legal. This hasn’t prevented over 1,000 unlicensed offshore sites
from offering their services to Canadian citizens.
One case of prosecution involving online gambling came when British Columbia
went after Delaware-based Starnet Communications International and forced them
to forfeit almost $4 million in revenue. Another example occurred in 2013, when
Ontario authorities conducted 10 raids, charged 19 people, and seized more than
$2 million in funds from users of Platinum Sports Book.
Luckily, despite all this, there are still plenty of safe online gambling sites
for Canadian players. Casumo is currently our most trusted site for Canadian vistors.
If you haven’t already, check them out today!
Gambling in the Provinces
The nation of Canada is divided into 10 provinces, including the following:
Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Colombia, Prince
Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Each
province is a self-governing entity, with power granted to the various
lieutenant governors by the federal government, and any major changes in this
relationship require an alternation to the nation’s constitution.
In this section, we’ll examine the current gambling laws in each of the
nation’s 10 provinces, especially as they relate to the average citizen.
Gambling Laws in Ontario
Ontario has the highest population of all Canadian provinces, and over 90% of
residents in Southern Ontario are within a one-hour drive of a legal gaming
establishment. Considering this last fact, it should come as no surprise that a
2011 poll found that 82.9% of adults within the province had admitted to
gambling at least once during the calendar year. If you want to be included in a
future percentage, give one of these legal forms of gambling a try:
- Casinos
Over 25 land-based casinos are active in Ontario, and these
range from privately-owned entities to charitable locations run by the
government. - Slot Machines
In addition to casinos, slots may be found at racetracks
and other select locations. There are more of these gaming devices in
Ontario than any other province in Canada. - Horse Racing
Quarter horse, Standardbred, and thoroughbred racing is
available at racetracks from Ottawa to Fort Erie. These tracks enjoyed great
success when slot machines were added in 1998, but their withdrawal by the
government in 2013 has resulted in a massive downturn. - Sports Betting
Players may use the Pro-Line service to wager on
multiple types of sports through the Internet or land-based lottery centers.
At least two games must be wagered on, although the customer can choose from
a number of betting options such as the point spread or over/under. - Lottery
In addition to national lottery drawings, residents can take
part in provincial drawings that are administered by the Ontario Lottery and
Gaming Corporation. Ontario boasts one of the largest lottery networks in
North America, and in 2011 their fiscal revenue was in excess of $3 billion. - Charitable Gaming
This includes raffles and bingo. The Ontario Lottery
and Gaming Corporation oversees licensing of such games, and they also
manage a number of eBingo websites. Along with various lottery games, bingo
generates the largest amount of gaming revenue for Ontario.
Gambling Laws in Quebec
Canada Gambling Regulations
Quebec has been offering legal games of chance since 1970, and the available
options have continued to grow over the decades. If you find yourself in this
predominantly French-speaking province, here are the most readily available
forms of legal gambling:
- Casinos
Quebec currently has nine land-based casinos, and these are
popular with both locals and neighboring residents in New York, Vermont, New
Hampshire, and Maine. All activities are overseen by the Quebec Alcohol,
Racing, and Gaming Commission. - Horse Racing
Only one race track currently exists in the state, and it
primarily offers harness racing. In addition to placing wagers at the track,
bettors can also pick their favorite ponies at several off-track facilities. - Lottery
A wide range of lottery games are offered, from Lotto Max and
Quebec Extra to Tout ou Rien. Drawings are held on a daily basis, and the
lottery represents the oldest form of legal gambling within Quebec. - Online Gambling
Residents can play at any online site that’s willing
to accept them, including the government-owned Espacejeux. This may soon
change, however, as the Quebec government has announced plans to block any
online gaming site that’s not approved and licensed by Loto-Quebec. - Sports Betting
Legal residents of Quebec can wager on sports teams or
individual athletes through a game known as Mise-O-Jeu. Players can wager on
two to eight options, although all picks must be successful in order to
receive a payout. Wagers can be made online or at participating locations
such as convenience stores. - Video Lottery Terminals
Quebec was one of the last provinces to offer
video lottery terminals. In 1994, it was estimated that over 40,000 illegal
machines were in operation within the province. That number has dropped
substantially since over 12,000 VLTs have been legally placed in select
brasseries, bars, and gaming hall complexes. - Bingo & Charitable Gaming
From bingo and Kinzo to raffles, all
charitable gaming within the province is regulated and licensed by
Loto-Quebec.
Gambling Laws in Nova Scotia
The second-smallest province in Canada in terms of area, Nova Scotia is known
for agriculture and fishing. They also have a respectable gaming scene, with 87%
of adults playing games of chance at least once a year (for an average annual
expenditure of $609). The following forms of legal gaming are available
throughout the province:
- Lottery & Charitable Gaming
Video and ticket lotteries, as well as
other charitable games such as bingo, fall under the domain of the Atlantic
Lottery Corporation. Tickets can be purchased online or from over 1,000
retailers throughout the province. - Casinos
There are two land-based casinos in Nova Scotia, and both are
government owned. Casino Nova Scotia has locations in Halifax and Sydney,
and both facilities offer traditional slots and table games. The average
payback percentage for slots, as reported by the Nova Scotia Provincial
Lotteries and Casino Corporation, is 92%. - Horse Racing
Three legal horse racing tracks are currently available
in Nova Scotia: Inverness Raceway, Northside Downs, and Truro Raceway. A
handful of teletheatres are also available for those who want to bet but
can’t make it to the track. - Sports Betting
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation uses the Pro-Line
system to allow residents to wager on sports. A minimum of two athletes or
teams must be wagered on in parlay fashion, and this is common throughout
the nation. Customers must be 19 or older in order to participate. - Online Gambling
The province offers no gaming sites of their own, but
residents can still seek out thousands of offshore casinos and sportsbooks
without fear of legal troubles. - Video Lottery Terminals
There are over 2,700 VLTs in Nova Scotia at
more than 300 licensed retailers. The average prize payout ranges from 93%
to 95% of the total wagers. Legal games are only found in age-restricted
locations such as bars and liquor stores.
Gambling Laws in New Brunswick
Even though the population of the province stands at less than one-million,
residents have a wide range of legal gambling activities to choose from. These
include:
- Video Lottery Terminals
In 1990, New Brunswick became the first
province to introduce video lottery terminals. The minimum payback
percentage required by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is 80%. Almost all
of the province’s 2,000 machines, however, have a 93% payout. - Casinos
The only casino in the province is located in Moncton, and it
contains an assortment of slots, table games, and poker. - Horse Racing
Permanent racetracks are located in Saint John and
Fredericton, while the Great Western Fair circuit brings the excitement of
racing to various regions of the province on a rotating basis. As of 2015,
off-track betting facilities were available in Dieppe and Quispamsis. - Online Gambling
Residents can choose from a large number of offshore
casinos and sportsbooks, although none of these are regulated by the
government. In recent years, New Brunswick has openly discussed the idea of
launching their own casino website in the mold of Manitoba and British
Columbia. - Sports Betting
The Atlantic Lottery oversees Pro-Line, a parlay-style
sports betting game that can be purchased online or through hundreds of
licensed dealers. - Lottery
Lottery tickets can be legally purchased at over 900
land-based dealers. Drawings and payouts are conducted by the Atlantic
Lottery Corporation. - Charitable Gaming
Over 800 charitable licenses are currently issued to
non-profit organizations within the province. Raffles are the most common,
although bingo remains the most popular gambling activity among adults 65 or
older.
Gambling Laws in Manitoba
Gambling is legal in this western Canadian province, and activities are
overseen by the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (which was created in
2014 by combining the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and the Manitoba Gaming
Control Commission). Residents and visitors can enjoy the following legal forms
of gambling within the borders of the province:
- Online Gambling
After British Columbia enjoyed success with a
government-owned gaming website, Manitoba adopted the same business model in
2013. While over 1,000 unlicensed casinos and sportsbooks are available from
offshore operators, PlayNow Manitoba is the only one operating within the
borders of the province. - Casinos
Manitoba has a mixture of government-owned and First Nations
casinos. Winnipeg has two of these facilities, and both are owned by the
provincial government. - Horse Racing
Both thoroughbred and Standardbred races are conducted in
the province, and Assiniboia Downs is the only permanent track for such
events. Winnipeg has several off-track betting facilities, and both live and
simulcast events are overseen by the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission. - Lottery
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation offers lottery tickets
and scratch-off cards. These can be purchased online or at licensed
retailers such as convenience stores. - Charitable Gaming
Not-for-profit organizations within Manitoba can
apply for a license to conduct one of the following forms of charitable
gaming: bingo, raffles, breakopen, Monte Carlo, Calcutta auction, sports
draft, and Texas Hold’em poker tournament. - Sports Betting
The Sport Select system allows players to wager up to
$250 per day on two or more sporting event outcomes. The minimum age to play
is 19, and participants can choose from options such as props, pools, and
over/unders. - Video Lottery Terminals
These games of chance are confined to VLT
lounges throughout the province and overseen by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
The three most popular versions of the game are spinning reel, poker, and
keno.
Gambling Laws in British Colombia
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has been offering gaming to BC
residents for more than three decades, and the available gaming options have
continued to grow over the years. Whether you live in British Columbia or
neighboring U.S. states such as Oregon and Washington, here are the legal forms
of available gaming:
- Lottery
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has been offering
government sanctioned games since 1985. Players must be 19 or older to buy a
ticket, and winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. - Horse Racing
Fraser Downs is the only active track in BC. For those
who don’t want to drive to Surrey, off-track simulcasts can also be enjoyed
at over 15 locations throughout the province. - Casinos
There are over 15 casinos within the province, with a single
facility belonging to the First Nations. The largest in terms of gaming
space is Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, and it contains 1,000 slots, 70 table
games, a poker room, and 8 baccarat tables in a high-limit room. - Charitable Gaming
Non-profit organizations may apply for a license to
conduct one of the following charitable events: ticket raffles, bingo,
poker, wheel of fortune, and social occasion casinos. - Online Gambling
The only regulated and entirely legal gambling site in
BC is PlayNow, which is owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Launched in 2004, the site contains sports betting, lottery, bingo, poker,
and casino games. - Sports Betting
Tickets are available in convenience stores and other
licensed locations. Players must wager on at least two games, and most
contests require a 100% winning percentage in order to receive a payout.
Gambling Laws in Prince Edward Island
Consisting of one major island and 231 smaller ones, Prince Edward Island is
the smallest province in Canada. The Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission
has been overseeing gaming in the region since its creation in 1976. Even though
the province consistently has one of the lowest gambling rates, the following
types of gaming are offered:
- Sports Betting
The Pro-Line service allows anyone 19 or older to make
parlay bets on various sporting events. Tickets may be purchased online or
at licensed land-based retailers. - Lottery
The provincial lottery is operated by the Atlantic Lottery
Corporation. - Horse Racing
There are two race tracks on Prince Edward Island:
Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway. Unfortunately, there are
no off-track betting facilities currently in operation. - Video Lottery Terminals
In 2003, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation
became the sole VLT operator for Prince Edward Island. In 2008, an
initiative was enacted to reduce video lottery sites by 50% and the number
of terminals by 20%. In 2014, there were 268 terminals at 39 sites, and
rules were relaxed to allow these devices to operate every day of the week. - Charitable Games
Non-profit organization can apply for a license to
conduct charitable games such as bingo, raffles, and lottery-style contests. - Online Gambling
Offshore gambling is unregulated, but it remains
available to any PEI resident who can locate a site willing to accept their
patronage. - Casino
The only legal casino is actually a “racino,” as it combines
harness racing and casino-style gaming. Blackjack, poker, and slots are
available, and anyone over the age of 19 can take part.
Gambling Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador
Located in the easternmost section of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador
allows most forms of gambling within its borders. The most notable exception is
land-based casinos, although First Nations tribes do have the right to open
their own facilities. The following forms of gambling are currently legal within
the province:
- Charitable Gaming
Charitable gaming such as raffles and bingo are
overseen throughout the province by the Department of Government Services,
and over 3,800 charitable licenses are currently in use. - Lottery
Managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, this provincial
lottery offers top jackpots ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Tickets
may be purchased online or at one of over 1,000 licensed retailers. - Horse Racing
St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre is the only
legal horse racing track currently operating in Newfoundland. In addition to
live racing, patrons can also take advantage of simulcasting facilities to
enjoy races from other Canadian tracks, as well as annual events such as the
Kentucky Derby. This form of entertainment is co-regulated by Standardbred
Canada and the Canadian Pari-mutuel Agency. - Video Lottery Terminals
Overseen by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation,
more than 2,000 of these devices are present at 500 age-restricted retailers
across the province. The minimum payout percentage is set at 80%, while the
more generous machines have a maximum of 93%. - Online Gaming
Since land-based casinos are currently banned in the
province, numerous citizens turn to the Internet to get their gaming fix.
While no sportsbooks or virtual casinos are located in Newfoundland, there
are over 1,000 offshore sites willing to accept players. - Sports Betting
The Pro-Line service offers parlay sports wagering to
anyone who meets the minimum age of 19 (which is also the legal drinking age
in Canada). Tickets can be purchased for as little as $2, while the maximum
daily wager is capped at $250.
Gambling Laws in Saskatchewan
According to a study conducted by Statistics Canada, residents of
Saskatchewan spend more per household on gambling than any other province. If
you happen to be a citizen of this sunniest part of Canada, here are the legal
gaming pastimes currently available:
- Video Lottery Terminals
These machines have been present in the
province since 1993. A cap of 4,000 machines has been set, and there were
3,991 at 620 sites as of March 2015. Revenue from the games goes to the
government’s General Revenue Fund. For 2014-15, the provincial net income
from VLTs was $179.6 million. - Charitable Gaming
Any not-for-profit organization may apply with the
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for a license to conduct bingo or
raffles. - Casinos
The province has six casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian
Gaming Authority, as well as two more operated by the Saskatchewan Gaming
Corporation. In the case of First Nations casinos, revenue is split between
the First Nations Trust, the government’s General Revenue Fund, and
Community Development Corporations. - Lottery
This form of gambling has been available in the province since
1974. Operated by Saskatchewan Lotteries, proceeds are used to fund more
than 12,000 groups. - Sports Betting
Sports Select offers legal parlay betting on the
following sports: baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and soccer. Wagers
generally range from $2 to $100. - Online Gambling
While online gaming providers are prohibited from
being based in the province, offshore sportsbooks and casinos are still free
to offer their services to residents. - Horse Racing
There are three legal tracks operating in the province,
although the West Meadows Raceway was forced to temporarily halt business in
2014. A few provincial teletheatres also exist, allowing patrons to take
advantage of off-track betting facilities.
Gambling Laws in Alberta
The largest of the Prairie Provinces in terms of population, Alberta has a
long tradition of sports and gambling. They receive over 4% of their budget from
gambling revenue, which is more than any other province in the nation.
Unfortunately, a 2013 study showed that half the revenue came from problem
gamblers, which means the province has a long way to go in terms of identifying
and treating gambling addiction. Some of the most popular legal forms of gaming
in Alberta include the following:
- Horse Racing
Legal horse racing is available in Alberta at the
following: Alberta Downs, Century Downs, and Northlands Park. In addition,
15 teletheatres are also available in such diverse locations as Leduc and
Peace River. - Video Lottery Terminals
Managed by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor
Commission, these devices are located at age-restricted, liquor-licensed
facilities across the province. Retailers are limited to 10 machines, while
gaming centers can have from 15 to 30. Over 6,000 are currently in
operation. - Sports Betting
The Sport Select service allows players to wager on two
or more games in parlay style. No more than $250 in wagers can be made per
day. - Casinos
Over 25 casinos are located in Alberta. Most of these are
charitable operations, which means the casino splits the profits with
various charities throughout the region. A couple of government-owned
casinos are also present, as well as a handful that are operated by the
First Nations. - Online Gambling
Residents of Alberta can gamble at online casinos and
sportsbooks without any limitations. - Lottery
Drawings occur daily and are overseen by the Western Canada
Lottery Corporation. - Charitable Gaming
In addition to most of the casinos in the province,
Alberta also offers legal charitable gaming such as bingo and pull tickets
to qualified non-profit groups.
Gambling in the Territories
In addition to the provinces, Canada includes the territories of Yukon,
Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. These areas are smaller in terms of
overall population (a combined 107,265 in May 2011), and they are largely
administered by the federal government. To many Canadian residents and
foreigners, this entire region is simply known as “The North.”
In this section, we’ll look at the gambling laws of Canada as they apply to
each territory. While opportunities for legal games of chance are rare in these
regions, they still exist if you know where to look.
Gambling Laws in the Yukon
With a sparse population of just over 34,000, the Yukon is not known as the
gambling center of Canada. A few legal opportunities do exist, however,
especially for those living in and around the territorial capitol of Whitehorse.
- Charitable Gaming
Under the law of the Yukon, only non-profit groups
are allowed to host charitable gambling events as a fundraising method.
These groups must first be approved by the Registrar of Lotteries, and they
must also obtain a license for bingo, raffle, or lottery. In addition to
giving away money, lotteries and raffles in this territory are also known
for giving away meat and other forms of food. - Lottery
The Western Canada Lottery Association gives Yukon residents
the opportunity to win millions of dollars through the purchase of a single
ticket. - Three-Day Casinos
Permanent casinos are not allowed in the Yukon,
although temporary gaming establishments may be permitted for no more than
three days at a time. These events require a casino license, and they can
only be conducted by a religious or charitable not-for-profit organization.
Games such as blackjack, roulette, and wheels of fortune are permitted, and
all patrons must be at least 19 years of age to participate.The only semi-exception to this rule is Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling
Hall. This Dawson City landmark holds the distinction of being Canada’s
oldest casino, and it operates during the months of May through September.
All proceeds are invested back into the town, making it a permanent
not-for-profit structure. Available games include roulette, poker,
blackjack, and slots. - Sports Betting
Legal sports betting is available through a service
known as Sport Select, allowing residents to wager on their favorite CFL or
NHL teams (among others). Options such as futures and over/unders are
available, although the customer is always required to make a parlay bet on
two or more teams. - Online Gambling
Residents can legally place bets over the Internet,
whether it involves an online sportsbook or casino. It doesn’t matter if the
provider is located within Canada or at an offshore location.
Gambling Laws in Nunavut
Nunavut is the newest and least populated territory in Canada, and the
capitol of Iqaluit only has slightly more than 7,000 inhabitants. Despite its
remote location and harsh weather conditions, the region offers a surprising
number of legal gambling options to its citizens. While each of the following
are legal under Yukon law, keep in mind that the limited population might
prevent all of these options from being continuously available.
- Video Lottery Terminals & Slots
These free-standing games of chance
with random number generators can sometimes be found in bars and taverns
throughout Nunavut. - Charitable Gaming
This applies to bingo, pull-tickets, poker
tournaments, raffles, and temporary casino-style gaming. Residents must be
at least 16 to play pull-ticket games, and charitable casinos must cease
operation by 2am on Monday through Friday and midnight on Saturday. For
Texas Hold’em tournaments, the maximum entry fee per player is limited to
$100. - Lottery
Residents can play the national lottery conducted by the
Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Tickets can be purchased at licensed
retailers or through the official online site. - Sports Betting
Despite a complete absence of professional, semi-pro,
or collegiate sports teams, Nunavut residents may wager on everything from
basketball to American football courtesy of Sport Select. This service is
available online and at select retailers, and it allows customers to choose
from props, pools, point spreads, over/unders, and several more options. A
minimum of two games must be wagered on for any given ticket, and all
selections must be correct in order for the player to receive a payout. - Online Gambling
Just like in other parts of the nation, Internet
gambling is legal within the borders of Nunavut. This applies to both online
sportsbooks and casinos, although those in more remote locations may have to
struggle with a lack of Internet service. - Horse Racing
While this sport is allowed in Nunavut, there are no
permanent tracks or regularly-scheduled events within the territory. - Private Wagers between Residents
This is one of the most common forms
of gambling due to the small size of the territory, and private wagers
between adults are not subject to government regulations.
Gambling Laws in the Northwest Territories
The most populous of the three Canadian territories, the NWT is comprised
primarily of Aboriginal peoples. The climate is harsh by most standards, ranging
from polar to subarctic. But despite unpleasant weather conditions and differing
cultural backgrounds, gambling and games of chance are still popular with local
residents.
According to territorial law, the following pastimes are currently legal
within the Northwest Territories:
- Lottery Games
This category includes casino-style lotteries, bingo,
raffles, and Nevada or pull-tickets. These may only be conducted by
non-profit organizations, and a license is required before they can be
legally offered. All lottery games within the territory are regulated by the
department of Municipal and Community Affairs, although they are also an
associate member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. - Land-based Casinos
There are no laws prohibiting land-based casinos in
the Northwest Territories. Despite this fact, there seems little interest in
building such a facility due to the low population and remote location. - Sports Betting
Governed by the NWT Lotteries, this form of gambling is
legally available online or at land-based retailers through the Sport Select
brand. Players can wager on the results on most major sporting events and
choose from a variety of options such as over/under and point spread. A
maximum of $250 can be wagered at a single location per day, and each ticket
must be in the form of a parlay (which requires the customer to correctly
predict the outcome of two or more events). - Online Gambling
From online sportsbetting to virtual casinos, all
forms of Internet gaming can be legally enjoyed by the residents of the
Northwest Territories.
Conclusion
Canada is a diverse country that promotes the celebration of various
cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds. The same can be said of their
gambling landscape, as a wide range of gaming pastimes are legally available
throughout the nation’s 10 provinces and three territories.
Charitable and online gambling are two of the most common, with the former
providing much-needed income for non-profit organizations such as churches. The
latter is available throughout the country with few regulations, which marks a
distinct difference between Canada and the heavily-regulated Internet gaming
climate of the United States.
Casinos are also prevalent and legal throughout the nation, especially in
southern provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. These come in
all shapes in sizes, from those owned by First Nations tribes to establishments
operated by the Canadian government. In addition to local residents, casinos
near the U.S. border also draw a sizeable number of foreign patrons.
Unlike the United States, sports betting is widely available throughout the
provinces and territories of Canada. However, this form of gambling is commonly
limited to parlay bets, requiring customers to successfully wager on two or more
games in order to receive a cash payout.
Ultimately, the nation of Canada seems to have found a perfect approach to
conducting legal gambling within its borders. Most forms of gaming are allowed,
although reasonable laws and regulations exist to keep the hobby from becoming a
detriment to its citizenry. While no system is perfect, the model conducted by
the lawmakers in the Great White North stands as a shining example for all other
nations.
Over the years gambling has taken the US and Canada by storm, with players stacking up record-breaking wins in nearly every state. But with gambling laws subject to provincial and territorial laws in Canada, the rules regarding where and when you can play, can be a little confusing. Fortunately, our full guide below should help. On this page you’ll find:
- A full guide to provincial gambling laws in Canada
- Understanding illegal gambling
- Tips on how to stay safe and gamble responsibly
Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?
Technically, online gambling is legal in Canada, provided the online Casino site you’re playing at is located offshore. Local laws apply, so it’s important to seek out only trusted casinos that are fully licensed and independently regulated.
Where the confusion lies is in the provincial laws, where gambling laws in Canada tends to differ from state to state.
According to gaming law experts, Dickinson Wright LLP
“Each province empowers an agency to act as the gaming regulator, and a separate provincial government-controlled corporation to conduct and manage gaming on the government’s behalf. The sole exception is the province of Alberta which merges those functions into a single government agency.”
published in Gaming, Gambling & Licensing, 2018 (public domain.)
In 2012, British Columbia launched the first regulated and fully legal casino in North America. The PlayNow site offers online casino games and a virtual poker room to anyone over the legal gambling age who wants to play. However, its virtual casino doors are only open to residents of British Columbia.
Canada Gambling Regulations
Prior to 1969, you couldn't bet on anything in Canada other than horse races, charity lotteries, and lotteries that you might find at fairs. But that year, the federal government changed the Criminal Code to allow the federal government and the 10 provinces to hold lotteries.
In 1985, the federal government decided to hand off all gambling to the provinces. But the Criminal Code didn't actually change in terms of what people can and can't gamble on. These were our takeaways:
The Criminal Code
Section 201 - states that it's illegal to run a betting house or to be found in one. But it doesn't make any mention of an online betting house, so it's not clear whether Canadian online casinos and poker sites fall under the code.
Section 203 – exempts people from placing bets on behalf of others.
Section 205 – suggests anyone in relation to lotteries of games of chance is guilty of an indictable offence.
Section 207 – permits provincial governments, as mentioned above, to manage lottery schemes alone or with other provincial governments. It also mentioned that lotteries are lawful for charitable or religious organisations if licenced by the Lieutenant Governor in council.
The Gambling Loophole
While most online gambling offices are located offshore, a majority of the servers for some of the world's most reputable online casinos are actually based right here at home in Canada.
In 1996, a native reserve called Kahnawake Mohawk Nation established the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, offering gaming licenses to online casinos they believe qualifed. While online gambling at the time was technically illegal in Canada, the Mohawk Nation argued that because they are their own sovereign nation, they therefore have the right to operate casinos.
Now here's where it gets tricky. The Kahnawake Mohawk Nation can essentially run a casino or at least lease space to all sorts of other online casinos from within Canadian borders and not be prosecuted. But private enterprises like horserace companies who operate legally within Canada are forbidden from operating online casinos or poker sites under the Criminal Code of Canada. But that's not to say no one hasn't tried.
Illegal Gambling
In 1995, a company called Starnet Communications was created in Vancouver with the goal of developing, licensing, and providing Internet gambling technology and websites for casinos and sportsbooks. Because of the sketchy Criminal Code, the company set up offshore companies to carry out operations of the site. But the RCMP wasn't impressed.
In 1999, they raided the Vancouver offices, arguing that because the email servers were located in Canada, they were in violation of the criminal code even though the gaming servers were located offshore. That's not to say that every company operating from Canada since 1999 has been in violation of the law, but those who just didn’t get away with it.
How to Avoid Illegal Casinos
The only way to avoid illegal casinos is to be aware of the law, and play on reputable, regulated casino sites. Before we endorse any online casino, our team of experts always check to ensure that the casino is licensed and meets our high standards of approval. Making the job for players even easier.
Gambling Laws in Canada Provinces
Alberta
Gambling is exceptionally popular in Alberta, with residents allowed to gamble at online casinos without any restrictions. It is also legal for those over the age of 18 to gamble at any of the 25 land-based casinos in the province. Sports betting is also popular, with players limited to making parlay style bets, and the maximum spend on sports betting is $250 per day.
Manitoba
The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba oversees all gambling in the province, including online gambling. There’s only one official online casino in the province, which is PlayNow Manitoba, however there are no laws stopping residents from playing at a casino based overseas. Sports gamblers can bet via the Sport Select site and are limited to a maximum of $250 in bets per day.
Quebec
Quebec has some of the most liberal gambling laws in Canada, with players able to play at a variety of offshore casinos, as well as at the government run Espacejeux. Mise-O-Jeu is the only regulated sports betting site in the province and players must bet on parlay bets. There are nine land-based casinos in Quebec, and they’re open to everyone aged 19 or over.
British Columbia
There are many legal forms of gambling in British Columbia, including 15 land-based casinos. When it comes to online gambling, the only official way to gamble on casino games and sport is via PlayNow, however there’s nothing in the law to prevent players from signing up with sites based abroad. As with most other sites, those betting on sport must place parlay bets.
New Brunswick
Land-based casinos are completely legal in New Brunswick, although there is only one venue in the province. There is no official government run online casino in New Brunswick, however those looking to play casino games online are legally allowed to play at offshore gambling websites. Pro-Line is the only regulated sports betting site offered to residents of this Canadian province.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Land-based casinos are not permitted in this province, plus there are no online casinos regulated there either. There is no law in place to stop gamblers in Newfoundland and Labrador from playing at offshore online casinos though. The Pro-Line service is offered to all sports gamblers, with daily wagers capped at $250, although this cap isn’t found at most sites based abroad.
Northwest Territories
Uk Gambling Regulation
There are no land-based casinos in the territory, however there are no laws to prevent one opening in the future. Online casinos are not blocked, but there are none based in the Northwest Territories. Sports betting is popular, with the only legal service being the one offered by Sport Select, however many choose to play at offshore sports betting sites instead.
Nova Scotia
It is perfectly legal to gamble in one of the two government-owned casinos in this province. Those looking to gamble online can place bets at the Pro-Line site (all bets must be parlays, as is the case in most Canadian provinces), while online casino players are permitted to join any offshore online casino website. The minimum age to gamble in the province is 19.
Ontario
In Ontario, it is completely legal to play at a land-based casino, plus many other venues also offer slot machines. The rules regarding online casinos are pretty relaxed, therefore residents can play at any foreign casino site - there is only one online casino regulated in Ontario though, and it’s PlayOLG. The Pro-Line sports betting service is offered to those looking to bet on sports.
Prince Edward Island
There are no legal obstacles in the way of land-based casinos in Prince Edward Island, however there’s not currently a dedicated casino operating in the province. There is no regulation of online casinos, however those looking to bet on sports legally will have to use the Pro-Line service. The minimum age to bet on sports and play casino games in this province is 19.
Saskatchewan
Online casinos are prohibited from being based in Saskatchewan, however residents are not blocked from accessing casinos based in other provinces or countries. It is legal to base a land-based casino in Saskatchewan though. Sports betting is legal, providing it is done via the Sports Select service, and all wagers placed on sporting events (except horse racing) must be parlay bets.
Yukon Territory
Casinos are prohibited from opening permanently in the Yukon Territory, however licences are granted to temporary gambling venues, which can open for a maximum of three days. It is legal to play at online casinos, however none are licenced and regulated within the territory. Residents will find that Sports Select is the only service offering legal sports betting options.
New Gambling Laws in Canada?
With such disparity between Canadian provincial laws, it’s difficult to say the current laws will be reformed anytime soon. What's more likely is that gambling laws in Canada will become more liberal. With a deeper clarification of the Criminal Code, online gambling could be permitted across all states with no restrictions.
Canada Gambling Authority
Unfortunately, if the government were to welcome competition with open arms, the provincial governments would be, well, up in arms since they have the exclusive legal right to run online casinos. Only time will tell.
Canada Online Gambling Regulation
While it might be tough to operate an online casino from Canada, finding a Canadian online casino to play at, which ironically might be located in Canada, isn't difficult at all. We have tons of reputable choices, both in terms of provincially run options and internationally regulated sites. And we're willing to bet that it will stay that way for a long, long time.