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Best Canadian Online Gambling Guides, History of Online Gambling in Canada

History of Online Gambling in Canada

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The history of online casino in Canada

After gaming in 1969 became official in Canada, there were still some “gray areas” in the Criminal Code of Canadas.

Technically, jurisdiction does not prohibit playing online, but there is no proper writing to prove that it is legal. Some provinces have their gaming websites, but there are still many foreign operators (like Microgaming), which are widely used by canuck gamers.

How online gambling was legalized

The Kahnawake Game Commission is the first to make the game legally legal in the world. Since 1999, the commission has licensed a significant number of internet gaming clubs to make Canadian online casinos legal for Mohawk Territory residents.

Legalized gambling in Canada includes commercial casino activities, as well as small gambling rooms, racetracks, VLT, slot machines, and lottery tickets. All provinces and territories have the right to regulate gambling in the region, so the types of games available may vary throughout Canada.

Each province and territory has a legal framework, regulating gambling activities in the region. BC has British Columbia Lottery Company, Quebec – Loto-Québec. Montreal and Quebec offer travelers attractive facilities located in the picturesque region of the country.

According to the latest law, playing with offshore services is allowed in the country. The law of online gambling in Canada is unclear, but one thing is clear. It’s NOT illegal to gamble online with foreign platforms.

From the moment your money is transferred to your account from the banking system, you can start playing. Some casinos require you to download their software, while there are multiple platforms where you can play immediately. Can you earn real money? Yes! Many websites work with the real money system, but there are still free platforms.

Canadians like to play in online casino. Various online gambling sites allow players to dive into the world of excitement and jackpot hit. Blackjack roulette craps attract a lot of players. Online casino players can also enjoy baccarat, mega moolah, and various types of slots.

Bet on the Internet without losing the hype. Many fans are betting on their favorite sports teams and win great prizes.

What games can you enjoy online?

Now, the web offers loads of games for everyone. If you don’t want to leave home cozy and go to a gambling facility, you can enjoy slot games, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, lottery, bingo…

Brief History of Online Casinos in Canada

Canada is a country where some of the earliest forms of gambling were conceived. However, that’s not what we’re interested in right now, as we’ll focus on gambling activities that took place during the last two centuries after the first casinos opened their doors in the Great White North. We’ll also pay special attention to CasiGo Casino Review as the pinnacle of the development of the gambling industry in the country.

Canadian Criminal Code and the Prohibition of Gambling

The first time gambling was mentioned in Canada was in the Canadian Criminal Code created in the 19th century. Back then, Canadians weren’t so fond of this activity and made it completely illegal. There were no legal gambling operations for most of the 20th century since it was officially legalized in 1969.

Post-Legalization Era

In 1969, Canada’s lawmakers made an amendment to the Criminal Code, legalizing gambling operations and allowing the lottery. This paved the way for the gambling industry to flourish in the country, with casinos popping up all over.

Even though land-based casinos were popular, they faced stiff competition in the 90s when the first online casino opened its virtual doors to visitors.

Evolution of Online Casinos in Canada

Some of the first online casinos in Canada were small, offering just a handful of games, such as slots, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. The biggest problem surrounding the early days of the online gambling industry was the lack of regulation. This wasn’t just an issue in Canada, so many countries around the world decided to do something to regulate online casinos properly.

How Are Online Casinos Regulated in Canada

Canadian lawmakers didn’t quite succeed in regulating the online casino market. There are still a couple of difficult obstacles to overcome to legalize online casinos entirely. At this point, you might be wondering — are online casinos legal in Canada at all?

It’s difficult to answer this question. The country does offer several regulated and state-owned online gambling sites, but that’s it. These sites are mostly there for regional funding, and their offer of games is quite limited. Not many Canadians enjoy playing games on those sites.

On the other hand, private casino operators cannot offer online casinos within Canada’s borders. Luckily, Canadian residents aren’t stripped of opportunities to play high-quality casino games.

As a matter of fact, they are free to join offshore-licensed online gambling sites and play games that way. This leads us to the last part of the article – international online casinos.

Offshore Online Casinos in Canada

Offshore casinos are online gambling platforms licensed by international regulators. In other words, Canadian regulators don’t have any power over them, meaning offshore sites don’t have to pay taxes in Canada. Overall, casino enthusiasts love that they have so many options, but Canada’s government isn’t particularly happy with getting no money from that.

If you’re looking for a way to play high-quality casino games on the web in a safe and secure online casino, then offshore platforms are the right thing for you. Canadian regulators might take action to incorporate these casinos by offering them licences, which is something Sweden and the UK already did.

However, it’s difficult to guess what Canadian lawmakers have in mind, meaning anything could happen. If you’re an active online casino player from Canada, follow the latest news about the country’s online gambling industry’s laws and regulations. That’s the only way to learn what your options are when it comes to online casinos.

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Father of three. Teacher of Computing. PADI divemaster. Krav Maga Assistant Instructor. Geordie. Geek. Nerd. Metal nut. I also own and run a website - you may have heard of it. View all posts by Mosh

Gambling History in Canada вЂ“ How It All Started?

Canada has become a popular country for gambling activities of all kinds. But gambling was not always welcome in the country, and the phenomenon has only recently started to spread across the country.

So, what does the history of gambling in Canada look like? Where did it all start, and how have things developed over the years to get where we are today in terms of poker and casino gaming?

Canada Gambling Roots: The Game of Slahal

Among the many documents that inform us about certain ancient games are those relating to the history of wagering. Slahal, which is a rudimentary stick game, was played by the first Canadian people south of Niagara.

Slahal was also quite popular along the Pacific Northwest, where it was also known as the stickgame, bonegame, or handgame. Some tribes still play it today, and it is traditionally played with the bones of an animal, such as the deer's shin bones.

Players are divided into two teams and there is a set of two bones in play. One team then takes the bones and begins swapping them between the players' hands. While this is in progress, songs are sung, and the opposing team has to concentrate while the exchanges take place.

The team with the bones comes to a stop at the end of the song. The opposition then has to guess where the bones are. To keep the tally, special scoring sticks are used, and this is where the ‘stickgame' name originates from.

Gambling Evolution

It's fascinating to see how Canada's gambling industry has developed and changed over the years.

Back in 1985, gambling was made legal in the country, but it took several years before the gaming sector started to shape into the giant it is today.

Generally speaking, in Canada, gambling is as popular as pretty much anywhere else in the world. As a stable and prosperous country, however, Canada has a reasonable number of individuals with access to disposable income.

A good portion of that income finds its way to various types of gambling, both live and online.

Of course, Canada has also seen a spike in iGaming with the advancement of technology, with more individuals flocking to digital gaming options.

Sports betting is in the lead in terms of popularity, with a particular emphasis on Canadians' favorite sports, such as ice hockey.

Laws and Regulations

Gambling is allowed in one form or another throughout Canada, but each of the ten provinces and three nations' territories has the right to set its own rules.

All casinos, racetracks, lotteries, and other gaming entities must act in accordance with the laws set out by the province or the territory that regulates them.

Depending on where you are in Canada, different forms of gambling may or may not be legal, and different age limits apply.

Gambling Situation in Modern Canada

For a long time, the Canadian gambling industry has been considered one of the fastest-growing entertainment industries.

Today, the gambling revenue stands at C$30 billion a year, which is one of the largest in the world.

The favorable legislative climate, combined with the huge market, has created a perfect scenario for live and online casino operators alike. While Canada may not have always been the friendliest place for gambling activities, today's gaming industry is booming, bringing in a lot of money across the board.

Online Casinos and Poker Rooms

Quality online casinos accepting Canadian players need to adopt English and French while allowing deposits and withdrawals using the Canadian dollar.

Popular e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill are accepted by most Canadian online casinos as well.

The benefit of using an e-wallet is that it isolates your bank account from all the casinos where you play online. Many online casinos offer micro limits, which is one of the major advantages of online play over live casino play.

Those wanting to try their luck with some poker hands also have access to various reputable online rooms offering safe and modern platforms.

Land-Based Gambling Establishments

All brick-and-mortar casinos operating in Canada try to deliver something special, and many new venues have opened in recent years or are currently in the pipeline.

Canadians enjoy gambling, and the land-based gambling venues perfectly complement the online experience.

Playing online is very convenient, but visiting a land-based venue is often more fun and provides something a little different. Of course, it is best to experience both and enjoy what live and online gaming has to offer in all respects.

For their overall casino experience, these impressive establishments could easily compete with the prestigious Las Vegas Casinos and have become, over the years, increasingly popular holiday destinations.

Canada has something to suit every playerвЂ™s interest. There are impressively large stand-alone casinos. Some establishments incorporate poker rooms , restaurants, bars, and other entertainment options. And, there are smaller gaming venues in picturesque locations that take full advantage of their stunning environments.

You will enjoy a brick-and-mortar casino experience that will keep you coming back for more.В Due to Canada's strict gaming rules, you can rest assured that the establishment you visit will be well regulated and compliant with the highest operating standards.

Summary

As you can see, this once-taboo subject within Canada has turned into a multi-billion dollar business. Canada has not only caught up with the rest of the world, but the country has actually edged ahead of the most.

Yes, there are still some stringent laws in place, but that is sometimes a good thing as it helps maintain the control over operators while allowing Canadians to safely enjoy a myriad of gambling options, online and live alike.

The Evolution of Online Gambling in Canada

As Sports Return: Canadian Online Betting Options

As most people already know, Canada has a long history when it comes to gambling. Some of the earliest forms of gambling were born in America’s Hat, so it comes as no surprise that they were among the first ones to accept online gambling as well.

The first legalized form of gambling in Canada was introduced in 1969. In the years that followed, this part of the world got some of the biggest casinos in the world, and they become normal establishments where you went to have fun.

Internet technology brought many changes in different aspects of life, including the way we entertain ourselves. Nowadays, many Canadians opt for online casinos, and at the same time, the strong presence of their numerous brick-and-mortar casinos can still be felt.

Let’s take a look at a brief history of the evolution of online gambling in Canada.

The Canadian Criminal Code

The first official document mentioning gambling in Canada was the Canadian Criminal Code. It was created in the 19th century in order to place a prohibition on this activity that most people didn’t like at the time. And until 1969, all forms of gambling were illegal.

The Year of Change

It became clear for Canadian governing bodies that gambling is something that most of their fellow countrymen truly enjoyed, so they decided to make some adjustments to the original Criminal Code in 1969. With the new law, they made gambling and lottery legal. It was the only thing missing for the gambling industry to begin its incredible expansion in this country. For a couple of decades, land-based casinos flourished without any competition that could rock their stability. They were venues of incredible entertainment that most Canadians enjoyed visiting. And in the ‘90s, everything changed. With the rapid growth of computer and Internet technology, the first online casinos appeared, and it signified the beginning of a new era.

First Online Casinos in Canada

Due to limited technological solutions at the time, the first online casinos in Canada, as well as the rest of the world, offered only a small number of casino games. These usually included poker, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. Still, it was considered to be quite revolutionary at the time. Moreover, another big issue was the lack of equipment needed for this type of gambling to really show its potential. Unlike today, there weren’t many people who owned a home computer at the time. And this meant that only a limited number of people were able to access online casino games. Lastly, another major issue was the lack of regulation. Any business that has been conducted online wasn’t regulated since there weren’t any laws that defined this type of operation. However, this wasn’t a problem only for Canada. It had become a troubling matter for countries worldwide. And ever since then, countries all around the planet have started passing new laws that will better determine the legal status of online gambling in their country.

Regulation of Online Casinos in Canada

Even though over two decades have passed since online casinos have made their first appearance, Canadian authorities are still struggling with the regulation of online casinos in their country. For now, all Canadians can visit online operators as long as those online casinos are offshore licenced gambling websites. This solution is far from perfect since there are various domestic operators that shouldn’t be forced to move their business outside Canadian borders. But for a Canadian player, this means they can try real money online casino and enjoy top-notch casino games at any time. For quite some time, Canadian gamblers have been benefiting from high-quality online gambling venues that offer amazing casino games like poker, slots, baccarat, blackjack, and more.

Therefore, people in Canada who enjoy playing online casino games aren’t doing anything illegal. Offshore gambling venues offer a first-class experience to online casino dwellers, as they include welcome offers, bonuses, loyalty perks, a huge selection of different games, and more. However, everyone is hoping that the Canadian laws will bring more changes in the foreseeable future. And it would be really disappointing if a country with such a long history of gambling wouldn’t pass laws that would be even more beneficial for both players and operators in Canada.

The history of online casinos in Canada

The history of casinos in Canada is quite fascinating. Research done by scientists suggests that the native people played games similar to present casino games. Here is a brief history of online casinos in Canada.

Gambling has been legal in Canada for a long time. Some games like bingo and raffles have been legal to play since the early 1900s. In the early days, the federal government was in control of any decision making and revenue collection involving gambling. Provincial governments did not have total control over what happened in their territories. Changes came in 1985 when Canadian legislators made an amendment that gave gaming control to territories and provinces. The Federal Government gave provinces permission to administer the use of computer-based video gaming devices and slot machines. This move came with some changes to the way Canadian casinos operate and growth in the gaming industry was imminent.

The Approval and Development of this industry

The Federal Government legalized all gambling activities in 1970, but it took 19 years for Canada to establish and open its first commercial casino. It took four years for the second gambling house to open in Montreal. From there, the business took off in Canada. As time went by, more and more casinos opened throughout the country. Terminals for gambling activities and playing lottery games became popular. There were no restrictions on these terminals because their location was dependent on an area’s popularity.

The gambling business in Canada is still evolving to this day. Illegal gambling clubs are still there despite all the rules that the administration has put in place. Despite this fact, legal casinos give their owners huge profits.

Opening of the first casino

The first brick and mortar or land-based casino opened in Winnipeg. This was a cool 19 years after the Federal Government had legalized all gaming activities in 1970. It is not quite clear why it took so long, but what is clear is that the popularity of casinos was growing. More and more people were getting into gambling and this led to revenue growth in the industry. The notion that gaming was an unsavory pastime became forgotten. Many people were trooping into the new land-based casino to play their favorite games. The casino soon became a favorite for many people and the gambling house resources started going up.

Online Casino for Canadian Players

The internet has also caused casinos to evolve and go online. In Canada, the growth of online casinos has influenced the gambling industry in Canada. It is now easy for gamblers to play their favorite casino games from the comfort of their homes or any place they want. Online casinos are quite similar to land-based casinos, the only major difference being that they are virtual and not in a building.

The games are also similar. You can play your favorite slot machine games, play poker, roulette, and other table games. Online casinos are helping the casino industry in Canada to grow. You can access the games through most smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets that have access to the internet. It’s even possible to play for free without staking any amount when you are training. Apart from that, the winnings are also a little bit better than those in brick and mortar casinos.

Growing into the gaming mecca

Gambling is a big industry in Canada and it is getting bigger as time goes by. Gaming activities are generating a huge amount of revenue that is benefiting the economy of the country. The Federal government and the provincial governments help create a conducive environment for casinos to thrive. They do this by passing the right laws to govern the industry. More and more people are getting into gaming as their favorite pastime and they also want to win some money while they are playing.

The jackpots and payouts that the casinos offer are very lucrative and some of the biggest jackpots come from Canadian casinos. Canada is growing into a gaming mecca and people are traveling to Canada to visit the casinos and play their favorite games thus promoting the tourism industry.

Online casinos have changed everything

Online casinos continue to revolutionize the aspect of casinos and gaming. In Canada, online gambling is all about the choice of players. There are so many online casinos and the players are spoilt for choice. These casinos are convenient for gamblers because they make it easy for them to play various casino games from any place and at any time. Online casinos are also helping to fuel interest in international events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Canadian casinos have come a long way and this is due to the right laws that the federal and provincial governments have put in place. The laws are spurring on growth in the casino industry. From the primitive game of chance to the complex casinos of today, Canada is a mecca of gaming.

Online Gambling in Canada

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Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?

Online gambling is an exciting pastime, and many Canadians gamble in hopes of winning big. But, is online gambling legal in Canada?

When it comes to gambling in Canada, the laws are pretty lax. In 1985, the Government of Canada gave each province and territory full reign over their gaming laws.

So, the short answer is - yes. Canadians are free to gamble online. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure you are playing legally.

The online gambling platform must be run by the province you are located in or

The online casino must be located outside of Canada

At this time, there are still no specific regulations directly related to online gambling, and Canadian law does not directly prohibit online gambling, but, they are required to be licensed or owned by a provincial government if the company is located in Canada.

Some provinces and territories provide government-operated online casinos, and gambling online through these casinos are legal. Playing on any other platform controlled by a company in Canada is considered illegal.

However, the government cannot legislate international gambling websites. Therefore, these sites are not illegal. Players should also ensure they are playing with reputable online casinos that are fully licensed.

There are several licensed Canadian gambling sites to choose from, including Bodog and Sports Interaction. But, Canadians can also play on offshore online gambling sites if they are legal and licensed in their territories.

However, there are 100's if not 1000's of unlicensed (no Canadian license) offshore gambling sites offering services to Canadian players. Out of these 1000's of unlicensed offshore gambling sites, only a handful are safe, trusted, and secure for Canadian players.

But, there are not technically illegal if they are licensed and legal in other territories. As of today, we have never seen any Canadian citizens punished for gambling using offshore, legal, and licensed online betting sites.

But, to be safe, we recommend playing on internationally recognised and trusted brands such as 888Sport, Unibet, William Hill, bet365, and other sites that accept Canadian players and Canadian Dollars.

How are Canada’s Gambling Laws Regulated?

Throughout most of Canada's history, most forms of gambling were illegal or restricted, up until the 1970s, where drastic changes were introduced into legislation.

In the 70s, the Canadian government changed the criminal code by regionalizing the gambling laws. Instead of regulating the gambling markets on a state level, the reformed criminal code allowed individual provinces within Canada to license and regulate gambling in their regions, which ultimately lead to domestic casinos, lotteries, sports betting shops & racing courses throughout the country.

Following the instruction by the government, each province created a governing body that looked at gambling laws. At the time of writing this article, the law is still the same, and various provinces still create laws that guide sports betting, online casino and many other gambling-related activities.

However, on a country level, it is the Canadian Gaming Commission that regulates the entire sector. It bridges the communication gap between the government, the media, the gambling sector, and the general public.

The gambling sector generates huge revenue for the government. Not only that, games like lotteries also generate income for religious and charity organizations. This is why provincial laws were created to regulate revenue and allow online gambling to thrive and contribute to the entire sector.

But, it is important to note that there is nothing in the Canadian criminal code that restricts or prevents players from accessing online gambling sites that are located offshore. It only refers to "Common gaming/betting houses" but nothing specific that refers to online gambling.

For all intents and purposes, Canadian gambling laws allow online gambling at offshore sites, but we still recommend only joining legal and trusted operators that hold valid gambling licences in other territories.

Legal Canadian Gambling Age

To legally gamble in Canada, you must be 19 years old, except in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec where you can gamble from the age of 18. The age requirement applies to all forms of gambling including both domestic (land-based casinos, lotteries, etc) and online gambling websites (both offshore and domestic).

Do You Pay Tax on Gambling Winnings in Canada?

Your winnings from online gambling accomplishments are not taxable as long as it isn't considered full-time employment for you.

What this means is that your winnings from online casino games won't be taxed if you're playing for fun (entertainment).

Meanwhile, it is illegal to operate an online casino in Canada without a license. So as a game enthusiast, ensure to register with a registered vendor and stay away from those that are not registered by trustworthy authority.

Is It Legal to Bet on Sports in Canada?

Overall, Canadian betting laws are outdated and need refreshing, but, it is legal to bet on sports on domestically licenced betting sites such as Sports Interaction, as well as offshore licensed sports betting sites such as bet365.

But, the laws do state that players should not gamble using illegal betting "houses" or casinos, which is why we only recommend using sports betting sites that have a valid Canadian gambling licence, or a valid offshore gambling licence.

However, you are legible to place parlay-style bet i.e. wagers that have multiple bets in most provinces. The downside for parlays is that the odds are low compared to single bets.

Sports betting with real money in Canada is not a crime, therefore allowing offshore sportsbooks to leverage the lack of laws in this area and profit from it. In Canada, basketball and hockey are the two most widely wagered sports among Canadian sports bet enthusiasts.

Another emerging gambling product that isn’t regulated in Canada is the Fantasy sport. A lot of people love to play the fantasy league which is offered by numerous websites by selecting their favourite teams.

Lottery and Bingo Laws in Canada

In Canada, sports betting and casino games are the most played for gamble enthusiasts. However, a huge number of people prefer playing bingo and lottery games.

Meanwhile, the laws on lotteries are controlled on the province level and in each province, there are local games available. Due to some specific exclusions, the provincial regime has launched a national lottery with prizes up to eight-figures.

Canadian gambling laws allow you to purchase lottery tickets online via a computer or a mobile device. You can also register for an online account and subscribe to as many draws as you want without going to a retail store to purchase the ticket.

Bingo games are declining at the moment because lots of bingo halls have shut down due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Alternatively, the emergence of the online bingo platform has become a timely replacement of the traditional bingo halls with the operators offering various games like online slot games, video poker, and many others.

What Does the Future Hold?

The Canadian lawmakers have begun proceedings to amend the criminal code (sports betting) with Bill C-218 to allows bet enthusiasts to legally bet on single games among other amendments. Discussion is still ongoing as the covid-19 pandemic has stalled the process.

Overall, online gambling is a choice, however, we recommend playing responsibly on legal, safe and trusted operators.

For any gambling law that you break, you could get a 2-year jail time and if you own a betting house illegally, you could get a $5,000 fine and 6 months jail time.

Legal Canadian Gambling Sites

The gambling sites below were either founded in Canada, or by Canadians. Of course, there is an increased focus on Canadian players, sports, and payment methods, but, it can be hard to compete with the powerhouses from Europe.

Sports Interaction - Founded in 1997, Sports Interaction is one of the only legal and licensed Canadian gambling sites which offers sports, poker, casinos, and slots. Sports Interaction is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and operated by Mohawk Online Limited.

Bodog - Bodog is one of the most popular Canadian gambling companies, providing a top-tier gambling product since 1994. Canadians can gamble on sports, poker, or casino games and tables on Bodog. But, Bodog is also an offshore gambling site with the company registered and licensed in the Caribbean Nation of Antigua.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is a regulatory body in Canada that is in charge of both land-based (in Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake) and online gambling sites. It has been continuously licensing and regulating a wide range of online casinos and sports betting sites since 1999.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has the power to license and regulate gaming and gaming-related activities that are conducted within and from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake.

At present, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission has over 20 operators with licences including the companies behind Sports Interaction, Spin Sports, & Spin Casino to name a few.

Online Gambling Laws in Each Canadian Region

Each province and territory has its own regulations governing online gambling. Here is a breakdown of the current gaming laws in each region.

British Columbia Gambling Laws

Technically, PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site in British Columbia (BC). However, there is nothing stated in the law that makes offshore casinos illegal. Therefore, residents of BC can:

Play online at PlayNow.com

Play at online casinos that are legally licenced and are not physically present in Canada

The online casino must not have any physical presence in Canada. This was highlighted in BC in 2001. BC Courts found an online gaming provider guilty of offering illegal services. Although the company was licensed in Antigua, they had an office in Vancouver, BC. This physical presence within the province made their online gambling illegal.

To avoid breaking any Canadian laws, offshore casinos should also adhere to BC’s gambling regulations. This includes age restrictions.

In British Columbia, all players must be 19 years or older.

Alberta Gambling Laws

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) regulates all gambling in Alberta. The AGLC operates an online gambling site called Play Alberta. Gambling on this government-regulated site is 100% legal. As well, Alberta is a member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). Therefore, any online games offered by this corporation are also legal.

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation is an organization that is authorized to control gambling-related activities on behalf of its member. Members include:

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Yukon Territory

Northwest Territories

Nunavut

In Alberta, there is no law regulating international gambling sites. Therefore, gambling on these sites is not illegal.

To legally gamble on a website that is not run by the AGLC of WCLC, the site should:

Be located outside of Canada

Follow Alberta’s gaming regulations, including age restrictions

In Alberta, players must be 18 years or older.

Saskatchewan Gambling Laws

Saskatchewan also has a government-operated online gaming site. Sask Lotteries is considered the only legal form of online gambling in the province.

Saskatchewan is also a member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). As such, games administered by the WCLC are also legal. Unfortunately, to date, only sports betting games are offered by the WCLC. These games are provided on the Sport Select website.

However, Saskatchewan cannot legally regulate online gambling sites located overseas. Therefore, it is not technically illegal for residents to engage in other forms of online gambling. No laws are being broken as long as the website meets the following criteria:

It is operated by Sask Lotteries or the WCLC

The online casino is controlled by a company overseas

In Saskatchewan, players must be 19 years or older to play.

Manitoba Gambling Laws

The Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation manages all gambling in the province. Manitoba has adopted BC’s online gambling platform, Playnow.com, as their official site. Players in Manitoba can legally gamble online using this website. In addition, Manitoba allows residents to legally gamble online using platforms administered by the WCLC.

Much like the other provinces and territories, Manitoba does not have any laws regulating international online casinos.

Therefore, if residents of Manitoba wish to gamble online they must do so using

An international site that does not expressly promote themselves in Canada

British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s Playnow.com

Games offered by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation

All other online gambling is considered illegal.

Players must be 18 years or older to gamble in Manitoba.

Ontario Gambling Laws

Although online gambling falls within a grey area of the law, it is not illegal in Ontario. In fact, Ontario has its own government-run online casino - PlayOLG.ca. The site was announced by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) in January 2015. Here, Ontario residents can legally play online games.

The grey area of the law means that players in Ontario can also play on international online casinos. No online gambling laws are broken as long as players play:

On an online casino that is based outside of Canada

On Ontario’s government-run PlayOLG site

In Ontario, a player must be 19 years or older to gamble.

Québec Gambling Laws

Loto-Québec runs the only provincially regulated online gambling platforms in Québec. These websites (Espacejeux and Mise-O-Jeu) are considered the only legal form of online gambling in the province. However, offshore sites are not regulated.

In response to increased gaming on online casinos outside of Canada, the province attempted to blacklist offshore platforms. However, in July 2018, the Supreme Court found this legislation to be unconstitutional. Therefore, players in Québec are now free to use any online gaming platform as long as it is:

Run by the province

Operated by an offshore company

Players in Québec must be 18 years or older.

New Brunswick Gambling Laws

There is no provincially-operated online casino in New Brunswick. However, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) offers government-regulated sports betting via their online website Proline-Stadium.

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation oversees gambling in the four Atlantic provinces of Canada including:

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland and Labrador

To date, there are no laws in New Brunswick that regulate online gambling offered by sites overseas. Therefore, residents can legally gamble on online casinos, as long as they are located outside of Canada.

To gamble safely online in New Brunswick, players should ensure that the online casino they are using is:

Located outside of Canada

Licensed by a reputable international agency

To gamble in the province of New Brunswick, players must be 19 or older.

Nova Scotia Gambling Laws

The government of Nova Scotia does not regulate international gambling. The same is true for the Canadian government in general. Therefore, gambling on international sites is not illegal.

Much like the residents of New Brunswick, those in Nova Scotia are free to gamble online using:

Any site regulated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation

Online casinos located internationally

Players must be 19 or older to gamble in Nova Scotia.

Prince Edward Island Gambling Laws

Along with the other four Atlantic provinces, gambling in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is governed by the ALC. Residents can legally gamble using any site run by this government organization.

PEI residents can also play on international online casinos. As long as the online platform adheres to the following regulations, residents of this province are free to participate.

The online casino has no physical location on Canadian soil

The platform does not explicitly advertise to Canadian residents

To gamble in PEI, players must be 19 or older.

Newfoundland and Labrador Gambling Laws

Interestingly, Newfoundland and Labrador does not have any physical government-operated casinos. While lottery tickets, scratch tickets and sports betting are legal, physical casinos are not. Casinos can be found on First Nations land, however, as this restriction does not apply.

As an Atlantic Province, the ALC regulates gaming in Newfoundland and Labrador. Therefore, online gambling provided by the ALC is legal.

That being said, international online casinos are not illegal. Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can freely join and gamble on any overseas casino. To ensure legitimate online gambling, players should:

Only play on sites regulated by international bodies

Play on secure and recognized sites

Players in Newfoundland and Labrador must be 19 to gamble.

Nunavut Gambling Laws

The Nunavut Lottery Act and Regulations is the governing legislation for gambling in Nunavut. Like Newfoundland and Labrador, no physical casinos exist in Nunavut. But this does not mean that gambling is illegal. In fact, there are several lottery games hosted by the NW Territories and Nunavut Lotteries Commission. As well, charitable organizations can be approved to host gambling activities like Bingo.

When it comes to online gambling, Nunavut does not have its own government-run website. However, the territory is a member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Therefore, residents can legally gamble online using any site operated by the WCLC.

Residents of Nunavut can also gamble online using overseas sites. Local and federal governments in Canada cannot legislate international online casinos, therefore they are not illegal.

To ensure no Canadian gambling laws are broken, players should make sure that:

The online casino is run by an international organization

The organization has no physical location in Canada, including servers

The gambling website is licensed and regulated overseas

To gamble in Nunavut, players must be 19 or older.

Northwest Territories Gambling Laws

There are no physical casinos in the Northwest Territories. As well, the territory does not offer any online gambling site run by their government. However, as a member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, residents can legally gamble online using the websites managed by the WCLC.

People in the territory can also gamble online using international websites. These sites are not illegal, given that they:

Have a license to operate

Are not located in Canada

Gambling in the Northwest Territories requires players to be 19 or older.

Yukon Territory Gambling Laws

While the Yukon government does not provide any online gambling services, the territory is a member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Therefore, residents can gamble online legally using any services provided by the corporation.

There are no laws in the Yukon that prohibit residents from gambling online using international sites. It is not illegal to play on these sites, given that they:

Are located overseas

Do not directly promote themselves to Canadians

To gamble in the Yukon, players must be 19 or older.

Gambling History in Canada

Did you know that gambling is one of the largest branches of entertainment in Canada? It attracts millions of players across the country. Furthermore, the number of local casino players grows each year.

But why is gaming so popular in Canada? Well, the answer lies in the history of gambling in Canada. That history is quite rich. An abundance of venues has been working in the region for years. They are all catering to customers that want to experience prime casino entertainment. In this article, we will present you with a detailed overview of Canadian gambling history, including:

The old history of casinos

Contemporary gaming in the country

Interesting historical facts

Land-based and online venues

If you want to see how it’s done in Canada, sit tight. Our review of the history of gambling in Canada begins with a couple of frequently asked questions that we hope to answer in detail right here in this article.

Page contents

Old Gambling History

Gambling in Canada is far from being a new form of entertainment. Did you know that games of luck and chance have been around for centuries? Yup, they were here long before digital casinos appeared.

The first record of gambling in the region dates from 1497. John Abbot was the one to discover native tribes that enjoyed playing games of chance. Of course, back then, it was still very primitive. The games that the tribes played were far from the traditional versions that we play today.

But as you can see, gambling was a popular form of entertainment even before legislation and the formation of Canada as an independent country.

Times when All Gambling Was Banned

The Canadian casino scene had its ups and downs. Perhaps you did not know but gambling was not always approved in the region. For instance, in 1892, all forms of gambling were banned. The Canadian Criminal Code prohibited all types of gambling activities because the government considered it to be inappropriate.

But that did not last long. In 1900, the law accepted some variations of games of luck. Bingo and raffles were first to return, but only for charities. A decade later, people got the right bet on horse racing again. Finally, 15 years after that, exhibitions and fairs received permissions to host gambling events.

Lotteries were very prolific, and the government changed the law again in 1969. After the changes in regulation, lotteries served as platforms for funding specific projects. The first example happened in 1974 when locals organized a lottery event to gather funds for the Olympics.

Historical Facts

Well, as we mentioned above, one of the first regulators was the Mohawk Territory Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Guess what is so specific about it? As it is still fully operational, this makes the Canadian regulator the first-ever online casino authority in the world!

Before Europeans arrived in Canada, native people played games of luck, as we mentioned. The games that they played involved gaming sticks and the name of one popular game was Slahal or Stickgame.

There is also one fact from the Klondike Gold Rush. With the discovery of gold in Yukon in 1896, people rushed to the region. During that period, one of the most popular games was Faro, a card game which the Americans brought. Unfortunately, once the Goldrush ended, so did Faro disappear in Canada.

Modern Gambling History in Canada

The recent history of gambling in Canada has ties with both land-based casinos and online gaming sites. Did you know that the Canadian casino scene is one of the wealthiest markets for casino entertainment today? Yes, thousands of venues exist to provide entertainment to casino enthusiasts. And trust us, Canadian players love playing casino games! Their choices often include traditional casino games, such as Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, and Baccarat. However, when online casinos first introduced the virtual versions of the classic games, the audience loved it.

Thanks to the virtual venues, players in the country have access to a broader choice of titles and tables to sit at. Every new digital gaming hall that appears on the market brings a wealth of new content for the players. But that doesn’t mean land-based venues are not accessible in the country. Some land-based casinos are among the most popular tourist attractions, with thousands of visitors each year!

Online Gambling History

So when did the story of online gambling begin? The correct answer is - in 1996. The first official digital gaming venue offered only a handful of digital casino games, but it was a success, nonetheless. This year is taken as the starting point for online gambling because it’s the year when several online casinos launched. One of the first and most popular casinos is InterCasino, a site that still works to this day. Did you know that in the same year, the first-ever online gambling regulator emerged on the Canadian market? At the time, the Mohawk Territory Kahnawake Gaming Commission was already there to supervise and regulate all classic casino game activities. At first, gaming online was an odd idea for many players, especially when it came to casinos. Punters had to get used to the idea of opening browsers instead of walking into some of the famous land-based venues.

However, that quickly changed. Only a few years later, the digital casino industry had its well-deserved expansion. After 2000, dozens of venues launched their digital versions, establishing one of the most prolific industries in the world.

History of Land-Based Casinos

In 1985, the government passed a new law that enabled gambling to move from the state to federal jurisdiction. This made room for hundreds of land-based casinos all over the country. The new law helped owners establish their venues in different provinces.

Each province has a different set of laws for gambling. In some areas, the state owns some casinos, while in other regions they are private. In any case, they are very popular even today.

Present and Future of Gambling in Canada

Today, Canada is one of the most productive gaming markets in the world. It generates billions of dollars each year. International software developers sign deals to distribute their content to this market because they know how prolific this market is. For casino entertainment, Canada is one of the most important regions in the world.

Don’t you find that impressive? Diversity in content and offers make Canada a fertile field for everyone interested in this kind of entertainment. There is no doubt the popularity and strength of Gambling in Canada will continue to grow in the upcoming future.

Canadian Online Gambling Facts You Didn’t Know

Canada is an industry leader in the online gaming industry. At least 19.3 million Canadians are actively gambling and this contributes to the country being ranked number 8 in online gaming. In fact, Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan decided to tap into this popular gambling industry by launching their very own gambling sites.

Source: CasinoValley 2020 Research

It makes sense to take this route because Canadians spend at least $4 billion in offshore casinos. And if you thought that figure is staggering, well, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the over $17 billion Canadians spend in Casinos back home (Canadian Gaming Industry Report). The gambling industry, therefore, rakes in tens of billions of dollars every year.

Gambling Demographics

Even though females gamble a lot, the majority of the gamblers are male, constituting of 80% of all gamblers in Canada. Most of the gamblers are young adults who are either in college or just starting out in their careers. One of the reasons why gambling is so prevalent in Canada is the fact that almost all casinos allow for online gambling.

Gambling online is cheaper than going to a physical casino and it is super convenient too. But there is an interesting demographic about gambling in Canada – even though the males are the bigger chunk of the gamblers, women use their phones more than their male counterparts in gambling. Canada is, in fact, the only country on the globe where female gamblers using their phones for online gambling outnumber the male mobile-based online gamblers. 55% of all female gamblers do it on their mobile phones.

What Are the Gambling Games Being Played in Canada?

Participation statistics in slots, table games, electronic table games and poker

Source: CGA Summit 2016 Research

Just what are some of these gambling activities do Canadians immerse themselves in? Well, as you might have guessed, an online sports betting clinches the first position. Canadian men don’t mind blowing their bank accounts on sports betting as well as table games. Luck games such as bingo are women’s favorites in the country. Other games include slot games (played by 72% of Canadian online gamblers), table games, poker (played by 59% of online gamers), and online casinos (online casinos have 13% higher rewards than physical casinos.

An Overview of Canadian Online Casinos

A while ago, brick and mortar casinos were the real deal in Canada. Not anymore. With over 2000 gambling casino websites in the country, registering over 96% in wins, you bet Canadians have shifted their focus away from these land-based casinos (which only return less than 60% wins).

If you ask any Canadian winner what time is the best for making money in gambling, they would tell you 4pm-6pm is good. The biggest jackpot was won on the progressive slot, Mega Moolah. The jackpot was a whopping $20 million (October 2018).

20 million Canadian dollar jackpot on Mega Moolah

Last Jackpot prize Mega Moolah was on 30th January 2019 – 20,059,287 Canadian dollars.

The prospects of such gains are really tempting – and especially since the government doesn’t tax gambling returns. However, if you treat gambling as a fulltime profession and register consistent wins; the tax man will come knocking.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that problem gambling is huge in Canada. It comes with the territory. As it is, 1-2% (600,000 people) of adults in the country suffer the effects of problem gambling. Compared to brick and mortar gamblers, online gamblers suffer from this phenomenon four times over. Thankfully, there’s plenty of support from many entities in Canada for those who need help dealing with problem gambling.

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: Discover our top Online Gambling Guides of 2021 - Perfect for Canadian players who want an edge on their gambling strategy and beginners. at History of Online Gambling in Canada