Introduction
We will cover the following topics:
- The legal status of online gambling in each province and territory.
- The official online gambling sites operated by the provincial or territorial governments.
- The best online casinos that accept players from Canada and offer fair and secure gaming.
- The types of games and bonuses available at online casinos.
- The payment methods and currencies supported by online casinos.
- The responsible gambling resources and support services available for Canadian players.
Online Gambling Regulations in Canada
Online gambling regulations in Canada are complex and vary by province or territory. According to the Criminal Code of Canada, operating an online gambling site within Canada is illegal unless it is authorized by a provincial or territorial government. However, the Criminal Code does not explicitly prohibit Canadians from playing at offshore online gambling sites that are licensed and regulated by foreign authorities. Therefore, Canadians can legally access online gambling sites that are based outside of Canada, if they comply with the laws and regulations of their jurisdiction of residence.
Some provinces have also launched their own online gambling platforms that are regulated by local authorities and offer a limited range of games and services to residents within their borders. For example, Ontario has recently introduced iGaming Ontario, a new internet gaming market that allows online gaming providers to obtain a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and offer their products to Ontarians. Other provinces that have their own online gambling sites include British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Online gambling regulations in Canada are constantly evolving and changing to keep up with the growing demand and innovation in the industry. It is important for online gambling operators and players to stay informed and updated on the latest developments and changes in the laws and regulations that affect them. It is also advisable to only play at reputable and trustworthy online gambling sites that are licensed and regulated by credible authorities and offer fair and secure gaming experiences.
Gambling Laws by Region in Canada
All regions and provinces in Canada and what the gambling laws are in each one of them.
Alberta
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) regulates all gambling activities in the province. PlayAlberta is the only official online gambling site offering casino games, sports betting, and more. Land-based casinos are popular in Alberta, with 25 based around the province. Most of these casinos are charitable and share profits with good causes. The government and First Nations also run several casinos in this province. There are several racetracks located in Alberta, with each offering betting. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in Alberta.
British Columbia
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Finance (GPEB) regulates all gambling activities in the province. PlayNow.com is the only official online gambling site offering casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lottery. Land-based casinos are also available in British Columbia, with 17 based around the province. Most of these casinos are operated by private companies or First Nations. There are five racetracks located in British Columbia, with each offering betting. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in British Columbia.
Manitoba
The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba regulates all gambling activities in the province. PlayNow.com is the only official online gambling site offering casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lottery. Land-based casinos are also available in Manitoba, with eight based around the province. Most of these casinos are operated by private companies or First Nations. There are two racetracks located in Manitoba, with each offering betting. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in Manitoba.
New Brunswick
The Gaming, Liquor and Security Licensing Branch of the Department of Justice and Public Safety regulates all gambling activities in the province. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in New Brunswick. However, residents can visit internationally-licensed operators. Land-based casinos are also available in New Brunswick, with two based around the province. Both of these casinos are operated by private companies. There is one racetrack located in New Brunswick, which offers betting. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Consumer Affairs Division of Digital Government and Service NL regulates all gambling activities in the province. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, residents can visit internationally licensed operators. Land-based casinos are not available in Newfoundland and Labrador. There is one racetrack located in Newfoundland and Labrador, which offers betting. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in the province.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation regulates all gambling activities in the province. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in Nova Scotia. However, residents can visit internationally licensed operators. Land-based casinos are also available in the province, with two based around the province. Both casinos are operated by private companies. There are two racetracks located in Nova Scotia, with each offering betting. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in Nova Scotia.
Ontario
As mentioned above The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates all gambling activities in the province. Ontario has recently launched its own online gambling platform called iGaming Ontario, which offers casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lottery. Land-based casinos are also available in Ontario, with 25 based around the province. Most of these casinos are operated by private companies or First Nations. There are 15 racetracks located in the province, with each offering betting. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation runs daily lotteries in Ontario.
Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission and the Consumer, Corporate and Insurance Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety regulate all gambling activities in the province. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in Prince Edward Island. However, residents can visit operators licensed internationally. Land-based casinos are also available in Prince Edward Island, with one based on the island. These casinos are operated by a private company. There is one racetrack located on the island, which offers betting. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries on Prince Edward Island.
Quebec
The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) and Loto-Québec regulate all gambling activities in the province. Espacejeux.com is the only official online gambling site offering casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lottery. Land-based casinos are also available in Quebec, with four based around the province. All these casinos are operated by Loto-Québec. There are four racetracks located in Quebec, with each offering betting. Loto-Québec runs daily lotteries in Quebec.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and the Indigenous Gaming Regulators (IGR) regulate all gambling activities in the province. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in Saskatchewan. However, residents can visit internationally licensed operators. Land-based casinos are also available in the province, with nine based around the province. Most of these casinos are operated by private companies or First Nations. There are two racetracks located in Saskatchewan, with each offering betting. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in the province.
Northwest Territories
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs regulates all gambling activities in the territory. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in the Northwest Territories. However, residents can visit internationally licensed casinos. Land-based casinos are not available in the Northwest Territories. There are no racetracks located in the territory. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in the Northwest Territories.
Nunavut
The Department of Health regulates all gambling activities in the territory. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in Nunavut. However, residents can visit operators that are internationally licensed. Land-based casinos are not available in the territory. There are no racetracks located in Nunavut. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in Nunavut.
Yukon
The Professional Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Branch of the Department of Community Services regulates all gambling activities in the territory. There is no official online gambling site offering casino games or sports betting in Yukon. However, residents can visit internationally licensed operators. Land-based casinos are not available in Yukon. There is one racetrack located in Yukon, which offers betting. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation runs daily lotteries in the territory.
Elara Whitfield, a meticulous casino reviewer at Casino Newsroom, is relatively new to the world of online gambling. Despite her novice status, her attention to detail is unparalleled. She dives deep into every aspect of the casinos she reviews, leaving no stone unturned. Her fresh perspective and thorough analyses are quickly making her a trusted voice in the industry.