Where does Canada stand in the. In the rest of the world, the legality of Internet Gambling is very complicated, with some countries having no laws at. So long as you stick to safe sites, you shouldn’t have any major problems when gambling online. Canada’s Online Gambling Laws. In Canada, it’s fully legal for players to gamble at online casinos. If you sign up to a casino and gamble with real money, you won’t be breaking any of the country’s laws. Online gambling is often called a 'legal grey area,' but does that mean Canadians playing a few hands of internet poker in their living rooms should one day expect a SWAT team to crash through the. Gambling Laws in Canada. A number of law exceptions were eventually introduced, though, with individual provinces gradually given the power to create. We gathered a list of the best online casinos in Canada, honest and well written reviews about your future casino! Only at FreeSlotsCentral!

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. Punters can submit their parlays at lottery retailers or online, and bingo, charity gambling, and homegrown online gambling sites for sports and casino gaming are all on the approved list.

Like many countries, Canada’s gambling laws have some clear-cut provisions, as well as some gray areas left to interpretation. So, we’ll do our best to demystify the situation.

We’ll touch on some game-changing judicial decisions too. As Canadian gambling legislation is now in the provinces’ hands, you’ll soon see what each has to offer and the specific Canada gaming laws in play.

If you look at the history books relating to legal gambling expansion throughout Canada, they focus on 1892, 1969, and 1985. But we’re going to add 1976 to the list as well.

• 1892 – The Criminal Code outlaws gambling under the section “Offenses against religion, morals, and public conveniences”
• 1969 – The Criminal Code was initially altered to allow for lotteries that raised funds for worthwhile causes
• 1976 – Sports lotteries were introduced
• 1985 – The federal government turned control over to the provinces for gambling activities, including lotteries and lottery schemes, which cover computer, video devices, slot machines, and horse racing wagering over the phone

The Criminal Code was the be-all, end-all of Canadian gambling legislation for decades. The 1969 move to approve lotteries got the ball rolling in the other direction.

We include 1976 because sports lotteries have been a mainstay in the country since then. Although betting is exclusively parlay-based, players have plenty of access through provincial-governed programs that extend to retail locations and, now, online betting as well.

1985 took Canada’s gambling and online gambling laws to a new level. Although the first gambling venue, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, popped up in Yukon Territory in 1971, the post-1985 era prompted the casino boom.

Winnipeg’s Crystal Casino was the first government-owned casino, opening its doors in 1991. It didn’t even have its own structure but instead occupied the Fort Garry Hotel’s seventh floor. Manitoba now has five other gambling venues, but the historic Crystal Casino’s reign was short. It closed in 1999.

Online Gambling Laws in Canada

Canada’s online gambling laws are both straightforward and confusing.

On the one hand, online gambling, whether sports betting or casino gaming, is legal as long as the provider is licensed within the country. But on the other hand, Canadians use plenty of offshore online sportsbooks and casinos.

While it’s illegal to operate an online casino in Canada without a license, nothing is spelled out explicitly prohibiting Canadians from using non-licensed services. Many people do, without penalty. No one has been prosecuted for using an out-of-area gambling website.

There are licensed Canadian online gambling sites that operate within the country. Sports Interaction was one of the first and is still going strong. Although it’s categorized as a sportsbook, players can take advantage of casino games as well.

Additionally, Canada is a unique country with its online gambling presence. As the provinces control the gambling and online gambling, most have their own virtual service, like Quebec’s Loto-Quebec or Alberta’s Play Alberta.

Province-run gambling sites include casino gaming, instant lottery, and sports betting. Not all residents are enthused about these services.

The in-region sites tend to have just a small sample of games compared to competitive offshore online casinos. However, new betting opportunities are consistently added, and Loto-Quebec even has some millionaire-makers in its virtual slot banks.

Canadian punters tend to “virtually” leave the country to place bets because Canada’s gambling laws don’t account for straight bets. Since 1976 when sports lotteries emerged, betting has been restricted to parlays.

Aside from Sports Interaction, there are provincial-approved betting services across the country. The national program is called Sport Select, although it’s known by different names, depending on the location.

Sport Select usually operates in conjunction with lottery retailers, and some provinces have extended the service to mobile players. Hence, it falls under both gambling and online gambling legislation in Canada.

Canadians appreciate more than just online sports betting, though. As we mentioned, the majority of provinces host their own online gambling sites featuring casino games, like slots, table games, virtual scratch cards, and lottery-type gaming.

Province-run online betting sites are geofenced. Players can use their mobile devices to play from home or anywhere in the region but will lose connectivity when they cross into another jurisdiction.

• Online casinos and sportsbooks licensed in Canada are legal.
• Sport Select is the national sports betting program, allowing for parlays in retailers and some provinces to provide online access.
• It’s illegal to operate an online casino in Canada without a license, but nothing is spelled out regarding players using outside online betting services.
• Most provinces have dedicated full-service gambling sites for residents but are geofenced, so Canadian punters in other areas can’t access the service – they have to stick to their local website.

Since 1985 when the Canadian government relegated gambling legislation to the individual provinces, there’s been continuous expansion. More than 80 casinos have surfaced and there are now nearly 40,000 VLT machines worth millions to the local economies.

The following are the nine provinces and one territory with casinos and subsequent oversight.

• Gambling oversight: Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC)
• Commission established: 1996
• Alberta gambling legislation: The Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act
• AGLC website: https://aglc.ca/
• Legal gambling age in Alberta: 18
• Official online gambling site: Play Alberta

Alberta has 28 licensed casinos within the region. Vegas-style casinos are prevalent, totaling 24, and the other four stick to machine-based gambling.

When it comes to VLT gaming in bars and clubs, Alberta takes the nation’s second spot with 6,000 machines at more than 1,200 locations. Quebec is the only province with more, as it totals 12,000. Electronic gaming provides a half-billion dollars in annual revenue to the government.

The province participates in the WCLC, or Western Canada Lottery Corporation but doesn’t allow for online lottery sales. However, Alberta does have a provincial-run online casino, Play Alberta, with slots and lottery-type games. Players can deposit to their betting account with Visa or Mastercard.

• Gambling oversight: British Columbia Lottery Corp.
• British Columbia gambling legislation: Gaming Control Act
• BCLC website: https://www.playnow.com/
• Legal gambling age in British Columbia: 19
• Official online gambling site: Play Now

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation is a three-part service consisting of casino games, lottery, and e-gaming.

Play Now is the official online gambling service, which extends to lottery ticket sales and slots, and other virtual machine-type gaming. Unlike Alberta’s online casino that’s limited to Visa and Mastercard acceptance, Play Now offers a wide range of payment options, including PayPal, Web Cash, and Online Bill Payment.

Land-based gambling in British Columbia features 34 casino venues, but only 18 with traditional table games. There are also three bingo halls, but British Columbia has opted out of the VLT program, so machine gaming isn’t available at bars, taverns, and other liquor-licensed establishments.

• Gambling oversight: Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba
• Manitoba gambling legislation: The Liquor Gaming and Cannabis Control Act of 2018
• LGCA website: https://lgcamb.ca/
• Legal gambling age in Manitoba: 18
• Official online gambling site: Play Now

While Crystal Casino, the first commercial casino in the area, closed in 1999, five replacements have been added since. Manitoba is also home to Assiniboia Downs’ flat track thoroughbred racing under the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission’s supervision.

The Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba handles other gambling license applications, including lottery and VLTs. While Manitoba isn’t at the top of the list for VLT revenue, it has nearly 600 licensees, 4,400 machines and generates around a quarter-billion in revenue for the area.

Manitoba is the exception with the Western Canada Lottery Corp, as it also utilizes the Play Now online services for tickets. Both lottery and VLT retailers go through an application process but aren’t charged licensing fees to get started.

• Gambling oversight: New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corp.
• New Brunswick gambling legislation: Control Act of 2008
• NBLGC website: https://www2.gnb.ca/
• Legal gambling age in New Brunswick: 19
• Official online gambling site: Atlantic Lottery

The NBLGC oversees most of New Brunswick authorized gambling activities, except VLTs. VLT supervision is under the Department of Justice, which has recently implemented changes in the program.

VLT machines and retailers have been reduced to a maximum of 2,000 devices spread out amongst 300 locations. New Brunswick’s other land-based gaming includes the Casino New Brunswick with Vegas-style gaming and Grey Rock, which sticks to gambling machines, including electronic table games.

Online gambling is legal in New Brunswick through the Atlantic Lottery site, covering all of the bases from lottery tickets to casino games (slots and tables), bingo, and a link to Pro-Line for sports betting.

• Gambling oversight: Nova Scotia Gaming Corp.
• Nova Scotia gambling legislation: The Gaming Control Act
• NSGC website: https://gamingns.ca/
• Legal gambling age in Nova Scotia: 19
• Official online gambling site: Atlantic Lottery

There’s plenty of bingo action throughout Nova Scotia in addition to the two Casino Nova Scotia locations in Sydney and Halifax. According to reports by the NSGC, the area can more than accommodate the list of venues. Approximately 73% of Nova Scotians participate in at least one betting activity.

All of the proceeds from gambling within the province, which amounted to $136.5 million in the 2019-2020 calendar year, go directly to local programs and services.

Like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia is part of the Atlantic Lottery online gambling programs, so residents also have home and mobile access to slots, lottery tickets, sports betting, etc. Land-based gaming covers the landscape with 600 VLT licensees and 3,000 machines in play.

• Gambling oversight: Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.
• Ontario gambling legislation: Ontario Lottery and Gaming Act
• OLG website: https://www.olg.ca/en/home.html
• Legal gambling age in Ontario: 19
• Official online gambling site: Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG)

The OLG website is Ontario’s Atlantic Lottery. It’s a full-service online gambling go-to for pretty much anything and everything betting-related in the province. You can buy lottery tickets, bet on sports, and play casino games.

Ontario residents have an edge compared to their provincial neighbors. OLG’s casino not only has more games but uses IGT software. IGT is behind some of the most well-known slot titles, like Cleopatra and LobsterMania (both available on olg.ca). Slots also cover major progressive jackpots like the Power Bucks series seeded at a million.

Along with British Columbia, Ontario said no to VLTs. However, the province is currently home to 28 casinos, including four resort-style properties, like Fallsview Casino-Resort. Casino Woodbine is amid a significant expansion project slated for 2022 completion. And, the casino count will soon hit 29 when the new Pickering Casino-Resort opens its doors.

All but five of Ontario’s casinos are Vegas-style with slots and table games. The other five stick to gambling machines.

• Gambling oversight: Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission
• Prince Edward Island gambling legislation: Lotteries Commission Act and Gaming Centre Control Regulations of 2005
• PEI gaming regulation website: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/legislation/lotteries-commission-act
• Legal gambling age in Prince Edward Island: 19 for VLTs and casino; 18 for lottery tickets
• Official online gambling site: Atlantic Lottery

With a population of only 157,000, two casinos, a few hundred VLTs, and bingo halls should accommodate Prince Edward Island residents who enjoy gambling activities.

Even the Red Shores Racetrack and Casino, one of two Red Shores properties, is relatively small with about 300 slots. However, it also offers table gaming and a poker room. If the lottery retailers, VLTs, and casinos aren’t enough, though, Prince Edward Island is also part of the Atlantic Lottery program.

Atlantic Lottery gives residents a regionally-regulated, legal Canadian online gambling site for everything from slots to sports.

• Gambling oversight: Loto-Quebec
• Quebec gambling legislation: Société des lotteries du Québec
• Société de lotteries du Québec website: https://societe.lotoquebec.com/en/home
• Legal gambling age in Quebec: 18
• Official online gambling site: Loto-Quebec

If you want to know anything and everything about legal gambling in Quebec, Loto-Quebec is the site to discover. It’s one of the most detailed resources in the country and explicitly spells out what’s available according to Canada gambling laws.

Everything from VLTs to casino gaming to the Loto-Quebec online gambling site runs through the Société de lotteries du Québec.

Loto-Quebec, like the Ontario and Atlantic Lottery sites, covers the gamut. You can play slots, tables, instant lottery, and place sports bets. But if you’re in the mood to take a drive, two gambling halls and four casinos are premier attractions.

• Casino de Montreal
• Casino du Lac-Leamy
• Casino de Charlevoix
• Casino de Mont-Tremblant

The Casino de Montreal is the largest in Canada with more than 3,000 machines, 100 tables, a 25-table poker room, and a VIP gaming area.

As far as other land-based betting opportunities, Quebec takes the top spot with 12,000 VLTs, although it has plans to reduce that number in the near future. Historically, though, the VLTs have contributed a half-billion annually to the provincial economy.

• Gambling oversight: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
• Saskatchewan gambling legislation: The Alcohol and Gaming Regulatory Act
• SLGA website: https://www.slga.com/gaming/
• Legal gambling age in Saskatchewan: 19
• Official online gambling site: n/a

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority runs seven out of the nine casinos in the region, including the newest, Gold Horse in Lloydminster, which opened in December 2018. The remaining two (Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw) are under the Saskatchewan Gaming Authority.

Saskatchewan has an active charity gaming department and one of the more lucrative VLT programs. With 4,200 VLTs in 569 locations, it’s easy to see how they could contribute more than $155 million annually to the province.

A lottery is in full swing with Sask Lotteries, which also links to Sport Select for parlays. However, the lottery is a retailer-only service. You can’t buy tickets or play casino games on the Sask Lottery website like you can in Quebec or Ontario.

• Gambling oversight: Yukon Lottery Corp
• Yukon gambling legislation: n/a
• Lotteries Yukon website: https://lotteriesyukon.com/en/programs
• Legal gambling age in Yukon: 19
• Official online gambling site: n/a

There’s not a whole lot happening gambling-wise in the Yukon Territory. But we’d be remiss if we left it off the list as it’s home to Canada’s first casino.

Diamond Tooth Gertie’s was opened by the Klondike Visitors Association in 1971 and has done its job to attract visitors to the area. With just 64 slots and some table games, you wouldn’t compare it to a venue like Casino de Montreal, but you don’t need to, as it’s one-of-a-kind.

While Yukon Territory has a small lottery program with 43 retailers, there’s no VLT program. So, Gertie’s is the go-to for gambling machines.

Canada’s online gambling laws provide for casino gaming, iLottery, and parlay-based sports betting. But the question is, what’s off the list?

The answer is straight bets and other sports wagering. Canada has noticed what’s happened in the US after PASPA (the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act) was overturned.

As neighboring states are going all-in with sportsbooks and mobile betting, it’s time for the Great White North to get competitive.

Single-game sports betting has been a hot topic for years in Canada. Licensed sportsbooks and online bookmakers have been pushing for another modification to the 1892 Criminal Code for quite some time.

But the United States’ status change might be enough to alter legislation on a national level soon.

Interesting Facts about Gambling in Canada

Gambling and online gambling laws in Canada provide a combination of white-listed activities and those in the gray area, like online gambling offered through off-shore operators. That leaves residents and visitors with questions, as things can change as soon as you cross from one province into another.

So, we’ve got a few notable gambling-related items that you may find useful in addition to the detailed province-by-province breakdown above.

The legal gambling age in Canada varies from province to province

While the minimum age doesn’t swing wildly, some areas allow players 18 and over, while others require 19.

Current sports betting legislation in Canada is for parlay-based betting only

One of the contention points regarding legal sports betting is that it could encourage teams or players to cheat. With parlay bets, it’s less likely that someone would throw a game.

The Mohawk Territory Kahnawake Gaming Commission isn’t just behind the Canadian-licensed Sports Interaction site

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission was one of the first official regulators of online gaming, starting in 1996. Its client list has dwindled over the years, but it still maintains 21 active licensees.

Canadians aren’t charged taxes on winnings

The no-tax gambling law in Canada applies to both land-based and online gambling and the lottery.

VLTs are responsible for nearly a quarter of all gambling industry income in Canada?

Even without VLTs in Ontario or British Columbia, they’re behind billions in local governments’ annual revenue.

A new casino is opening in Ontario in 2021

The Pickering Resort-Casino was slated for a 2020 opening, but the COVID-19 pandemic slightly postponed the big reveal. Canadians will soon have access to more than 2,000 slots, 167 live dealer stadium game terminals, and 100 table game offerings.

Recapping Gambling and Online Gambling Laws in Canada

As you can now see, you’d need an entire book to list what’s on and off in terms of the gambling and online gambling laws in Canada. Each province develops its individual gambling strategy, which typically includes at least a few casinos, sports betting, a lottery, and an online presence.

Canadians aren’t taxed on gambling winnings, which is a win on top of a win. The legal gambling age is either 18 or 19, depending on the region. That requirement sticks with both land-based and online betting.

Some Canadians balk at their homegrown gambling sites, like Play Now or the Atlantic Lottery. But those full-service websites cover the gamut with sports betting, slots, table games, and lottery tickets. Canadian nights can get cold, so it’s always good to have options.

Canada has not always been the pro-gambling territory that it is now. Prior to the 1970s, the criminal code allowed very little when it came to gambling entertainment. Over the years, slowly, the nation has gone from ‘No Way’ to a fairly gambling friendly region. You will find a significant number of legally licensed, brick and mortar gambling destinations throughout the country. You will also find provincially governed online gambling businesses that offer their residents a sophisticated interactive gaming experience from the comfort of their own homes. Lastly, but certainly not least, Canadian residents can legally enjoy offshore Internet gambling sites as long as they are legally licensed and regulated.

Understanding and navigating the gambling laws in Canada are no simple feat. Being able to distinguish between legal and illegal gambling opportunities has become more complex and challenging for all involved. This guide was created to serve the gambling community in Canada by providing insight into the legal status of various gambling platforms, including land based gambling and online gambling. We provide information that is critical to understanding what players are facing in CA. This information is also extremely valuable for those players wishing to make informed decisions regarding gambling entertainment. We have an entire section of our resource guide dedicated to explaining Canadian Gambling Laws.

Bottom Line Regarding Legal Canadian Gambling Options

Canadians essentially have 2 legal online gambling options available to them. They can choose to play with the local government licensed casinos or lottery sites which are owned and regulated directly by the providence (only a handful exist), or they can choose to play at an offshore gambling site. Both options are 100% legal as there are currently no laws at all that prohibit CA residents from playing for real money via an offshore site. And that’s exactly what most Canadians do since local options are extremely limited. Plus the offshore sites offer much more in the way of bonuses and perks compared to the local sites.

Most Trusted Online Gambling Sites Open To Canadian Players – Play In CAD

The following online gambling sites accept all Canadian players and allow real money gambling in (CAD currency). These sites have been thoroughly vetted by our team of professionals and are well regarded as reputable sites within the online gaming community. Most of our team lives right here in Canada and knows the industry inside and out. In short we love to gamble just like everyone else and will only recommend the highest rated sites to our visitors that we know are trustworthy and pay out winners without the bs.

Frequently Asked Questions Related To Gambling In Canada

Is It Legal To Gamble In Canada?

To answer this question, one must understand the legal landscape that surrounds the gambling industry in Canada. There are no laws in the Criminal Code that prohibit CA players from enjoying gambling entertainment from legally licensed and regulated businesses. It is illegal to operate an online gambling site or brick and mortar gambling business without acquiring the proper licensing. Once licensed, every gambling business must adhere to strict regulatory oversight. The key to staying on the legal side of the tracks when it comes to gambling in Canada is to make sure you restrict your gambling entertainment to only those destinations that are legitimately licensed. Visit our page on Land Based Gambling Laws in Canada for more insight into brick and mortar options that are present in Canada.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Canada?

There are no provisions within Canada’s Criminal Code that make it a crime for players to participate in legally sanctioned online gambling entertainment. This includes both provincially governed gambling sites and licensed offshore gambling sites. This means it is perfectly legal at this time for Canadian players to enjoy online gambling from betting sites at home and abroad. You can learn more from our guide to CA Online Gambling Laws. This guide includes recommendations for legally licensed and reputable gambling sites that have been vetted and approved by our team of industry professionals.

What Is The Legal Gambling Age For Canadians?

A few territories such as Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec allow anyone over the age of 18 to gamble. The rest of the provinces require players to be at least 19 years of age. This is true for both land based brick and mortar casinos or internet gambling sites.

Are Canadians Required To Pay Taxes On Winnings?

This is one area where Canadian players should feel very lucky. Canada does not tax casino winnings or on any game of chance. In other countries the government takes anywhere from 30%-50% right off the top, so not being required to pay taxes on winnings is a very big deal.

What Types Of Gambling Options Are Available To Canadian Residents?

Due to the pro-gambling stance that Canada has taken, there is a nice variety of online gambling venues to choose from. Below we’ve listed the most popular options available and relevant information about each.

Sports Betting: Canadian sports betting is one of the few types of gambling that is permitted through national law rather than provincial law. It is included as a specific exception to the Criminal Code and is permitted via a three team minimum parlay wager. Bill C290 is attempting to remove the 3 team minimum requirement to allow wagering on single games and matches. There are multiple sports betting outlets throughout Canada, as well as online options. There are a lot of complaints regarding Canada based sports gambling due to high betting limits and lines that are not competitive with the offshore sportsbooks. Players are not required to fulfill the three event parlay wager at the international offshore sportsbooks. There is a handful of high quality, legally licensed offshore sportsbooks that accept Canadian players. We’ve listed the leading destinations in our legal online sports betting in Canada guide.

Online Casinos: Canadian online casinos are available through local, provincially regulated destinations and from licensed and regulated offshore online casino sites. Those residents who do not live within a province that offers online casino gaming action will find that the offshore Canadian friendly online casinos are a great option for this type of entertainment.

Online Poker: Like casino gambling and sports betting, Canadian online poker is available through both the individual province channels and through legally licensed online poker rooms that are located offshore. In fact, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission has licensed some of the industry’s leading online poker destinations, including Bodog and Bovada.

Additional options include pari-mutuel wagering, bingo and lottery, all of which can be accessed either through provincial based gambling sites or licensed offshore gambling destinations.

Do These Offshore Sites Allow Me To Play In Local Canadian CAD Currency?

Yes, because we only recommend the biggest and most reputable sites, they have the ability to offer real money gambling in local currencies such as offering CAD dollars to Canuck players.

How Do Gambling Bonuses Work?

Every online betting site offers some type of welcome bonus or reward to new players. They do this because online gambling is a very competitive market, and they need to offer enticing bonuses to attract new players and sustain growth. The most basic bonus is called a deposit or match bonus which means the casino or site will match your first deposit up to a certain amount. A good example is if a casino was offering a 100% matching bonus, and you deposit $500, you would have $1,000 to play with as they basically matched your first deposit in full. Of course there are terms and conditions that players need to be aware of, so make sure you read and understand the terms of any promotion you take advantage of.

Are These Offshore Betting Sites Really Legitimate?

Well not every online gambling site you see on the web is legitimate, that’s for sure. But we can guarantee that the sites listed on legalgamblingcanada.com are all very reputable sites. One of the sites “Bet365” is actually a multi billion dollar company. They did 1.5 billion in revenue in just 2015 alone. That’s an interesting tidbit to know as a gambler. They didn’t get that big by being shoddy or by jerking players around. Instead they actually pay their winners when they request a cashout. They run their gambling business like a well oiled machine and come correct in every way. And the other sites we recommend are all just as reputable with an excellent history with paying players, offering fair casino games, superb customer support and more. These are all characteristics that we look at before even being considered to be listed here. It’s why you only see only a few sites listed for each category. Because we are very keen on delivering only the 5 star Canadian friendly gambling sites that we know will take very good care of anyone we send their way. From one gambler to another, trust me you want to play with the top rated sites that have a good history. It will save you headaches and dollars down the road.

Who Regulates Gambling In CA?

This gaming commission is located in Canada, but does not regulate any of the provincially licensed gambling sites that are operating in the country. They actually regulate both land based and online gambling for businesses located within the Kahnawake Territory. This region is considered to be a sovereign nation and oversee several of the most respected Canadian friendly gambling sites on the Internet. Learn more about them on our page dedicated to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Which Provinces/States Offer Legal Gambling Options To Canadian Residents?

Here is an overview of the larger provinces and what types of gambling options are available at each one. Keep in mind that while provincial online gambling may be restricted to residents of that particular province, Canadian friendly offshore online gambling sites are open to all CA players.

Alberta – Alberta is Canada’s most populous province and offers quite a few land based casinos. Alberta does not yet have any provincially licensed online gambling options, but is expected to move in that direction sometime this year. Residents do have access to international online gambling sites that are legally licensed and regulated outside of CA.

British Columbia – British Columbia originally offered online lottery tickets and sports betting options back in 2004. They later added poker, bingo and online casino games. Licensed offshore gambling sites are also an option. Gambling is regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corp (BCLC).

Manitoba – This province offers online casino games, poker and sports betting through a provincial partnership with British Columbia.

Brunswick – Residents in this province have access to online bingo, interactive games, and lotteries through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). Online poker and casino games are expected to be integrated into their offerings in the near future.

Newfoundland – The online gambling options in this province are the result of a partnership with ALC, and include bingo, lotteries, interactive gaming and sports betting. As of 2010, the province rejected any expansion to their online gambling offerings. Residents of Newfoundland that seek online casino games or poker will need to visit a legally licensed offshore gambling site.

Northwest Territory – The Western Canada Lottery Corporation permits legal online and land based gambling in this province. As of this writing, there are no provincially run gambling sites operating in the Northwest Territory. This being said, legal offshore gambling sites will gladly accept citizens residing in this province.

Nova Scotia – The ALC provides online gambling options for Nova Scotia, including lotteries, interactive games, bingo and sports betting. The region declined to include any type of online casino games, deciding against forming their own provincially regulated gaming industry. Casino enthusiasts in Nova Scotia can visit our recommended offshore online gambling sites for expanding gaming options.

Internet Gambling Laws Canada Breaks

Nunavut Territory – Despite the fact that the Western Canada Lottery Corp allows legal online gambling in this region, there are no provincially run gambling sites operating here. Residents in this territory must rely on legally sanctioned offshore gambling sites to enjoy online betting options.

Online Gambling Law

Ontario – Ontario is considered to be one of the more progressive provinces in CA when it comes to online gambling, however their online gambling initiative has not yet launched. Until then, Ontario residents can enjoy legitimate online gambling options at one of our recommended Canadian friendly gambling sites.

Prince Edward Island – Another ALC partner, this province offers its residents online bingo, lotteries, interactive gaming, sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering. Online casino and poker gambling is pending the ALC receiving permission for expanding their offerings.

Quebec – The Quebec province is one of the few offering their residents online casino gambling opportunities through a provincially governed gambling site. For poker and sports betting options, Quebec residents can check out our preferred offshore betting sites for an expanded range of options.

Saskatchewan – This conservative province has banned land based casino gambling in their region, and has indicated that they will not be allowing online gambling within the province. The good news is that residents of the Saskatchewan province are welcome at a number of legally sanctioned offshore betting sites.