Online gambling is a big industry in Canada. According to market projections, this industry should amass a revenue of $4.19 billion US by the end of 2024.
Here’s what gamblers need to know to play on the right side of the law while participating in online gambling.
Online gambling and the Canadian Criminal Code
According to Canadian laws, online gambling must be regulated provincially. This means rules and regulations may vary across the country. Each province is responsible for regulations regarding the advertisement of promotions like free spins no deposit casinos in Canada. In Ontario, rules include limitations on the offer of bonuses and other types of credits for gambling.
According to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, companies cannot target vulnerable or underaged individuals with marketing campaigns. More importantly, all marketing campaigns regarding bonuses must clearly state how they work and the actual chances of winning for players.
Rules also apply for promotional content sent through social media, text messages, phone calls and emails.
Here’s how it works in each province:
• Alberta: Allows offshore gambling on licensed sites and provincially regulated platforms
• British Columbia: B.C.-regulated casinos are allowed, although offshore websites aren’t specifically forbidden.
• Manitoba: Only provincially licensed sites are legal, but offshore platforms aren’t prohibited.
• New Brunswick: Regulated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, although offshore sites are allowed.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Only platforms licensed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation are allowed; offshore gambling is prohibited.
• Nova Scotia: Online gambling sites licensed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation have been allowed since 2022.
• Ontario: Online gambling has been fully legalized since 2022, including offshore sites.
• Prince Edward Island: Regulated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, but licensed offshore sites are also allowed.
• Quebec: Regulated by Loto-Quebec, but licensed offshore sites are also allowed.
• Saskatchewan: Not officially legalized, but not prohibited either.
How online gambling laws work
Those who want to enjoy online gambling on smartphones and tablets in Canada should know the local rules and regulations. Different types of laws regulate and control gambling across the country. Federal regulations allow gambling nationwide, but each province and territory regulates its own market. Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia promote their own online gambling platforms, whereas Manitoba and Alberta allow private operators to provide that service.
To date, only Newfoundland and Labrador have banned offshore gambling. Select provinces “allow” offshore operators simply by not prohibiting them. The legal landscape for online gambling across the country is quite dynamic, with frequent changes, updates and new rules.
The country’s most reputable jurisdictions are the KGC (Kahnawake Gaming Commission), the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario), iGaming Ontario, AGLC (Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission) and the BC Lottery Commission.
Terms and conditions
No matter how reliable a platform seems to be, it’s crucial to read the terms and conditions of every offer on online gambling websites. This may include deposit limits, limits on betting size, spins per day and deadlines. Moreover, it’s important to pay attention to the wagering requirement, which also may vary across websites. The wagering requirement defines how many times a player needs to risk their bonus before converting it into cash.
Popularity
Recent studies show that more than 70% of the adult population in Canada have tried their luck through gambling. The rapid expansion of 5G internet across the country is likely to increase those numbers even further.
Bonuses
Canadian gamblers can access a wide array of bonuses for new or existing players. Here are the most popular options and how they work:
• Welcome offers — Arguably one of the most advertised offers, the welcome bonus aims to attract new players. Common bonuses include credits proportionally to the player’s deposit (deposit match) and free spins. In some cases, the welcome offer is divided across the first few deposits.
• No deposit bonuses — Like welcome offers, no deposit bonuses are reserved for new players. As the name suggests, it doesn’t require a deposit. Instead, players will receive a small amount of credits to spend on a platform. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out a new site without risking a dime.
• Free spins — Free spins are often included in the welcome offer for new players, but they can also come as a standalone offer. Typically, online casinos offer free spins for specific games. This allows gamblers to enjoy risk-free fun while they last.
• Reload bonuses — A reload bonus is like a deposit match for existing players. However, this is a considerably smaller bonus than seen in welcome offers. Still, they can make playing time go a little further.
The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and it’s crucial to acknowledge this when utilizing online gambling platforms.
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.