Is gambling illegal in Canada? For those wondering, gambling legality varies depending on the type of game and the province in which it takes place.
The Criminal Code of Canada broadly outlines gambling as legal, but each province has its own authority to manage specific forms like casinos, lotteries, and online gaming. This creates a landscape where residents across Canada have differing access to and rules for gambling activities based on local laws.
Understanding these laws is essential for anyone looking to participate in gambling within Canada, whether in a local casino, through a provincial lottery, or via online platforms.
Here, I’ll go through the ins and outs of Canada’s gambling laws, looking at federal guidelines and examining the distinct rules in each province to provide a clear picture of what’s permitted, where to find help, and information.
Provincial Gambling Regulations in Canada
Alberta
In Alberta, gambling is closely regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) authority. The province offers multiple land-based casinos, mainly located in larger cities like Calgary and Edmonton. These casinos are often tied to charitable organizations, with a portion of their revenue supporting community programs. Alberta is also home to a few First Nations casinos, operated in partnership with the AGLC.
Online gambling in Alberta is available through PlayAlberta, the province’s only government-regulated online platform. Here, residents can access casino games, sports betting, and lottery products. However, many Albertans also choose to play on offshore sites, as no laws prevent residents from using internationally licensed platforms.
For sports betting, Alberta provides parlay betting through Sport Select, allowing bets on multiple outcomes in a single ticket. Alberta also offers lotteries via the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, with daily and weekly draws. Additionally, horse racing remains popular, with racetracks like Century Downs and Century Mile hosting races and betting events throughout the year.
British Columbia
British Columbia offers a variety of gambling options regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The province features several land-based casinos, particularly in Vancouver and surrounding areas, which attract both locals and international visitors. These casinos provide a mix of slot machines, table games, and live entertainment.
Online gambling in British Columbia is managed exclusively through PlayNow, a government-run platform offering casino games, sports betting, and lottery products. Although PlayNow is the only locally licensed site, residents also access offshore sites, as there are no laws against doing so.
For sports betting, BCLC’s PlayNow allows parlay bets, with single-event betting newly legalized and offered alongside other sports betting markets. The province also operates lotteries, offering draw games and instant-win options across thousands of retail locations. Horse racing is available at Fraser Downs in Surrey, and several off-track betting facilities provide simulcast races, allowing British Columbia residents to place bets on events held across Canada and internationally.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, gambling is regulated by the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. The province offers several land-based casinos, primarily concentrated in Winnipeg, where large venues like Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino are popular attractions. Additionally, several First Nations casinos operate in the province, generating revenue for local communities.
Online gambling is available through PlayNow, a government-run site that offers casino games, lotteries, and limited sports betting options. Similar to British Columbia, Manitoba’s residents also have access to offshore gambling sites, as the province doesn’t restrict players from using internationally licensed platforms.
For sports betting, residents can engage in parlay-style betting via Sport Select, although single-event betting is also available through offshore sites. Lotteries are provided by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, with both draw games and scratch tickets widely accessible. Horse racing enthusiasts in Manitoba can visit Assiniboia Downs near Winnipeg, the province’s main racetrack, which offers live races and off-track betting options during the racing season.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, gambling activities are regulated by the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation and supported by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). The province has one major land-based casino, Casino New Brunswick in Moncton, which offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and live entertainment.
Currently, New Brunswick does not operate a government-run online gambling platform, but residents are free to access internationally licensed online casinos and sportsbooks. This open access allows players to enjoy a wider selection of games and betting options than those locally regulated.
Sports betting is available through the ALC’s Pro-Line, where residents can place parlay-style bets on multiple events. Single-event sports betting isn’t offered provincially, so many players turn to offshore sites for this option. Lotteries, managed by the ALC, include draw games, instant tickets, and video lottery terminals (VLTs) in licensed venues. Although horse racing isn’t as prominent in New Brunswick, Fredericton Raceway and Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John occasionally host live races and simulcast betting, adding to the province’s diverse gambling options.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, regulated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Lottery Corporation and supported by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), has limited gambling options compared to other provinces. Land-based casinos are entirely absent in the province; no formal casino venues are permitted, which restricts residents to other forms of gambling.
The province also does not offer a government-run online gambling platform. However, residents are free to access internationally licensed online casinos and sportsbooks, giving them a range of gambling choices outside local regulations.
Sports betting in Newfoundland and Labrador is also available exclusively through the ALC’s Pro-Line service, which allows parlay bets on multiple sporting events but restricts single-event betting. Lottery games are popular, and residents can access a variety of draw games and instant-win tickets through ALC retailers. Horse racing options are also minimal, with only a few occasional races and simulcast betting options available at select venues in the province, limiting local interest in this form of gambling.
Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, gambling is limited due to the region’s sparse population and remote location. Regulated by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), the territory does not have any land-based casinos, as current laws do not support casino operations. This absence of casinos means that residents have limited access to in-person gaming experiences and often turn to other forms of gambling.
Online gambling is not regulated locally, but residents may access internationally licensed online casinos and sportsbooks without restriction. This option provides a way for those in the Northwest Territories to enjoy a range of casino games and sports betting opportunities otherwise unavailable locally.
For sports betting, the Northwest Territories offers Sports Select through the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), but only parlay-style bets are permitted, with no single-event betting options available. Lottery games, managed by the WCLC, include draw tickets and instant win options available at licensed retail locations. Horse racing is not offered in the Northwest Territories, and there are no racetracks or live betting events, making it one of the few provinces with minimal gambling options.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, gambling is regulated by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC), offering a variety of options for residents and visitors. The province hosts two government-operated casinos: Casino Nova Scotia Halifax and Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, both of which feature a range of slot machines, table games, and live entertainment, making them popular gaming destinations.
Online gambling does not have a dedicated government platform in Nova Scotia. However, residents are free to access internationally licensed online casinos and sportsbooks, as there are no legal restrictions against it. This provides Nova Scotians with additional options beyond local offerings.
For sports betting, Nova Scotia also has the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), operating the Pro-Line system, which allows parlay bets on multiple sports events. Single-event sports betting is not offered provincially, so many turn to offshore sites for these options. Lotteries are widespread and include various draw games, scratch tickets, and video lottery terminals (VLTs) at licensed venues. Nova Scotia is also home to several racetracks, including Truro Raceway and Northside Downs, where horse racing fans can enjoy live races and off-track betting options.
Ontario
Ontario leads Canada in gambling variety and regulation, overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario. The province hosts over 25 land-based casinos, including major venues in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Windsor, offering a full range of slot machines, table games, and entertainment.
Ontario is the only province in Canada with a fully regulated online gambling market. Since 2022, iGaming Ontario has issued licenses to more than 70 online casinos and sportsbooks, allowing residents to legally access online casino games, poker, and single-event sports betting. This regulated system provides a safe and accessible online gambling environment.
For sports betting, Ontario allows single-event and parlay betting both online and in retail locations, making it the most comprehensive option in Canada. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) also operates numerous lottery games, including daily draws and scratch tickets. Horse racing is a long-standing tradition in Ontario, with popular racetracks like Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and Mohawk Racetrack offering live races, off-track betting, and simulcast events for enthusiasts across the province.
Prince Edward Island
In Prince Edward Island (PEI), gambling is regulated by the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission and supported by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). The province offers one casino, Red Shores Racetrack & Casino in Charlottetown, which combines casino gaming with horse racing, making it a unique venue. Red Shores offers slot machines, table games, and a lively racing atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors to the site.
PEI does not have a government-run online gambling platform, but residents can legally access international online casinos and sportsbooks. This allows for a broader selection of gaming and sports betting options beyond what is locally available.
For sports betting, the ALC provides Pro-Line, allowing parlay bets on multiple sports events. Single-event betting is not available through local channels, so players often turn to offshore sites. Lotteries, managed by the ALC, are widely accessible, with draw tickets, instant win games, and video lottery terminals (VLTs) available at licensed retailers. Horse racing remains popular, with Red Shores Racetrack offering live races and simulcast betting, making it a central part of the province’s gaming landscape.
Quebec
Quebec has one of Canada’s most robust gambling markets, regulated by Loto-Quebec and the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ). The province is home to nine land-based casinos, including notable destinations like Casino de Montréal and Casino du Lac-Leamy. These casinos offer a full range of gaming options, from slot machines to poker and table games, attracting both residents and international visitors.
Online gambling in Quebec is accessible through Espacejeux, the government-regulated online platform that provides casino games, poker, and sports betting. Quebec residents can also legally access offshore online gambling sites, although Espacejeux remains the primary local choice for regulated online gaming.
Sports betting is available through Mise-O-Jeu, Quebec’s sports betting service, which allows single-event and parlay betting options, a step ahead of some other provinces. Loto-Quebec also oversees lottery games, including daily and weekly draws, scratch tickets, and the popular Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49. Horse racing enthusiasts can visit Hippodrome 3R in Trois-Rivières, the province’s primary racetrack, which also offers simulcast betting for races across North America.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, gambling is regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). The province hosts eight land-based casinos, six of which are First Nations-operated and include popular locations like Dakota Dunes Casino near Saskatoon and Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford. These casinos offer a mix of slot machines, table games, and entertainment.
Saskatchewan currently does not have a government-run online gambling platform, but the recent partnership with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) aims to launch PlayNow in 2024, offering legal online casino games and sports betting. Until then, residents turn to offshore sites for online gambling options.
Sports betting within Saskatchewan is limited to multi-event parlay bets via Sport Select, with no local single-event betting option. Lottery games are provided by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), offering both draw tickets and instant-win games. Horse racing is available at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon, where live races are held seasonally, and off-track betting is also available across select venues.
Yukon Territory
In Yukon Territory, gambling is limited due to its small population and remote location. The territory does not have any permanent land-based casinos; however, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall in Dawson City operates seasonally from late spring to early fall. This unique venue offers slot machines, table games, and live entertainment, embracing a historic saloon-style experience that attracts tourists and locals alike.
There is no government-operated online gambling platform in Yukon, but residents can legally access internationally licensed online casinos and sportsbooks. This allows Yukoners to enjoy online casino games and sports betting options beyond local offerings.
For sports betting, Sport Select, managed by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), provides parlay betting but excludes single-event bets. Lotteries, including popular games like Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, are available through WCLC, and residents can purchase tickets at retail locations across the territory. Yukon does not have any horse racing facilities, making it one of the few provinces without local access to live racing or betting on horses.
Understanding Canada’s Gambling Laws
Canada’s gambling laws involve both federal guidelines and provincial regulations. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a general framework, but each province is responsible for overseeing and licensing gambling within its own jurisdiction. For instance, Ontario’s gambling is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, which manage online gambling licenses. British Columbia’s gambling is regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), while Alberta’s system is overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC).
Indigenous regulations, like those in Quebec by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) and Loto-Québec, or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, also play a significant role in ensuring compliance, security, and responsible gambling standards across Canada.
The Evolution of Gambling in Canada
Gambling in Canada has a rich history, evolving significantly from early informal betting to today’s regulated industry. Initially, most forms of gambling were illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada enacted in 1892. Over time, however, the government introduced reforms to allow specific types of gambling, primarily to support charitable causes. In 1969, lotteries were legalized, leading to the creation of provincial lottery corporations, and in the 1980s, Canada saw its first commercial casinos open in provinces like Manitoba and Quebec.
A major shift occurred in 1985 when provinces gained authority over gambling regulations, enabling them to operate casinos, lotteries, and later, online gambling. This decentralized approach allowed each province to tailor gambling laws to its needs, creating the varied landscape seen today. Most recently, Ontario launched a regulated online gambling market in 2022, marking Canada’s move toward a fully modernized gaming framework which includes online casinos and sportsbooks.
Conclusion
Gambling in Canada is a complex yet well-regulated industry, shaped by both federal guidelines and distinct provincial regulations. Each province manages its own gambling framework, allowing for differences in the availability of casinos, online platforms, sports betting, and lotteries.
Ontario, for instance, leads with a fully regulated online market, while other provinces permit access to offshore gambling sites. This decentralized approach provides flexibility and tailored options for players in Canada, yet maintains important standards for security and responsible gambling. As gambling continues to evolve, Canadian regulations adapt, ensuring both player protection and a dynamic gaming landscape across the country.
FAQ
1. How can I find if gambling is legal in my state?
To determine the legality of gambling in your province, consult the provincial regulatory body for gambling laws. Each province manages its own regulations, so refer to sites like the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) or British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) for specific guidelines.
2. Are lotteries considered legal gambling in Canada?
Yes, lotteries are a legal form of gambling in Canada. Managed by provincial lottery corporations, games like Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 are available nationwide. These lotteries are government-regulated to ensure fairness and compliance with responsible gaming standards.
3. What is the legal gambling age in Canada?
The legal gambling age in Canada varies by province, generally set at either 18 or 19. For example, Alberta allows gambling at 18, while Ontario and British Columbia require players to be 19 or older for casinos and lotteries.
4. What are the penalties for illegal gambling in Canada?
Penalties for illegal gambling in Canada include fines and possible imprisonment, depending on the offense’s severity. Operating an unlicensed gambling business or betting house is prohibited under the Criminal Code of Canada, with enforcement managed at both federal and provincial levels to protect consumers.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Responsible Gambling Council – https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
For help with a gambling problem, call the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on 1 800 463-2338.