- Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario California
- Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Ontario
- Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario 2020
- Online Gambling Law In Ontario
- Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario Today
Gambling is a leisure activity that may occur over a continuum, ranging from casual social gambling, with no harm caused, to pathological gambling, with serious harmful consequences for the individual gambling and their loved ones. Gambling becomes a problem when it is done excessively and negatively affects a person's daily activities, school or work performance, mental health, physical health, interpersonal relationships, and finances.1 People who experience problems with gambling are found in all age groups, across all income groups and social strata, across all genders and race. For some, the challenges with gambling may occur suddenly whereas for others, over many years of use.
Serious social gambling: play is taking place regularly and is an important leisure activity in players' lives, however it does not come before work, loved ones, and social relationships.
Harmful involvement: these are players that are experiencing difficulties in their personal, work and social relationships as a result of their participation in gambling activities. Harmful involvement with gambling indicates problem gambling behaviours. These are players that often bet with money they cannot afford to lose, overspend on their credit cards, and borrow money in order to gamble.
Pathological gambling: where players are experiencing difficulties in controlling the urge to gamble despite the harms it causes. Individuals who engage in pathological gambling are also at increased risk of suicide.2 Examples of pathological gambling include:
This is the only official, legal Ontario online Casino. It is licensed, owned, and operated by the province. There is one drawback though, when OLG is compared with international brands that allow players from Canada, there will likely be a noticeable difference between the products and the offers available. The Ontario government is getting into the online gambling business. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) will have an online gaming program set up by early 2012, Finance Minister. As written above, gambling is overall allowed in Canada, but when it comes to online gambling the laws and the restrictions vary based on the province, you're from. There is a total of 10 provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Colombia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and Alberta. In a nutshell, yes, online gambling in Ontario is perfectly legal. There are some incredible Ontario gambling sites available here right now and many more coming in the future. Some are known for their sports betting options, while others focus on providing a range of popular casino games.
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for longer periods of time in order to get the same feeling of excitement
- Gambling to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness
- Refusing to discuss gambling with others or lying to cover it up
- Gambling instead of attending family or other social functions
- Consistently or always planning holidays when gambling is available
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a gambling disorder is classified as a substance related and addictive disorder, reflecting evidence that shows gambling behaviours activate reward systems in our brains similar to those activated by drugs. This means that the effects someone would get from gambling are similar to the effects they would get from drinking alcohol.3. Texas holdem online pogo.
There are different forms of gambling, most of which can be engaged with both online and in-person. These include casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and card games, among others. Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems affect a person's whole life. Almost everyone who develops a gambling problem believes it is 'just a matter of time' until they hit the jackpot. In these cases, people may gamble to the point where it negatively affects their relationships, finances, and health.4 Despite experiencing negative consequences, they may deny that they have a problem, continue to chase money losses, and neglect work, loved ones, and their self-care.5 Gambling has been recognized as an important public health concern that has a significant impact on population health.[6]
Risk factors
Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario California
Below are some general signs of a potential gambling problem. Everyone's experience is different and observing one or two of these does not mean they are struggling with gambling. Experiencing multiple symptoms simultaneously may suggest there are larger concerns and speaking with a mental health professional can help you better understand how to proceed.
- Neglecting family and work responsibilities
- Lying
- Being secretive about one's finances
- Symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
- Appearing irritable, restless or unable to concentrate
- Argumentative
- Appearing disinterested in other social activities
- Increasing substance use
- Disappearing for long periods at a time
- Borrowing money, selling things, engaging in (or considering) criminal activities in order to get money for gambling
- Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss when not gambling
Strategies to engage with gambling responsibly:7
- Don't think of gambling as a means to make money.
- All gambling establishments, online and land-based, are designed to take in more money than they pay out, with majority of people losing to create big wins for the minority. Most people who struggle with pathological gambling believe that they will be the big winners, which feeds the problem.
- If you choose to gamble for leisure, use money that has already been set aside for leisure activities and you can afford to lose.
- If you lose money while gambling, don't chase it by going over your limit. This usually leads to bigger losses.
- Set a money limit in advance and once you have lost that amount, stop playing.
- Set a time limit in advance and stop once you have reached that limit.
- Don't gamble when emotions and feelings are already heightened. It is especially difficult to make healthy decisions about gambling when you are feeling anxious, depressed, angry or upset.
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
- Engage in other activities that you find enjoyment, so that gambling does not become too big a part of your life.
- Do not gamble and consume substances at the same time.
- Gambling while under the influence is common, however generally leads to decisions that you might regret later.
If you know someone struggling with gambling:
If you are concerned about a loved one's gambling, it is natural to want to help. However, the person may refuse to talk about it or deny that there is anything to be concerned about. It is important to remember that you cannot stop the gambling, however you can start the conversation, share your perspective, and take steps to protect yourself.[8] If and when the individual choose to seek support for their gambling behaviours, remember that the journey can be very difficult and they will experience several highs and lows. According to a study based in Australia, most people would prefer to live only five and a half years being free of gambling problems, rather than ten years with them. This makes the impact on quality of life by severity of gambling problems in line with the severity of alcohol use disorder, positioning gambling-related harm alongside that of alcohol-related harm.[9]
Some people may return to gambling after having decided to stop (referred to as relapsing). This can happen for a variety of reasons and does not mean they will not achieve their goals. It may be more difficult at times, but not impossible. It is best to encourage them to work with a therapist who can help individuals learn how to cope with symptoms to continue to work toward their goals.
As the loved ones of someone struggling with gambling, it is important to protect yourself financially and care for yourself emotionally. Financially, it is advisable to speak with a professional as problems related to gambling can be complicated, so depending on your unique situation, you may benefit from consulting with a lawyer or debt management consultant to understand your legal rights and financial obligations.
Emotionally, you may be feeling overwhelmed, betrayed, drained, depressed and frightened for the future. Thoughts and feelings of this nature are common when first addressing the complex issues that arise as a result of gambling. Do not blame yourself for the problems that have been created or for not seeing the signs earlier. Take the time you need to sort through your feelings and remember that change is made in small steps through self-care. Some options for self-care include defining boundaries, visiting the doctor to take care of your physical health, joining a support group, visiting a therapist.
Resources:
COSTI Problem Gambling Services: http://www.costi.org/programs/gambling.php
Responsible Gambling Council: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
References
1 Safer Play. Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play
2 What is Gambling Disorder? (2018). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder
3 What is Gambling Disorder? (2018). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder
4 Safer Play. Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play
5 When is Gambling a Problem? Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play/when-is-gambling-a-problem-
6 Browne, M., Rawat, V., Greer, N., Langham, E., Rockloff, M. & Hanley, C. (2017). What is the harm? Applying a public health methodology to measure the impact of gambling problems and harm on quality of life. Journal of Gambling Issues, 36(2). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2017.36.2
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Ontario
7 Safer Play. Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play
8 For Someone You Know Who Gambles. Responsible Gambling Council. https://www.responsiblegambling.org/get-help/for-someone-else-who-gambles
9 Browne, M., Rawat, V., Greer, N., Langham, E., Rockloff, M. & Hanley, C. (2017). What is the harm? Applying a public health methodology to measure the impact of gambling problems and harm on quality of life. Journal of Gambling Issues, 36(2). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2017.36.2
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.
High 5 casino free coins. 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.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario 2020
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.
Summary of Canada's Online Gambling Laws
- 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.
Alberta
- 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.
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.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario 2020
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.
Summary of Canada's Online Gambling Laws
- 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.
Alberta
- 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.
Online Gambling Law In Ontario
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.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Ontario Today
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.
