Canadian Online Casino Laws by Province
Online casino gambling is one of the most thriving ventures in Canada, with the country having more than 100 licensed casino sites. The nation is popular for its lenient online gambling laws, which don’t restrict gambling so long as the operator is licensed. But is this the case in all the ten provinces? This read will cover online casino laws in Canada while focusing on different provinces to answer the question. Keep reading to know which provinces allow gambling in Canada and which ones don’t.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of the smallest provinces in Canada, popular for its high tides, apples, and blueberries. The name Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland, and it has been the province’s identity since 1867. In terms of online casinos, Nova Scotia has relaxed online gambling laws overseen by the Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority.
However, the province does not have any locally regulated online casinos. Instead, residents can play at offshore casinos. For any Canadian players looking to play for free, the best Canadian no deposit casinos offer free chips and free spins. These can be used to test out new sites with the chance to win small cash prizes. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions before playing with any bonus you claim.
Quebec
Quebec is one of the few provinces in Canada allowing online gambling activities for quite some time. The French-speaking province legalized online gambling in 1970, which paved the way for the current online casino sites operating in the region. Quebec’s online gambling industry is regulated by Loto-Québec, a body under the national government.
The region has a government-owned casino called Espacejeux, which offers players some of the best games. Recently, the provincial government of Quebec stated their plan to ban all online casinos not regulated locally. This step will significantly decrease the online casino sites operating in the region, leaving players with only a few options. Either way, it is one of the major ways for the government to increase online casino revenue.
Ontario
It is apparent that online gambling is one of the main pastime activities in Ontario with 82.9% of the population participating in gambling at least once, with several people winning millions on the lottery. The province allows online casino gaming, and until recently, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was the only body offering igaming in any form for residents. However, as of April 4th, 2022 new licenses have been issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). iGaming Ontario (iGO) the subsidiary of AGCO will oversee the market which has welcomed a number of operators into the fold – including but not limited to 888, PointsBet, Rivalry, theScore, Rush Street Interactive, Bet365, and FanDuel.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada’s most sparsely populated provinces, with less than 1 million people. The province allows different forms of gambling, including online casino gaming regulated by the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation or NBLGC. For years, the Government of New Brunswick has been planning to create and launch its own online casino to no avail. This has left Canadian citizens in the region with no option but to opt for offshore casino sites.
Alberta
Alberta is one of the most populated provinces in Canada with gambling laws that permit the operations of online casinos. Online gambling is booming in the region, and it contributes 4% of the province’s budget. Players from Alberta are free to play at any online casino, including sites owned by other provinces. However, two conditions must be met for this to be possible.
First, you must be 19 years old and above, and second, the casino site you choose should accept players from Alberta. Apart from the standard online casino games, Alberta also offers its citizens access to daily draw lotteries, which you can access and play anytime you wish. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission regulates lotteries in the region.
British Columbia
British Columbia is an advanced province in Canada that got its name from Columbia Rediviva, an American ship. The region is gambling-friendly, with The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch being the regulatory body in charge of online and land-based casinos. Note that a significant percentage of British Columbia citizens aged 19 years and above participate in online casino gaming. In fact, it is one of the regions that greatly contributes to Canada’s online gambling market size and iGaming revenue.
The province has PlayNow, a local online gambling site owned by British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Consider the site if you want to participate in some local and international lotteries. In addition to PlayNow, British Columbia is open to offshore casino sites. Therefore, you’re not limited to just a few casinos.
Manitoba
Since the creation of the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba in 2014, Manitoba has been offering regulated online gambling services to many players. The regulatory body was created after merging two key sectors, the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission and the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission.
Like multiple provinces in Canada, Manitoba does not have a locally-owned online casino. But then, there are multiple dependable offshore casino sites operating in the region. You can choose the online casino you want for your gaming needs so long as it meets your needs. One important aspect to look for when choosing an online gambling site is the availability of suitable promotions.
Newfoundland and Labrador
It is impossible to overlook Newfoundland and Labrador when highlighting gambling laws in Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador are provinces situated in the far east with favorable gambling laws. The region lacks land-based casinos, so every player depends on online gambling sites for their gaming activities. You should also note that Newfoundland and Labrador lack online casino sites licensed by Atlantic Lottery Corporation, the regulatory organization in the region.
This explains why the province is crawling with multiple offshore online casino sites. Another key aspect to keep in mind is that Newfoundland and Labrador have some of the best lotteries. The lotteries in the province feature compelling prize pools of up to CA$ 50 million. Therefore, apart from online slots, table games, and live dealer games, you can try your luck playing the lotteries.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward is one of the unique provinces in Canada, comprising 231 small islands and a single large island. Since 1973, the country has been open to online gambling, with every gambling activity being regulated by the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission. With the only legal land-based casino being Racino, most players find it easier to gamble online than crowding at the establishment.
But remember, Prince Edward Island does not have a local online gambling site. The only casino sites operating in the region are offshore gambling platforms. These online casinos hold licenses from different jurisdictions, so you must confirm whether a casino license allows players from Prince Edwards before signing up for a gambling account. Remember, to take part in online gambling, you must be 19 years and over.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is among the Canadian provinces bordering the United States. It is also one of the most active gambling regions, with researchers confirming that citizens in Saskatchewan spend more money gambling than any other province. Despite having an active gambling population, Saskatchewan does not allow any local casino sites to operate in the region
Therefore, players have switched to worthy international casino sites. Fortunately, the province has multiple international online casinos with immersive slots and the best table games. You can also play live blackjack and live roulette at different offshore casino sites. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority regulates other forms of gambling in the region.
From the information above, it is apparent that Canada has favorable gambling laws. This implies that you can play online casino games at local or international online casinos without worrying about legal repercussions. It is also evident that the National Government has tasked provincial governments to control gambling in their respective provinces. This is similarly the case with other Canadian territories such as Nunavut and Yukon.