Gambling in Canada — and the legalities surrounding it — is extremely complex due to a mix of federal and provincial laws and limitations.
Many Canadian gamblers wonder why BetMGM Casino is only available in Ontario. They also wonder which aspects of online gambling are legal in Canada and if playing online casino games at offshore casinos is against the law and a frowned upon practice (never mind whether or not it’s safe).
Read on for an in-depth explanation of how Canadian gambling laws govern both online and brick-and-mortar casinos’ operations, as well as answers to your most frequently asked questions about this topic.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?
In short, yes, it is — but regulations vary between provinces.
In Canada, gambling laws are governed primarily on a provincial level. While brick-and-mortar casinos are legal and regulated in all provinces (with slightly different regulations), online gambling regulations vary dramatically.
Ultimately, the Criminal Code of Canada technically prohibits most forms of gambling unless regulated by a provincial government. This means operating an online casino within Canada without provincial authorization is illegal.
That said, there aren’t any federal laws explicitly prohibiting Canadians from accessing and playing at offshore online casinos based in other jurisdictions. This is a legal grey area, and many Canadians gamble online this way — but there are security risks associated with this practice, as well as a lack of consumer protection and questionable game integrity.
Ontario is unique in that it launched a fully open and regulated iGaming market in 2022, allowing private operators to offer online casino games (including online slots and casino table games) and sports betting under the oversight of iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This provides a legal and safe online gambling environment for gamblers living in Ontario, unlike other provinces where legal online options are extremely limited or non-existent.
The good news is that other provinces are at various stages of exploring or implementing their own regulated online casino markets. Some already offer online sports betting thanks to the legalization of single-game wagering in August 2021 (including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec).
Is Gambling in Canada Legal at Brick-and-Mortar Casinos?
Gambling is legal at brick-and-mortar casinos in Canada. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the laws around brick-and-mortar casinos are primarily governed at the provincial level. This means each province and territory has its own regulatory framework for gambling, as well as a regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing casinos. These bodies set the rules for casino operations, including game offerings, security measures, responsible gambling practices, and financial reporting.
Ownership models also vary between provinces. Some provinces have government-owned and operated casinos, while others allow for private ownership under strict licensing conditions. Provinces also have various programs and measures in place to promote responsible gambling and address potential issues related to gambling addiction.
Unsurprisingly, considering how advanced the province is within the realm of casino online betting, Ontario has the largest casino market in Canada, with numerous casinos operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). British Columbia has a mix of government-owned and privately owned casinos regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), and Alberta also has several casinos, including those operated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) and First Nations casinos (First Nations casinos often operate under their own agreements with provincial governments).
As for other provinces and territories, they each have varying numbers and types of casinos, each with its own specific regulations.
What Is the Legal Gambling Age in Ontario, Canada?
The legal gambling age is 19 in Ontario — except for the lottery and bingo, which gamblers can legally play from the age of 18. The legal gambling age is generally 19 in most Canadian provinces, except for Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, where it’s 18.
Why Choose an Ontario-Based Online Casino?
As highlighted, many Canadians choose to play online casino real-money games through offshore platforms, but there are countless risks associated with this practice. This is why it’s a much better idea to choose a private platform operating under the oversight of iGaming Ontario if you live in Canada’s most gambling-friendly province. Here’s a brief overview of the benefits:
- Consumer protection: Regulated operators promise safer and more secure gambling, with measures in place to protect you from fraud and unfair practices.
- Responsible gambling: Strict regulations promote responsible gambling practices and help reduce the chances of gambling addiction. Platforms like BetMGM Canada also have useful responsible gambling tools on hand, such as time-out, self-exclusion, and deposit-limit features.
- Variety of options: You have access to a wide range of licensed operators and games.
- Revenue generation: Online gambling contributes to the provincial economy.
Enjoy Safe Online Betting at BetMGM Casino Canada
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