The unique evolution of gambling laws and shifting societal perceptions towards gambling over the years have left players wondering if they are operating on the right side of the law whenever they gamble online.
Around the world, different countries adopt different approaches to regulating the legal frameworks of online gambling or iGaming, including Canada.
The evolution of gambling regulations in Canada
Up until 1969, all forms of gambling were prohibited in Canada. However, over the years, the attitude of Canadians has changed towards gambling, and the government took the first step in legalizing lotteries and permitting gaming environments for gamblers.
In 1970, all provinces in Canada were given the right to regulate and manage gambling activities within their jurisdictions. The 1990s ushered in an era of gambling when the first online casinos were introduced. Since then, Canada’s gambling industry has continued to evolve.
Today, there are numerous online casinos in Canada that are accessible to nearly all players. Some of these casinos do not require deposits to play as a new user; this selection of no deposit casinos offer a chance to play games without depositing real money.
What is the legal stance on iGaming in Canada?
Canada doesn’t have general federal laws that govern online gambling. Instead, the government allows provinces and territories to regulate online gambling activities as they see fit.
The Criminal Code of Canada, section 207, explicitly states that providing gambling services is illegal in the country unless a province governs it. To this end, each province has its own local authorities and regulators that make and manage iGaming laws, including who is allowed to operate and how people should register.
Gambling regulators in Canada by province
The gambling regulations of each province jurisdiction in Canada differ in many ways:
Alberta
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission only allows religious and charitable organizations to provide gambling services. Alberta currently has one regulated online gambling website.
British Columbia
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Finance regulates all gambling services of different companies in British Columbia. The gambling regulations in B.C. were provided by the Gaming Control Act of 2002. Just like Alberta, B.C. also has only one regulated gambling website.
Manitoba
The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation registers companies to provide gambling services and ensures the integrity of gaming and lottery in the province.
New Brunswick
Working based on the Gaming Control Act of 2008, the Gaming Control Branch of the Department of Public Safety allows companies in New Brunswick to develop, conduct, undertake and organize lottery schemes on behalf of the provincial government.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gambling activities in Newfoundland and Labrador are regulated by the Consumer Affairs Division of the Consumer and Commercial Affairs Branch of Service NL. However, the province doesn’t have land-based casinos because only card games, bingo, non-profitable games of chance and lotteries are permitted.
Nova Scotia
The Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel, and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia controls and manages the registration of gambling service providers in the province. Operating based on the Gaming Control Act of 1994-1995, it also settles disputes and complaints that arise within the gambling industry.
Ontario
Ontario is one of the least restricted provinces in Canada when it comes to online gambling. The province has many land-based casinos, and recently, the iGaming market was introduced. The main regulatory body in the province is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which operates based on two acts: the Gaming Control Act of 1992 and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Act of 1999.
The Prince Edward Island
Operating based on the Lotteries Commission Act, the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission controls all casino and online gambling service providers in this province.
Quebec
The Quebec Lottery Corporation and Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux are the main institutions regulating gambling activities in Quebec. The first focuses on gambling halls, lotteries and bingo games, while the second deals with gambling, public lotteries, horse racing and alcohol. In addition, the Act respecting Lotteries, Amusement Machines, and Publicity Contests is the provincial regulatory framework governing both land-based and online casinos.
Saskatchewan
The regulatory framework for Saskatchewan consists of various regulations. The most significant one is the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act of 1997, and gambling activities in this province are regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories
These three provinces still have underdeveloped gambling industries, with zero registered gambling websites and only one casino. However, citizens can use foreign gambling websites.
The impact on local industries and economic development
While online gambling is regulated on a provincial basis, the gaming industry can indirectly influence local economic development, including regions like Squamish, in adjacent sectors such as tourism, hospitality and retail. Gambling-related tourism can bring more visitors to the area, who spend not only on gaming but also on local hotels, restaurants and adventure tourism opportunities.
In addition to tourism, online gambling can also be a driver of job creation. As more online platforms are launched and maintained, the need for IT professionals, customer service and compliance officers grows as well. If British Columbia continues to expand its gambling offerings, communities like Squamish could see a rise in employment opportunities in tech and support roles related to iGaming. This diversification can impact the local economy, especially for a community like Squamish that already thrives on its vibrant outdoor activity scene and growing population.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and it’s crucial to acknowledge this when utilizing online gambling platforms.
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