Gambling is a significant part of Canada’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities for thousands of people across the country. The advent of internet gambling has created new challenges and opportunities for the industry, and navigating the complex landscape of gambling laws and regulations can be a daunting task.
This comprehensive guide provides an overview of Canada’s gambling laws and regulations, covering everything from the history of first attempts to regulate the market to the current state of related laws and regulatory bodies.
History of Gambling Regulation in Canada
Canada’s gambling industry has a long and complex background and history, with regulations being put in place as early as the late 1800s. Over time, key pieces of legislation, such as the Criminal Code and the Gaming Control Act were enacted to regulate this sphere.
Landmark legal cases, such as the 1976 Supreme Court decision, recognized the rights of provinces to regulate gambling and all the related aspects, and gradually, provinces took on a more active role in overseeing the industry. In the 1970s, lottery programs were established by provincial authorities to generate revenue, leading to the creation of the Canadian Association of Provincial Lotteries.
Current State of Casino Regulation
In Canada today, internet gambling is legal and regulated by both federal and provincial bodies. The regulatory landscape for gambling activities varies by province and territory, with different governments adopting different approaches to overseeing the industry. For those interested in exploring the world of regulated casino gaming, casinovalley.ca is a helpful resource offering reviews and comparisons of the best online casino sites, as well as guides to different types of games and strategies for playing.
Lotteries, casinos, and horse racing are legal across most provinces, and regulatory bodies such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario are responsible for overseeing casino operations and issuing licenses.
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority are examples of other provincial regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the gambling industry in their respective provinces.
At the federal level, the government plays a role in regulating certain aspects of the market. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) is the federal agency responsible for ensuring that financial operations related to gambling are not being used to fund illegal activities.
Statistics
- The Canadian gaming industry generated approximately $31 billion in total economic output in 2022.
- The industry employs over 181,000 people across the country.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry generated $13.7 billion in revenue in 2020, a significant decrease from the previous year.
- Online gaming revenue accounted for $3.2 billion of the total gaming revenue in Canada in 2022, representing a 29% increase from the previous year.
- The continued growth and popularity of online gaming is expected to drive the industry’s future evolution.
- The legalization of sports betting is expected to have an impact on the Canadian gambling industry, with potential increased competition and investment in the market.
Online Gambling Laws in Canada
As we’ve stated before, internet gambling is legal in the country, but the legal status varies by province. Sports betting and casino platforms are among the most popular forms of gambling on the internet, but there are also regulations governing other types of gambling, such as poker. Compared to other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, Canada has relatively permissive online gambling laws.
Online Casino Licensing in Canada
To obtain an online casino license in Canada, operators must meet a number of requirements, including measures to prevent fraud and protect players. While online casino licensing has the potential to increase revenue for both operators and governments, it also presents challenges for regulators, including the need to enforce regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Licensing Requirements by Province
| Province | Licensing Requirements |
| Ontario | Background checks on key personnel, financial stability, compliance with responsible gambling regulations |
| Quebec | Financial stability, compliance with responsible gambling regulations |
| British Columbia | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| Alberta | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| Saskatchewan | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| Manitoba | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| New Brunswick | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| Nova Scotia | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| Prince Edward Island | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Compliance with responsible gambling regulations, financial stability |
Regulation by Province
In addition to the federal regulations, the legal age and other gambling-related aspects in Canada are also regulated at the provincial level. The minimum legal age for gambling in most provinces is 19, but in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the minimum age is 18.
Each province also has its own regulatory body responsible for overseeing the gambling industry within its borders.
Here is a breakdown of the regulations by province:
- Ontario has the largest number of casinos in Canada, with 28 facilities. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission and Ontario iGaming are responsible for regulating the industry. From April 2022 iGaming market legally operates in the province.
- Quebec has 10 land-based casinos and a significant online gaming presence. The Société des casinos du Québec is responsible for overseeing the industry.
- The gaming industry in British Columbia is highly regulated and overseen by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The province has a comprehensive responsible gambling program.
- Alberta has a mix of government-run and privately owned casinos, overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
- Saskatchewan has a small but growing gaming industry, with six casinos and a provincial lottery. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is responsible for regulating the industry.
- Manitoba’s gaming industry is government-run and overseen by the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. The province has a comprehensive responsible gambling program.
- New Brunswick has a small gaming industry, with two government-run casinos and a provincial lottery. The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation is responsible for regulating the industry.
- Nova Scotia’s gaming industry is government-run and overseen by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation. The province has a comprehensive responsible gambling program.
- Prince Edward Island has a small gaming industry, with two government-run casinos and a provincial lottery. The Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission is responsible for regulating the industry.
- Newfoundland and Labrador also has a small gaming industry, with two government-run casinos and a provincial lottery. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation is responsible for overseeing the industry.
Challenges Local Authorities Face
Despite the efforts of federal and provincial regulators, the gambling industry in Canada still faces several challenges in terms of regulation.
One of the biggest challenges is the issue of illegal gambling, which can include everything from unlicensed online casinos to underground betting operations. These illegal activities not only undermine the integrity of the industry but also pose a risk to consumers, who may be vulnerable to fraud and other forms of exploitation.
Another challenge is the difficulty of enforcing regulations in a constantly evolving industry. The rise of online gambling and new technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence present new challenges for regulators, who must adapt quickly to changing circumstances in order to ensure that the industry remains fair and transparent.
Moreover, the varying regulations across different provinces can create confusion for both operators and consumers, as rules and requirements can differ significantly depending on where they are located. This can also lead to issues of regulatory arbitrage, in which operators may attempt to take advantage of differences in regulations to gain a competitive advantage.
The Future of Gambling Regulation
As technology continues to evolve, the future of gambling regulation and online casino licensing in Canada is likely to undergo significant changes. One of the emerging technologies that could impact the industry is blockchain, which has the potential to provide greater transparency and security in online gambling transactions. By using a decentralized ledger system, blockchain can help prevent fraud and ensure that transactions are fair and transparent.
Another technology that could have an impact on the industry is artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered tools could help regulators detect and prevent problem gambling and identify fraudulent activity. For example, AI algorithms could be used to analyze player behaviour and identify patterns of problem gambling, allowing regulators to intervene before a player develops a serious gambling addiction.
In addition to technological advancements, changes in gambling laws in other countries may also have an impact on the industry in Canada. The recent legalization of sports betting and the iGaming market opening may lead to some dramatic changes. This could also open new opportunities for operators, as well as increased revenue for government programs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Greater transparency and security in online gambling transactions.
- Improved ability to detect and prevent problem gambling and fraudulent activity.
- Potential for increased revenue for operators and governments.
Cons:
- Challenges in adapting to new technologies and changing consumer behaviour.
- Need for regulatory flexibility to balance consumer protection with innovation and competitiveness.
