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Canada
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With one of the biggest gambling markets in the world, players must be aware of gambling laws in Canada. In this article, we’ve reviewed gambling legislation at the provincial and federal levels and provided information on responsible gambling resources available for Canadian players.
In Canada, each province deals individually with gambling and has its own set of acts and regulators. The requirements may differ. For example, you must be 18 to gamble in Quebec, but in Yukon, you can visit the casinos only if you are 19. Each province and territory has different rules beyond just age restrictions.
As for online gambling, no separate gambling laws regulate this "branch" of the industry. The Canadian Criminal Code has no particular enactment, so the same rules apply to land-based casinos. Even though most provinces allow residents only one kind of online entertainment – the state lottery – people still visit online casinos. However, it was not always like that. Legally, online Canadian gambling laws were pretty strict up until 2009. Such websites were illegal back then, but Canadians can still gamble at offshore casinos.
To sum up, online gambling is popular and easy to access in Canada, even though in most provinces, it is only partially legalized in the form of web-based lotteries. However, they are still accessible at overseas online gambling sites.
In Ontario, for example, the introduction of regulated platforms has made it easier for players to access a legal online casino, providing a safe and secure gaming environment. It's been a significant step forward for the Canadian online gambling industry.
As gambling regulation in Canada is de-centralized, local gambling regulations in Canadian provinces differ. To help you navigate it, we’ve summarized the key things to know about regulation in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and other provinces.
| Province | Regulations |
| Alberta |
• Alberta's gambling regulator is the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) organization • The Legal gambling age in Alberta is 18 • Although the date hasn't been specified, Alberta intends to implement a similar online gambling model as Ontario |
| British Columbia |
• Gambling in British Columbia is overseen by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) • People are allowed to gamble from the age of 19 • Residents can access online casinos that are licensed internationally |
| Manitoba |
• Gambling activities in the province are regulated by Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba • Residents that are at least 18 years old can gamble • Besides the government gambling platform PlayNow, Manitobans can access licensed offshore online casinos |
| New Brunswick |
• The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) is responsible for the conduct of gambling in the province • Gambling is permitted for citizens from the age of 19 • Locals can gamble online on international platforms with licenses |
| Nova Scotia |
• The regulatory body for gambling in Nova Scotia is the Alcohol and Gaming Authority (AGA) • The legal gambling age in Nova Scotia is 19 • Similarly to many other provinces, Nova Scotia has one government-run online gambling platform, with international online casinos available |
| Ontario |
• The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), alongside iGaming Ontario (iGO), regulations gambling and online gambling in Ontario • Players must be at least 19 years old to gamble in Ontario • Since 2022, online gambling is legal and regulated under a local framework |
| Quebec |
• Loto-Québec is the responsible authority in Quebec for regulating gambling • Quebec is another of three Canadian provinces where legal gambling age is 18 • The province has only one local legal online gambling platform, Espacejeux. As is the case with the rest of Canada, residents can access offshore online casinos |
| Saskatchewan |
• The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) controls gambling in the province • 19 years of age is the gambling age in Saskatchewan • Residents can play at international online gambling platforms |
Ontario established a legal online gambling market in April 2022. As of January 2025, Ontario hosts 50 licensed online gaming operators and has reached a revenue of C$2.4 billion. While online casinos dominate the total sector revenue with 73%, sports betting also rakes in a significant C$667 million.
Although the conduct of responsible gambling in Canada is also implemented on a provincial level, there are various resources Canadians with problem gambling issues can use. We’ve listed organizations that can help with problem gambling:
Are gambling ads legal in Canada?
As with gambling regulation in general, gambling ad laws in Canada are subject to provincial-level governing. However, in recent years, there have been discussions about establishing a national framework for gambling advertisements.
Are winnings from gambling taxed?
Generally, in Canada winnings from gambling are not taxed. Except, in cases when the player is considered a professional gambler. Then, income from gambling is taxed according to the local laws.
How to determine if a casino is legal and operating according to the law?
To determine if a casino is legal and operating according to the law, look up its license number. Then, check whether the license is legitimate on the respective license issuer's website.
