History of Gambling in Canada

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Why is gambling popular among Canadians? The answer lies in the rich history of gambling in Canada. An abundance of venues has been working in the region for years. They are all catering to customers that want to experience prime casino entertainment. In this article, we will present you with a detailed overview of Canadian history of gambling from its inception to modern online casinos.

Early Gambling History (1497-1900)

Gambling in Canada has existed for centuries. The early gambling history’s first record in the region dates from 1497. John Abbot discovered native tribes that enjoyed playing games of chance. Of course, back then, it was still very primitive. The games that the tribes played were far from the traditional versions that we play today. Before it became legal in 1892, due to religious and societal standards, Canada banned gambling. However, only for a short time, as in 1900, the government started allowing bingo and raffles as long as they were organized for charities.

Legalization of gambling (1900-1970)

Not long after legalizing charity bingos in 1910, the government introduced horse racing into the legal gambling activity mix. It all led to the significant 1970 when all provinces in Canada could license and regulate the organization of gambling activities.

Evolution of Gambling in Canada (1970-2005)

Gambling in Canada has a rich history, which we’ve summarized in a few notable events. It’s been influenced by legal frameworks and technological advancements, leading to the current gambling scene.

  • 1970: The Canadian government decriminalizes gambling, allowing provinces to regulate and conduct gambling activities.
  • 1971: Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall opens in Dawson City, Yukon, becoming the first legal casino in Canada and a landmark in the country’s gambling history.
  • 1975: The Casino de Montreal opens, the first government-regulated casino in the country, marking a new era for gambling.
  • 1985: The federal government allowed provinces to operate commercial gaming establishments, and the number of casinos across Canada rapidly increased.
  • 1996: The first online casinos emerged, although Canadian laws were not fully equipped to regulate them.
  • 1999: The Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established to regulate online gaming and set the stage for Canada’s involvement in the online gambling industry.
  • 2005: The introduction of the Safe and Secure Gambling Act reinforces the framework for responsible gambling practices.

Online Casino History

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The recent history of gambling in Canada is tied to land-based and online casinos. Canadian casino scene is one of the wealthiest markets for casino entertainment today. The entertainment options often include traditional casino games, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and more. Also, Canadian online casinos have the same game options, except online.

Online gambling began in 1996. The first official online casino offered only a handful of casino games, but it was a success, nonetheless. InterCasino is one of the first and most popular casinos, and it is a site that still works today. The first-ever online gambling regulator emerged in the Canadian market in the same year.

At first, gaming online was an odd idea. Punters had to get used to the idea of opening browsers instead of walking into some of the famous land-based venues. However, that quickly changed. Only a few years later, the digital casino industry had an expansion. After 2000, dozens of operators launched online casinos, establishing one of the most prolific industries in the world.

Future of Gambling in Canada

Today, Canada is one of the most productive gaming markets in the world, generating billions of dollars each year. International software developers sign deals to distribute their games to this market because they know how prolific it is. Canada is one of the most critical regions in the world for casino entertainment.

Diversity in games, casinos and bonuses make Canada a fertile field for everyone interested in this kind of entertainment. There is no doubt the popularity of Gambling in Canada will continue to grow.

Conclusion

The history of gambling in Canada is quite rich. Today, gamers enjoy both land-based casinos and the convenience of online casinos. More importantly, Canadians have always been open to innovation in gambling, offering players access to some of the highest-paying casinos.

Even before Canada was independent, people played various types of games of chance. The popularity of gambling was not affected even during the Criminal Code ban in 1892.

Moreover, local players enjoy playing in brick-and-mortar venues just as much as in digital casinos. Casino gaming is a source of great fun for everyone in Canada!

Gerda Grinova
Chief Editor
University of Latvia
A degree from the University of Latvia combined with experience in affiliate marketing, content management and quality assurance.
Expert in:
  • Casino reviews
  • Online Games
  • Online Slots

FAQ

Which casinos are the oldest in Canada?

The oldest casino in Canada is Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, which opened in 1971. While not the oldest in terms of year of establishment, Casino de Montréal is one of the earliest modern casinos. It opened its doors in 1993.

Who invented casinos?

We cannot claim who invented casinos. They formed as a result of the evolution of social spaces where aristocrats played games. More specifically, the French and Italian upper classes gambled in private settings, which led to the development of casino venues as we know them today.

When were casinos invented?

Casinos were invented in 16th and 17th-century Europe. They started out as gambling halls for the elite and later evolved into gambling establishments, eventually becoming available to the broader public.

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