Gambling Online in Canada
More than 75% of Canadians now gamble in some form, with many doing so online. Knowing how to access online gambling sites properly and what the requirements are is therefore imperative.
There are many different aspects to consider when gambling online. This includes the device you want to use plus the local rules and laws. It’s also very important to understand if you’re old enough to gamble as the minimum age changes per province.
In this article, we’ll explain some of the main requirements so you can start to gamble online in Canada with ease.
Device requirements
The main piece of equipment to start gambling online is an internet-enabled computer, phone, or tablet. These days, all gambling sites and online casinos in Canada are completely compatible with a wide array of devices. You can choose to play from a computer with Windows, MacOS or even Linux. All sites accept iOS and Android devices.
Most Canadians gamble online using their device’s web browser. All of the most popular browsers are compatible – such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. Some online gambling platforms have dedicated apps to download, either from your device’s official store or direct from their website, but these are not mandatory nowadays.
To ensure smooth gameplay, it’s recommended that you only play with a stable internet connection at all times. This can be via your home internet or fast 4G or 5G mobile networks to ensure you don’t drop connection midway through a game.
Age limits
Each Canadian province decides what the legal minimum age is to gamble in their region. Here’s a breakdown for each:
- Ontario – 19
- Alberta – 18
- British Columbia – 19
- Manitoba – 18
- New Brunswick – 19
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 19
- Nova Scotia – 19
- Prince Edward Island – 19
- Quebec – 18
- Saskatchewan – 19
These legal minimum age limits apply to playing casino games in both online and offline settings. However, different legal ages sometimes apply to other types of gambling. You can check your province’s local government website for more information.
Legal online gambling in different provinces
While online gambling is legal in Canada in general, the regulation and authorization of gambling sites are supervised exclusively by the provincial governments. This means that how you gamble online can be completely different from how someone else gambles online in a different province. You must check the specific requirements for your location before you get online.
In recent years, gambling laws have started being updated in Canada. Therefore, we’re going to take a look at each province to see what the current regulations state.
Ontario
In April 2022, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario liberalized the rules relating to online gambling. For the first time, offshore platforms were able to apply for a license to provide their services to Ontario residents officially.
The rollout of this new legislation has been very positive. There’s now a range of legal online casinos in Ontario that players can choose from, all of which follow strict rules set out by the commission and pay tax to the local government. It’s expected that other provinces will now look to liberalize their own rules in the near future because of Ontario’s success.
Alberta
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission regulates gambling of all types, including online. There is an official gambling site for residents, while offshore platforms are also permitted. This has resulted in a wide range of Alberta online casinos overall.
Although not officially confirmed, it’s widely expected that Alberta will be the next province to liberalize online gambling laws. It would likely follow a similar system as Ontario and could be in place as early as 2025.
British Columbia
Gambling in British Columbia or BC operates under the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), under the Gaming Control Act of 2002. There are many different types of online casinos in British Columbia available. This includes an official gambling site along with a variety of offshore platforms that residents can access.
It’s expected that the BCLC is keeping tabs on Ontario liberalizing their online gambling rules. This could pave the way for BC to also introduce similar legislation in the next few years.
Manitoba
The Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCAM) monitors all gambling options in this province. There are many online casinos in Manitoba available for residents, including both an official regulated site plus offshore alternatives.
In terms of the future, it’s expected that online gambling rules will be liberalized to allow more offshore gambling sites to acquire an official license. However, no timeframe has been established. Until then, residents can continue the range of options on offer.
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) has monitored and regulated all types of gambling since 2008. No licensed online operators exist within this province but there are plenty of offshore gambling sites that residents of New Brunswick can access.
While the NBLGC is likely to be keeping an eye on other provinces, particularly Ontario, it’s not expected to liberalize the online gambling legislation anytime soon. Therefore, players can continue to enjoy the current options available.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gambling in Newfoundland and Labrador is overseen by the Division of Digital Government and Service NL. This province has some of the strictest gambling laws in Canada, with no land-based casinos being permitted to be built. There is one official online gambling site available but everything else is not permitted.
Considering the current stance on gambling in general is very strict, it’s unlikely that a complete liberalization of online gambling is forthcoming anytime soon.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is responsible for regulated gambling in Nova Scotia. Online gambling is permitted via an official site and many offshore platforms also accept players based here.
Opening up the online gambling market further to officially accept foreign sites is a possibility in future. However, it’s unlikely to be a priority at the moment.
Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission is the regulatory body for Prince Edward Island and it follows the Lotteries Commission Act. The rules here are also strict, with no land-based casinos being available. Players are able to gamble online at an official site and other offshore sites.
There has been no indication as of yet that the commission is looking to liberalize the online gambling market soon. However, this could change in future if they see the success that other provinces have enjoyed.
Quebec
Loto-Quebec regulates gambling in the province of Quebec. Players looking for a Quebec online casino have plenty of options available. There’s an official online gambling site while offshore domains also accept players that reside in Quebec. Many of the sites are available in French as well as English to cater for the majority of residents.
Quebec is one province which could open up the online gambling market in the near future. While no official news has been released, it’s likely that they are monitoring Ontario’s rollout for potential future use.
Saskatchewan
Regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, there are a variety of online gambling sites in Saskatchewan that players can choose from. Most of them operate from abroad as there is currently no official site for residents.
Saskatchewan is another province that is likely watching Ontario closely. No official announcement has been made about liberalizing the online gambling market, but it is a possibility in the near future.
Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories
Online gambling is available in the three territories of Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. No official sites are operated so residents can play at offshore platforms for a wide variety of choice.
It’s unlikely that online gambling is going to be liberalized in any of the three territories anytime soon. However, residents can take advantage of the current options.