Gambling Legislation in Canada

The online gambling industry is thriving worldwide. Players get the chance to engage in a plethora of games, win great prizes and also enjoy an experience that truly comes close to that of a land-based casino. In this respect, we’re going to take a look at what’s legal and what’s not within the Canadian gambling industry. Just as we’re all for having a great time, we still think it’s important to abide by Canadian gambling laws.

Licensing Bodies

Canada has really come a long way considering the fact that gambling was completely illegal up until the 1950s. The situation started to improve when the Criminal Code was altered in 1969. In the end, this motion allowed provinces and territories from all over Canada to participate in regulated lotteries whilst raising money for good causes.

As far as licensing goes, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission is one of the main regulatory gaming bodies in Canada. It is responsible for licensing and regulating online casino platforms, poker rooms and sportsbooks. Furthermore, it also regulates three other brick-and-mortar poker rooms situated in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake.

What’s so interesting about the Kahnawake reserve is that is one of the first jurisdictions that recognized that great things could come out of the gambling industry. For years, it has been legalizing a number of casinos across the globe. Thanks to the Commission’s publication of Regulations Concerning Interactive Gaming in the year 1999, this opened more doors for more gambling companies to be regulated within the casino-sphere.

Gambling Laws and Legislation

So, the question is, what’s legal and what’s not nowadays? Interestingly, Canada seems to offer a well-balanced gaming experience. In fact, you’ll find that Canadian gambling laws are less restrictive than some of the rules imposed by US States. That said, you need to be aware that rules may differ from one province or territory or another.

That said, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to online casinos. As per Canadian gambling laws, online casino providers are prohibited to operate casinos with the country. In fact, if any providers are caught, they may be subject to prosecution. On the up-side, the situation isn’t so bad for players. In fact, Canadian gambling laws allow players to take part, place bets and participate in several forms of online gambling. In short, you’ve got the green light to play casino games and place bets, just as long as you are of age and the off-shore casino is licensed or approved by the Canadian government.

On that note, let’s take a look at how Canadian gambling laws may differ from one province to another.

Ontario

Without a doubt, Ontario is one of the more liberal provinces in Canada. According to Canadian gambling laws, players can engage in a number of casino games and sports betting both offline and online. That said, playing online casino games still proves to be a bit of grey area. As stated previously, all Canadian players are allowed to create a casino account and place bets as long at the casino is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or any other gaming body. This means that your winnings aren’t taxed and most importantly, you will not be fined or prosecuted.

Alberta

Alberta is the largest of the Prairie Provinces. With its long history of sports and gambling, it comes as no surprise that players can engage in a number of gambling activities such as horse racing, land-based gambling, video lottery terminals, sports betting, casinos, online gambling, lottery and charitable gaming.