The Legality of Online Casinos in Canada: An Overview
In Canada, the legality of online casinos is determined by provincial regulations, resulting in a varied landscape across the country. The Criminal Code prohibits unauthorized gambling but allows provinces to manage their own gambling activities. Each province has adopted different approaches:
• British Columbia: Offers PlayNow.com, a government-regulated platform for casino games and sports betting.
• Ontario: Established a regulated iGaming market in 2022, permitting private operators under AGCO oversight.
• Quebec: Provides gambling through Espacejeux, managed by Loto-Québec.
• Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Both use PlayNow.com via partnerships with British Columbia.
Many Canadians also access offshore online casinos. While it’s illegal to operate unlicensed online casinos within Canada, players face no penalties for using international platforms, leading to a legal grey area.
The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec runs its own licensing body, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which oversees numerous online gambling sites, asserting its rights based on indigenous governance.
Provincial platforms prioritize safety and fair play, while offshore sites often offer broader options, leaving Canadians with multiple choices but varying levels of regulation.
