British Columbia Sports Betting Laws In the Gaming Control Act of 2002, The British Columbia Lottery and Gaming Corporation was awarded the ability to offer sports betting products as a part of their. Best Canadian Sports Betting Sites 2021 - Enjoy top online sports betting - Plus exclusive & free bonus offers at the Top 10 rated Canadian betting sites.
Sports betting, and online sports betting, in particular, is growing in popularity across the entire world, including in the North American nation of Canada.
Neighbors of the United States of America to the north, Canada's online sports betting laws can be difficult to navigate.
In this article, we'll discuss the current legality of sports betting and online sports betting, how things have evolved, and what online sportsbooks are best for Canadian residents.
Top 3 Canadian Online Sportsbooks – Safe, Secure, & Legal Sports Betting in Canada
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History and Sports Betting Laws in Canada
Since the 1800s, Canada has seen a dramatic shift in terms of gambling regulation, including sports betting. In 1982, the country banned all forms of gambling via its Criminal Code. However, the attitude towards gambling quickly pivoted and by the early 1900s both bingo and raffles were being allowed for charitable purposes. Shortly thereafter, horse racing was an allowed form of gambling throughout Canada.
Due to amendments made in the 1990s to Canada's Criminal Code, the provinces of Canada were given individual authority to regulate lotteries, racing, slot machines, and casinos. In 1971, Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada effectively became the first land-based casino in Canada.
Today, Canada offers poker, casino, and slot machine games, as well as, sports betting.
In Canada, sports betting laws, are governed by the federal government and the 10 provincial governments. The country's federal system is set up so that the federal government shares governing power with the 10 provincial governments, which are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Sports Betting in Canada: Rules by Province
To better understand the current climate of online sports betting, you must first understand sports betting laws in each province. Below is a summary of sports betting laws by province, as there are differences between the 10.
Alberta
– Gaming and sports betting operators must adhere to Alberta's Gaming and Liquor Act, which was recently amended in 2013.
– The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) and the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) operate sports betting games in Alberta under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, Point Spread, Pro-Picks Pools and Pro-Picks Props. Each has their own particular set of regulations and wagering limitations.
– Currently, there are no regulated online sports betting websites operating out of Alberta, however, there are several alternative options for residents.
British Columbia
– The Gaming Control Act of 2002 put in place laws and regulations that govern gaming and sports betting in British Columbia, which is regulated by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB).
– British Columbia residents have the ability to bet online via the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), regulated by the sports betting company PlayNow.com. However, only six sports betting games are available, such as Oddset 3-Outcome, Oddset 2-Outcome, Point Spread, Over/Under, Toto and Props.
– PlayNow.com enforces restrictions on their online betting site, including regulating bet sizes and betting on a single game.
Manitoba
– Manitoba's Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA) regulates all of the region's gaming and sports betting operations. The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) also works in conjunction with the LGA to govern, such as regulating and licensing video lottery terminal (VLT) operators.
– The MLC operates sports betting games in Manitoba under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, Point-Spread, Pro-Picks Pools and Pro-Picks Props.
– PlayNow.com is also available to Manitoba residents for online gaming and sports betting.
New Brunswick
– The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) oversees and regulates gambling and sports betting in the province of New Brunswick. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) is also a governing body recognized in the province.
– The ALC operates sports betting games in New Brunswick under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets.
– Online sports betting is accessible via ALC's site, ProLineStadium.com.
Betting British Open
Newfoundland and Labrador
– Along with the ALC, the province established their Lottery Licensing Regulations in 2002, which dictate the rules and regulations for gambling and sports betting. The Service Newfoundland and Labrador (Service NL) also serves as a ministry that helps govern gaming activities in the province.
– The ALC operates sports betting games in Newfoundland and Labrador under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets.
– PRO-LINE websites allow for regulated online sports betting to be accessible for residents of the province.
Nova Scotia
– The Alcohol and Gaming Division (AGD) of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations is tasked with enforcing the laws and regulations set forth in the province's Gaming Control Act, which was passed in 1995.
– The Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries & Casino Corporation (NSPLCC) and the ALC also have roles in regulating and governing gambling and sports betting in Nova Scotia.
– Online sports betting games are available via ALC's ProLineStadium.com.
Ontario
– In 1998, Ontario established the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to managed and regulate casino gaming and wagering in the province.
– Today, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) now owns and manages both online and land-based casino and sports betting operations.
– The OLG operates sports betting games in Ontario under the following brand entities: PRO-LINE, Point-Spread, Pro-Picks Pools and Pro-Picks Props.
– OLG offers online sportsbook options, however, similar to many other provinces operating under the same entities, single-game wagering is not allowed.
Prince Edward Island
– The PEI Lotteries Commission along with the ALC is responsible for governing all gaming and sports betting operations for the province of Prince Edward Island.
– The ALC offers online sports betting for residents under their brand entities, however, they receive a lot of competition from offshore sportsbooks.
Quebec
– In 1993, Quebec formed the Quebec Alcohol, Racing, and Gaming Commission to regulate lotteries and casino gaming in the province.
Sports Betting British Columbia Bc
– Currently, Loto-Quebec manages operations for all sports betting games in the Quebec, including online sportsbooks.
Saskatchewan
– The main governing entity for all gaming activities in Saskatchewan is the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), including oversight of casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
– The Saskatchewan Lotteries is responsible for handling all sports betting and online sports betting operations under various governmental entities, most notably PRO-LINE.
As you can see there are several similarities between the 10 provinces. For the most part, each province passes legislation related to casino gaming, sports betting, and online sports betting that is then governed by their respective government agencies.
Additionally, most of the sports betting is regulated by the ALC and operates under specific brand names such as PRO-LINE and Stadium Bets. These entities offer certain sports betting games for residents, however, they come with much regulation and fewer choices relative to offshore sites. The largest difference is the inability to wager on a single-team for any type of sports bet.
British Betting Firm
Therefore, residents of Canada often turn to offshore sportsbooks that are less regulatory and provide more choices for the types of wagers, bet sizes, etc.
While Canada has made the effort to actively govern online sports betting in each of its provinces they haven't been able to pass definitive legislation that bans offshore sports betting. The law is more concerned with illegal operators inside the country that are not part of the regulatory system established by the federal government and the 10 provinces.Thus, if you are a placing bet on an offshore sportsbook the government is less concerned by your actions as you are essentially taking advantage of a grey area due to the lack of jurisdictional power. There seems to be no known case of the Canadian government prosecuting a citizen for placing a sports bet online via an offshore book.
Canada Online Sports Betting: Regulated vs. Offshore
As indicated previously the government of Canada has established a number of online sportsbooks and brand entities to manage sports betting operations within each of its provinces. With this government control, comes less choice, less favorable odds, and a lack of enticing bonuses relative to offshore sportsbooks.
Below are a few differences you'll find between Canada's sportsbook brands such as PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets, PlayNow.com, Point Spread, etc., and offshore options.
– In general, the odds via government regulated sportsbooks are less favorable compared to offshore online sportsbooks. In Canada, the average payout on a winning wager is up to 50% less than you'd receive from winning a similar bet via an offshore sportsbook.
– Due to unrevised Canadian law, you cannot place one wager on a single game. In fact, you can only partake in parlay wagers. In other words, you must bet on at least 3 games, or two games if you are betting point spreads, and you must win all your bets on your ticket in order to get paid.
– There are limited options with Canadian sportsbooks. For example, you will not find any college sports via PRO-LINE, and wagering on NBA basketball is not allowed in Ontario.
– Regulated sportsbooks, such as PRO-LINE, limit the maximum wager size to $100.
Betting on Sports at Casinos in Canada
Offline sports betting in Canada depends upon which province you are located in. For instance, sports betting at a land-based casino is possible in Toronto, ON, however, limited to Casino Niagara only. Otherwise, brick-and-mortar locations are controlled by the provincial governments. For example, in Toronto, ON, the government entity is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
Us open tips 2018. In general, most land-based casinos in each province will not accept sports bets, and it is best that you refer to the local governing agency to find out the approved sports betting locations. Sports betting tickets are often times offered at the same locations where lottery tickets are sold.
Future Outlook and Final Thoughts
Lawmakers in Canada have been actively reviewing overall reform and current legislation since around 2011. In 2016, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act was introduced at the federal level in an attempt to make betting on a single game legal. It has only been voted on once, and it was denied. However, efforts such as this do not go unnoticed.
– The main governing entity for all gaming activities in Saskatchewan is the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), including oversight of casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
– The Saskatchewan Lotteries is responsible for handling all sports betting and online sports betting operations under various governmental entities, most notably PRO-LINE.
As you can see there are several similarities between the 10 provinces. For the most part, each province passes legislation related to casino gaming, sports betting, and online sports betting that is then governed by their respective government agencies.
Additionally, most of the sports betting is regulated by the ALC and operates under specific brand names such as PRO-LINE and Stadium Bets. These entities offer certain sports betting games for residents, however, they come with much regulation and fewer choices relative to offshore sites. The largest difference is the inability to wager on a single-team for any type of sports bet.
British Betting Firm
Therefore, residents of Canada often turn to offshore sportsbooks that are less regulatory and provide more choices for the types of wagers, bet sizes, etc.
While Canada has made the effort to actively govern online sports betting in each of its provinces they haven't been able to pass definitive legislation that bans offshore sports betting. The law is more concerned with illegal operators inside the country that are not part of the regulatory system established by the federal government and the 10 provinces.Thus, if you are a placing bet on an offshore sportsbook the government is less concerned by your actions as you are essentially taking advantage of a grey area due to the lack of jurisdictional power. There seems to be no known case of the Canadian government prosecuting a citizen for placing a sports bet online via an offshore book.
Canada Online Sports Betting: Regulated vs. Offshore
As indicated previously the government of Canada has established a number of online sportsbooks and brand entities to manage sports betting operations within each of its provinces. With this government control, comes less choice, less favorable odds, and a lack of enticing bonuses relative to offshore sportsbooks.
Below are a few differences you'll find between Canada's sportsbook brands such as PRO-LINE, PRO-LINE Fantasy, PRO-LINE Futures and Stadium-Bets, PlayNow.com, Point Spread, etc., and offshore options.
– In general, the odds via government regulated sportsbooks are less favorable compared to offshore online sportsbooks. In Canada, the average payout on a winning wager is up to 50% less than you'd receive from winning a similar bet via an offshore sportsbook.
– Due to unrevised Canadian law, you cannot place one wager on a single game. In fact, you can only partake in parlay wagers. In other words, you must bet on at least 3 games, or two games if you are betting point spreads, and you must win all your bets on your ticket in order to get paid.
– There are limited options with Canadian sportsbooks. For example, you will not find any college sports via PRO-LINE, and wagering on NBA basketball is not allowed in Ontario.
– Regulated sportsbooks, such as PRO-LINE, limit the maximum wager size to $100.
Betting on Sports at Casinos in Canada
Offline sports betting in Canada depends upon which province you are located in. For instance, sports betting at a land-based casino is possible in Toronto, ON, however, limited to Casino Niagara only. Otherwise, brick-and-mortar locations are controlled by the provincial governments. For example, in Toronto, ON, the government entity is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
Us open tips 2018. In general, most land-based casinos in each province will not accept sports bets, and it is best that you refer to the local governing agency to find out the approved sports betting locations. Sports betting tickets are often times offered at the same locations where lottery tickets are sold.
Future Outlook and Final Thoughts
Lawmakers in Canada have been actively reviewing overall reform and current legislation since around 2011. In 2016, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act was introduced at the federal level in an attempt to make betting on a single game legal. It has only been voted on once, and it was denied. However, efforts such as this do not go unnoticed.
In 2017, Ontario took steps towards potential sports betting reform. The OGL is evaluating adding esports betting along with live-betting. Within their province. Additionally, Canada is a close follower of the United States. With more states pushing for online sports betting reform at the state and federal level in the US, the conversation seems to be having an effect in Canadians as well.
Overall, there are often times confusing rules, strict regulations, limits on bet sizes (i.e. $100 max for a single ticket), and therefore Canadian sports bettors are gravitating towards options outside of their own country for online sports betting.
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The nation of Canada is a unique blend of natural beauty and urban modernity.
From the frozen tundra of Nunavut to the steel and glass skyscrapers of Toronto,
the world's second-largest country in terms of total area has a lot to brag
about. This sense of national pride also applies to their robust gaming
industry, as well as the gambling laws created to keep it running efficiently.
While other nations across the planet swing wildly from one extreme to the
other on the question of gambling, the citizens and lawmakers of Canada have
managed to take an even-handed approach despite the allure of easy money. In
most cases, the laws remain flexible while still keeping the welfare of the
public in mind at all times.
In this report, it's my goal to provide you with an overview of the gambling
laws in Canada, specifically as they apply to various forms of gaming. I'll also
include additional statistics and factoids in order to add a greater layer of
depth and distinguish this document from those of a similar nature.
Please keep in mind, however, that I am not a lawyer. The legal landscape of
gambling in any nation can change rapidly, so even the most well-intentioned
information can become outdated within a short span of time. If you want to be
cautious, it's always best to consult with an attorney or email a government
agency directly before embarking on the life of a high-rolling Canadian gambler.
Illegal Gambling in Canada
Several decades ago, illegal gambling in Canada was largely the domain of
organized crime. And since most forms of gambling were outlawed throughout the
country prior to 1970, these unsavory individuals had plenty of chances to ply
their trade.
That slowly began to change in 1970, when certain previously-illegal gaming
activities were made accessible to the average citizen. Another major leap took
place in 1985, when provinces and territories were given the right to oversee
activities such as slots, charitable gaming, and lotteries.
While modern organized crime figures still rely on illegal gambling as a
primary source of revenue, the practice has also been adopted by a more
tech-savvy generation of independent crooks. In either case, these unscrupulous
individuals bilk customers, rig sporting events, and avoid paying their fair
share of taxes. This has resulted in a greater burden for city and provincial
law enforcement, as well as national organizations such as the Canadian Security
Intelligence Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Bc
The Criminal Code of Canada deals with a wide array of illegal gambling
offenses, but the following are the most common:
- Section 201 – Includes a large number of offenses, but the most common involves keeping a common gaming or betting house.
- Section 202 – Deals with illegal betting, book-making, and pool-selling.
- Section 206 – Offenses related to lotteries and other games of chance.
- Section 209 – Cheating at games of chance with the intent to defraud either the customer or house.
In July of 2010, the above offenses were adjusted in the Criminal Code to be
considered 'serious offenses.' Under the laws of Canada, a serious offense is
indictable under the code or act of Parliament, and the federal government
doesn't need to bring the matter before Parliament as an amendment to the
existing legislation.
While some serious offenses within Canada carry a maximum prison term of five
years, gambling-related offenses often fall significantly short of this mark.
Most are limited to two years imprisonment, while an offense such as knowingly
keeping a common betting house is limited to no more than six months in jail and
a $5,000 fine.
When compared to their neighbor to the south, Canada has rather lenient
gambling laws. This is in keeping with their desire to be a more progressive
nation, reserving long stretches of prison time for crimes such as murder and
rape.
if it's not licensed or managed by the government (either on a federal or
provincial level).
This certainly applies to major gaming operations such as
land-based casinos, but it also applies to charitable options such as bingo and
raffles.
Online gambling often falls into something of a grey area. Canadian law
doesn't prohibit the practice of betting via the Internet, but it does require a
service to be licensed or owned by a provincial government in order to be
considered legal. This hasn't prevented over 1,000 unlicensed offshore sites
from offering their services to Canadian citizens.
One case of prosecution involving online gambling came when British Columbia
went after Delaware-based Starnet Communications International and forced them
to forfeit almost $4 million in revenue. Another example occurred in 2013, when
Ontario authorities conducted 10 raids, charged 19 people, and seized more than
$2 million in funds from users of Platinum Sports Book.
Luckily, despite all this, there are still plenty of safe online gambling sites
for Canadian players. Casumo is currently our most trusted site for Canadian vistors.
If you haven't already, check them out today!
Gambling in the Provinces
The nation of Canada is divided into 10 provinces, including the following:
Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Colombia, Prince
Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Each
province is a self-governing entity, with power granted to the various
lieutenant governors by the federal government, and any major changes in this
relationship require an alternation to the nation's constitution.
In this section, we'll examine the current gambling laws in each of the
nation's 10 provinces, especially as they relate to the average citizen.
Gambling Laws in Ontario
Ontario has the highest population of all Canadian provinces, and over 90% of
residents in Southern Ontario are within a one-hour drive of a legal gaming
establishment. Considering this last fact, it should come as no surprise that a
2011 poll found that 82.9% of adults within the province had admitted to
gambling at least once during the calendar year. If you want to be included in a
future percentage, give one of these legal forms of gambling a try:
- Casinos
Over 25 land-based casinos are active in Ontario, and these
range from privately-owned entities to charitable locations run by the
government. - Slot Machines
In addition to casinos, slots may be found at racetracks
and other select locations. There are more of these gaming devices in
Ontario than any other province in Canada. - Horse Racing
Quarter horse, Standardbred, and thoroughbred racing is
available at racetracks from Ottawa to Fort Erie. These tracks enjoyed great
success when slot machines were added in 1998, but their withdrawal by the
government in 2013 has resulted in a massive downturn. - Sports Betting
Players may use the Pro-Line service to wager on
multiple types of sports through the Internet or land-based lottery centers.
At least two games must be wagered on, although the customer can choose from
a number of betting options such as the point spread or over/under. - Lottery
In addition to national lottery drawings, residents can take
part in provincial drawings that are administered by the Ontario Lottery and
Gaming Corporation. Ontario boasts one of the largest lottery networks in
North America, and in 2011 their fiscal revenue was in excess of $3 billion. - Charitable Gaming
This includes raffles and bingo. The Ontario Lottery
and Gaming Corporation oversees licensing of such games, and they also
manage a number of eBingo websites. Along with various lottery games, bingo
generates the largest amount of gaming revenue for Ontario.
Gambling Laws in Quebec
Quebec has been offering legal games of chance since 1970, and the available
options have continued to grow over the decades. If you find yourself in this
predominantly French-speaking province, here are the most readily available
forms of legal gambling:
- Casinos
Quebec currently has nine land-based casinos, and these are
popular with both locals and neighboring residents in New York, Vermont, New
Hampshire, and Maine. All activities are overseen by the Quebec Alcohol,
Racing, and Gaming Commission. - Horse Racing
Only one race track currently exists in the state, and it
primarily offers harness racing. In addition to placing wagers at the track,
bettors can also pick their favorite ponies at several off-track facilities. - Lottery
A wide range of lottery games are offered, from Lotto Max and
Quebec Extra to Tout ou Rien. Drawings are held on a daily basis, and the
lottery represents the oldest form of legal gambling within Quebec. - Online Gambling
Residents can play at any online site that's willing
to accept them, including the government-owned Espacejeux. This may soon
change, however, as the Quebec government has announced plans to block any
online gaming site that's not approved and licensed by Loto-Quebec. - Sports Betting
Legal residents of Quebec can wager on sports teams or
individual athletes through a game known as Mise-O-Jeu. Players can wager on
two to eight options, although all picks must be successful in order to
receive a payout. Wagers can be made online or at participating locations
such as convenience stores. - Video Lottery Terminals
Quebec was one of the last provinces to offer
video lottery terminals. In 1994, it was estimated that over 40,000 illegal
machines were in operation within the province. That number has dropped
substantially since over 12,000 VLTs have been legally placed in select
brasseries, bars, and gaming hall complexes. - Bingo & Charitable Gaming
From bingo and Kinzo to raffles, all
charitable gaming within the province is regulated and licensed by
Loto-Quebec.
Gambling Laws in Nova Scotia
The second-smallest province in Canada in terms of area, Nova Scotia is known
for agriculture and fishing. They also have a respectable gaming scene, with 87%
of adults playing games of chance at least once a year (for an average annual
expenditure of $609). The following forms of legal gaming are available
throughout the province:
- Lottery & Charitable Gaming
Video and ticket lotteries, as well as
other charitable games such as bingo, fall under the domain of the Atlantic
Lottery Corporation. Tickets can be purchased online or from over 1,000
retailers throughout the province. - Casinos
There are two land-based casinos in Nova Scotia, and both are
government owned. Casino Nova Scotia has locations in Halifax and Sydney,
and both facilities offer traditional slots and table games. The average
payback percentage for slots, as reported by the Nova Scotia Provincial
Lotteries and Casino Corporation, is 92%. - Horse Racing
Three legal horse racing tracks are currently available
in Nova Scotia: Inverness Raceway, Northside Downs, and Truro Raceway. A
handful of teletheatres are also available for those who want to bet but
can't make it to the track. - Sports Betting
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation uses the Pro-Line
system to allow residents to wager on sports. A minimum of two athletes or
teams must be wagered on in parlay fashion, and this is common throughout
the nation. Customers must be 19 or older in order to participate. - Online Gambling
The province offers no gaming sites of their own, but
residents can still seek out thousands of offshore casinos and sportsbooks
without fear of legal troubles. - Video Lottery Terminals
There are over 2,700 VLTs in Nova Scotia at
more than 300 licensed retailers. The average prize payout ranges from 93%
to 95% of the total wagers. Legal games are only found in age-restricted
locations such as bars and liquor stores.
Gambling Laws in New Brunswick
Even though the population of the province stands at less than one-million,
residents have a wide range of legal gambling activities to choose from. These
include:
- Video Lottery Terminals
In 1990, New Brunswick became the first
province to introduce video lottery terminals. The minimum payback
percentage required by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is 80%. Almost all
of the province's 2,000 machines, however, have a 93% payout. - Casinos
The only casino in the province is located in Moncton, and it
contains an assortment of slots, table games, and poker. - Horse Racing
Permanent racetracks are located in Saint John and
Fredericton, while the Great Western Fair circuit brings the excitement of
racing to various regions of the province on a rotating basis. As of 2015,
off-track betting facilities were available in Dieppe and Quispamsis. - Online Gambling
Residents can choose from a large number of offshore
casinos and sportsbooks, although none of these are regulated by the
government. In recent years, New Brunswick has openly discussed the idea of
launching their own casino website in the mold of Manitoba and British
Columbia. - Sports Betting
The Atlantic Lottery oversees Pro-Line, a parlay-style
sports betting game that can be purchased online or through hundreds of
licensed dealers. - Lottery
Lottery tickets can be legally purchased at over 900
land-based dealers. Drawings and payouts are conducted by the Atlantic
Lottery Corporation. - Charitable Gaming
Over 800 charitable licenses are currently issued to
non-profit organizations within the province. Raffles are the most common,
although bingo remains the most popular gambling activity among adults 65 or
older.
Gambling Laws in Manitoba
Gambling is legal in this western Canadian province, and activities are
overseen by the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (which was created in
2014 by combining the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and the Manitoba Gaming
Control Commission). Residents and visitors can enjoy the following legal forms
of gambling within the borders of the province:
- Online Gambling
After British Columbia enjoyed success with a
government-owned gaming website, Manitoba adopted the same business model in
2013. While over 1,000 unlicensed casinos and sportsbooks are available from
offshore operators, PlayNow Manitoba is the only one operating within the
borders of the province. - Casinos
Manitoba has a mixture of government-owned and First Nations
casinos. Winnipeg has two of these facilities, and both are owned by the
provincial government. - Horse Racing
Both thoroughbred and Standardbred races are conducted in
the province, and Assiniboia Downs is the only permanent track for such
events. Winnipeg has several off-track betting facilities, and both live and
simulcast events are overseen by the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission. - Lottery
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation offers lottery tickets
and scratch-off cards. These can be purchased online or at licensed
retailers such as convenience stores. - Charitable Gaming
Not-for-profit organizations within Manitoba can
apply for a license to conduct one of the following forms of charitable
gaming: bingo, raffles, breakopen, Monte Carlo, Calcutta auction, sports
draft, and Texas Hold'em poker tournament. - Sports Betting
The Sport Select system allows players to wager up to
$250 per day on two or more sporting event outcomes. The minimum age to play
is 19, and participants can choose from options such as props, pools, and
over/unders. - Video Lottery Terminals
These games of chance are confined to VLT
lounges throughout the province and overseen by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
The three most popular versions of the game are spinning reel, poker, and
keno.
Gambling Laws in British Colombia
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has been offering gaming to BC
residents for more than three decades, and the available gaming options have
continued to grow over the years. Whether you live in British Columbia or
neighboring U.S. states such as Oregon and Washington, here are the legal forms
of available gaming:
British Columbia Sports Teams
- Lottery
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has been offering
government sanctioned games since 1985. Players must be 19 or older to buy a
ticket, and winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. - Horse Racing
Fraser Downs is the only active track in BC. For those
who don't want to drive to Surrey, off-track simulcasts can also be enjoyed
at over 15 locations throughout the province. - Casinos
There are over 15 casinos within the province, with a single
facility belonging to the First Nations. The largest in terms of gaming
space is Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, and it contains 1,000 slots, 70 table
games, a poker room, and 8 baccarat tables in a high-limit room. - Charitable Gaming
Non-profit organizations may apply for a license to
conduct one of the following charitable events: ticket raffles, bingo,
poker, wheel of fortune, and social occasion casinos. - Online Gambling
The only regulated and entirely legal gambling site in
BC is PlayNow, which is owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Launched in 2004, the site contains sports betting, lottery, bingo, poker,
and casino games. - Sports Betting
Tickets are available in convenience stores and other
licensed locations. Players must wager on at least two games, and most
contests require a 100% winning percentage in order to receive a payout.
Gambling Laws in Prince Edward Island
Consisting of one major island and 231 smaller ones, Prince Edward Island is
the smallest province in Canada. The Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission
has been overseeing gaming in the region since its creation in 1976. Even though
the province consistently has one of the lowest gambling rates, the following
types of gaming are offered:
- Sports Betting
The Pro-Line service allows anyone 19 or older to make
parlay bets on various sporting events. Tickets may be purchased online or
at licensed land-based retailers. - Lottery
The provincial lottery is operated by the Atlantic Lottery
Corporation. - Horse Racing
There are two race tracks on Prince Edward Island:
Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway. Unfortunately, there are
no off-track betting facilities currently in operation. - Video Lottery Terminals
In 2003, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation
became the sole VLT operator for Prince Edward Island. In 2008, an
initiative was enacted to reduce video lottery sites by 50% and the number
of terminals by 20%. In 2014, there were 268 terminals at 39 sites, and
rules were relaxed to allow these devices to operate every day of the week. - Charitable Games
Non-profit organization can apply for a license to
conduct charitable games such as bingo, raffles, and lottery-style contests. - Online Gambling
Offshore gambling is unregulated, but it remains
available to any PEI resident who can locate a site willing to accept their
patronage. - Casino
The only legal casino is actually a 'racino,' as it combines
harness racing and casino-style gaming. Blackjack, poker, and slots are
available, and anyone over the age of 19 can take part.
Gambling Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador
Located in the easternmost section of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador
allows most forms of gambling within its borders. The most notable exception is
land-based casinos, although First Nations tribes do have the right to open
their own facilities. The following forms of gambling are currently legal within
the province:
- Charitable Gaming
Charitable gaming such as raffles and bingo are
overseen throughout the province by the Department of Government Services,
and over 3,800 charitable licenses are currently in use. - Lottery
Managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, this provincial
lottery offers top jackpots ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Tickets
may be purchased online or at one of over 1,000 licensed retailers. - Horse Racing
St. John's Racing and Entertainment Centre is the only
legal horse racing track currently operating in Newfoundland. In addition to
live racing, patrons can also take advantage of simulcasting facilities to
enjoy races from other Canadian tracks, as well as annual events such as the
Kentucky Derby. This form of entertainment is co-regulated by Standardbred
Canada and the Canadian Pari-mutuel Agency. - Video Lottery Terminals
Overseen by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation,
more than 2,000 of these devices are present at 500 age-restricted retailers
across the province. The minimum payout percentage is set at 80%, while the
more generous machines have a maximum of 93%. - Online Gaming
Since land-based casinos are currently banned in the
province, numerous citizens turn to the Internet to get their gaming fix.
While no sportsbooks or virtual casinos are located in Newfoundland, there
are over 1,000 offshore sites willing to accept players. - Sports Betting
The Pro-Line service offers parlay sports wagering to
anyone who meets the minimum age of 19 (which is also the legal drinking age
in Canada). Tickets can be purchased for as little as $2, while the maximum
daily wager is capped at $250.
British Betting Sites
Gambling Laws in Saskatchewan
According to a study conducted by Statistics Canada, residents of
Saskatchewan spend more per household on gambling than any other province. If
you happen to be a citizen of this sunniest part of Canada, here are the legal
gaming pastimes currently available:
- Video Lottery Terminals
These machines have been present in the
province since 1993. A cap of 4,000 machines has been set, and there were
3,991 at 620 sites as of March 2015. Revenue from the games goes to the
government's General Revenue Fund. For 2014-15, the provincial net income
from VLTs was $179.6 million. - Charitable Gaming
Any not-for-profit organization may apply with the
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for a license to conduct bingo or
raffles. - Casinos
The province has six casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian
Gaming Authority, as well as two more operated by the Saskatchewan Gaming
Corporation. In the case of First Nations casinos, revenue is split between
the First Nations Trust, the government's General Revenue Fund, and
Community Development Corporations. - Lottery
This form of gambling has been available in the province since
1974. Operated by Saskatchewan Lotteries, proceeds are used to fund more
than 12,000 groups. - Sports Betting
Sports Select offers legal parlay betting on the
following sports: baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and soccer. Wagers
generally range from $2 to $100. - Online Gambling
While online gaming providers are prohibited from
being based in the province, offshore sportsbooks and casinos are still free
to offer their services to residents. - Horse Racing
There are three legal tracks operating in the province,
although the West Meadows Raceway was forced to temporarily halt business in
2014. A few provincial teletheatres also exist, allowing patrons to take
advantage of off-track betting facilities.
Gambling Laws in Alberta
The largest of the Prairie Provinces in terms of population, Alberta has a
long tradition of sports and gambling. They receive over 4% of their budget from
gambling revenue, which is more than any other province in the nation.
Unfortunately, a 2013 study showed that half the revenue came from problem
gamblers, which means the province has a long way to go in terms of identifying
and treating gambling addiction. Some of the most popular legal forms of gaming
in Alberta include the following:
- Horse Racing
Legal horse racing is available in Alberta at the
following: Alberta Downs, Century Downs, and Northlands Park. In addition,
15 teletheatres are also available in such diverse locations as Leduc and
Peace River. - Video Lottery Terminals
Managed by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor
Commission, these devices are located at age-restricted, liquor-licensed
facilities across the province. Retailers are limited to 10 machines, while
gaming centers can have from 15 to 30. Over 6,000 are currently in
operation. - Sports Betting
The Sport Select service allows players to wager on two
or more games in parlay style. No more than $250 in wagers can be made per
day. - Casinos
Over 25 casinos are located in Alberta. Most of these are
charitable operations, which means the casino splits the profits with
various charities throughout the region. A couple of government-owned
casinos are also present, as well as a handful that are operated by the
First Nations. - Online Gambling
Residents of Alberta can gamble at online casinos and
sportsbooks without any limitations. - Lottery
Drawings occur daily and are overseen by the Western Canada
Lottery Corporation. - Charitable Gaming
In addition to most of the casinos in the province,
Alberta also offers legal charitable gaming such as bingo and pull tickets
to qualified non-profit groups.
Gambling in the Territories
In addition to the provinces, Canada includes the territories of Yukon,
Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. These areas are smaller in terms of
overall population (a combined 107,265 in May 2011), and they are largely
administered by the federal government. To many Canadian residents and
foreigners, this entire region is simply known as 'The North.'
In this section, we'll look at the gambling laws of Canada as they apply to
each territory. While opportunities for legal games of chance are rare in these
regions, they still exist if you know where to look.
Gambling Laws in the Yukon
With a sparse population of just over 34,000, the Yukon is not known as the
gambling center of Canada. A few legal opportunities do exist, however,
especially for those living in and around the territorial capitol of Whitehorse.
- Charitable Gaming
Under the law of the Yukon, only non-profit groups
are allowed to host charitable gambling events as a fundraising method.
These groups must first be approved by the Registrar of Lotteries, and they
must also obtain a license for bingo, raffle, or lottery. In addition to
giving away money, lotteries and raffles in this territory are also known
for giving away meat and other forms of food. - Lottery
The Western Canada Lottery Association gives Yukon residents
the opportunity to win millions of dollars through the purchase of a single
ticket. - Three-Day Casinos
Permanent casinos are not allowed in the Yukon,
although temporary gaming establishments may be permitted for no more than
three days at a time. These events require a casino license, and they can
only be conducted by a religious or charitable not-for-profit organization.
Games such as blackjack, roulette, and wheels of fortune are permitted, and
all patrons must be at least 19 years of age to participate.The only semi-exception to this rule is Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling
Hall. This Dawson City landmark holds the distinction of being Canada's
oldest casino, and it operates during the months of May through September.
All proceeds are invested back into the town, making it a permanent
not-for-profit structure. Available games include roulette, poker,
blackjack, and slots. - Sports Betting
Legal sports betting is available through a service
known as Sport Select, allowing residents to wager on their favorite CFL or
NHL teams (among others). Options such as futures and over/unders are
available, although the customer is always required to make a parlay bet on
two or more teams. - Online Gambling
Residents can legally place bets over the Internet,
whether it involves an online sportsbook or casino. It doesn't matter if the
provider is located within Canada or at an offshore location.
Gambling Laws in Nunavut
Nunavut is the newest and least populated territory in Canada, and the
capitol of Iqaluit only has slightly more than 7,000 inhabitants. Despite its
remote location and harsh weather conditions, the region offers a surprising
number of legal gambling options to its citizens. While each of the following
are legal under Yukon law, keep in mind that the limited population might
prevent all of these options from being continuously available.
- Video Lottery Terminals & Slots
These free-standing games of chance
with random number generators can sometimes be found in bars and taverns
throughout Nunavut. - Charitable Gaming
This applies to bingo, pull-tickets, poker
tournaments, raffles, and temporary casino-style gaming. Residents must be
at least 16 to play pull-ticket games, and charitable casinos must cease
operation by 2am on Monday through Friday and midnight on Saturday. For
Texas Hold'em tournaments, the maximum entry fee per player is limited to
$100. - Lottery
Residents can play the national lottery conducted by the
Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Tickets can be purchased at licensed
retailers or through the official online site. - Sports Betting
Despite a complete absence of professional, semi-pro,
or collegiate sports teams, Nunavut residents may wager on everything from
basketball to American football courtesy of Sport Select. This service is
available online and at select retailers, and it allows customers to choose
from props, pools, point spreads, over/unders, and several more options. A
minimum of two games must be wagered on for any given ticket, and all
selections must be correct in order for the player to receive a payout. - Online Gambling
Just like in other parts of the nation, Internet
gambling is legal within the borders of Nunavut. This applies to both online
sportsbooks and casinos, although those in more remote locations may have to
struggle with a lack of Internet service. - Horse Racing
While this sport is allowed in Nunavut, there are no
permanent tracks or regularly-scheduled events within the territory. - Private Wagers between Residents
This is one of the most common forms
of gambling due to the small size of the territory, and private wagers
between adults are not subject to government regulations.
Gambling Laws in the Northwest Territories
The most populous of the three Canadian territories, the NWT is comprised
primarily of Aboriginal peoples. The climate is harsh by most standards, ranging
from polar to subarctic. But despite unpleasant weather conditions and differing
cultural backgrounds, gambling and games of chance are still popular with local
residents.
According to territorial law, the following pastimes are currently legal
within the Northwest Territories:
- Lottery Games
This category includes casino-style lotteries, bingo,
raffles, and Nevada or pull-tickets. These may only be conducted by
non-profit organizations, and a license is required before they can be
legally offered. All lottery games within the territory are regulated by the
department of Municipal and Community Affairs, although they are also an
associate member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. - Land-based Casinos
There are no laws prohibiting land-based casinos in
the Northwest Territories. Despite this fact, there seems little interest in
building such a facility due to the low population and remote location. - Sports Betting
Governed by the NWT Lotteries, this form of gambling is
legally available online or at land-based retailers through the Sport Select
brand. Players can wager on the results on most major sporting events and
choose from a variety of options such as over/under and point spread. A
maximum of $250 can be wagered at a single location per day, and each ticket
must be in the form of a parlay (which requires the customer to correctly
predict the outcome of two or more events). - Online Gambling
From online sportsbetting to virtual casinos, all
forms of Internet gaming can be legally enjoyed by the residents of the
Northwest Territories.
Conclusion
Canada is a diverse country that promotes the celebration of various
cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds. The same can be said of their
gambling landscape, as a wide range of gaming pastimes are legally available
throughout the nation's 10 provinces and three territories.
Charitable and online gambling are two of the most common, with the former
providing much-needed income for non-profit organizations such as churches. The
latter is available throughout the country with few regulations, which marks a
distinct difference between Canada and the heavily-regulated Internet gaming
climate of the United States.
Casinos are also prevalent and legal throughout the nation, especially in
southern provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. These come in
all shapes in sizes, from those owned by First Nations tribes to establishments
operated by the Canadian government. In addition to local residents, casinos
near the U.S. border also draw a sizeable number of foreign patrons.
Unlike the United States, sports betting is widely available throughout the
provinces and territories of Canada. However, this form of gambling is commonly
limited to parlay bets, requiring customers to successfully wager on two or more
games in order to receive a cash payout.
Ultimately, the nation of Canada seems to have found a perfect approach to
conducting legal gambling within its borders. Most forms of gaming are allowed,
although reasonable laws and regulations exist to keep the hobby from becoming a
detriment to its citizenry. While no system is perfect, the model conducted by
the lawmakers in the Great White North stands as a shining example for all other
nations.
