• Canada Drinking And Gambling Agents
• Canada Drinking And Gambling Agent
• Canada Drinking And Gambling Age

Before you can enjoy any form of legal gambling in Canada, it is imperative that you possess a basic understanding of Canadian gambling laws, and how they are relevant to the nation’s gambling market. Canadian criminal laws are enforced on a federal level, but gambling laws are enacted on a provincial and territorial level. This makes criminal laws identical to all provinces and territories but specific gambling regulations different throughout Canada. Today there are multiple forms of legal gambling in all territories and provinces; however, the way they operate differs around the country.

In Ontario the drinking age is 19 the gambling age is 18. Call now 1-877-254-3348. This is an article with information on underage drinking facts in Canada.

From among the numerous positive attributes that Canada boasts, one of our favorites is their stance on gambling and how they use the revenue produced from casinos, lotteries, sports betting and other wagering services to fund provincial and territorial programs to benefit their local communities. This page is designed to provide insight into the legal gambling options across Canada and to inform our readers about the laws and government agencies that regulate the gaming industry. Gambling laws vary from country to country around the globe, so it is important to stay informed before breaking any international law.

Is Gambling Legal In Canada?

Yes, Canadians have multiple legal gambling entertainment options available to them across the country. In 1969, the Canadian government changed the national criminal code to allow lotteries to help fund the upcoming Olympic games. The change also gave the provinces and territories the authority to allow additional legal gambling entertainment venues. Canada has always stood proudly as being a progressive nation and today each province and territory within its borders provides some form of legal gambling entertainment. Below we have listed the legally sanctioned betting venues found within each of the provinces and territories. The 3 territories are very remote due in part to their northern geographical location, so brick-and-mortar locations are limited if offered at all.

Forms Of Legal Gambling In Canada

As mentioned above, gambling is regulated in Canada through the individual provinces. The provincial government agencies possess the authority to determine what legislation to enact to either allow or prohibit gambling operations in their community. Lawmakers also determine where the revenue earned from those services will be applied and what provincial or territorial public service they will fund. While some form of gambling is legal in all provinces and territories, not all areas allow the same forms of gambling entertainment. The specific regional regulations upheld in the province you reside in or visit will determine which gambling options are available in that area. Below is a list of each province and territory located in Canada, as well as the legally approved forms of gambling services that are regulated by the local governments and in operation at this time.

Alberta – Casinos, Lottery, Sports Betting
British Columbia – Casinos, Lottery, Horse Racing, Sports Betting
Manitoba – Casinos, Sports Betting
New Brunswick – Casinos, Horse Racing, Lottery, Sports Betting
Newfoundland and Labrador – Lottery, Sports Betting
Nova Scotia – Casino, Lottery, Sports Betting
Ontario – Casinos, Lottery, Sports Betting
Prince Edward Island – Casinos, Lottery, Sports Betting
Quebec – Casinos, Lottery, Horse Racing, Sports Betting
Saskatchewan – Casino, Horse Racing, Lottery, Sports Betting
Northwest Territories – Lottery, Sports Betting
Nunavut – Lottery, Sports Betting
Yukon – Casinos, Lottery, Sports Betting

Casinos – Revenue generated from casino licenses and fees often fund government assisted programs such as the free health care system and other local provincial or territorial programs. In the casinos, you are likely to find traditional games such as Slots, Baccarat, Roulette, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps and more.

Poker – There are over 50 domestic casino locations offering poker tables across Canada. Canadians are permitted to play online poker since there are no laws that specifically outlaw it. Texas Hold’em is one of Canada’s most played poker games.

Lottery – Lotteries are set up by the provinces or territories and fund local community programs. Every province and territory has access to the lottery with most areas having access to multiple lottery games. Sports betting is tagged to lottery services across the provinces and territories.

Sports Betting – Sports betting is allowed across the board with a service known as Sports-Select, Pro-Line, Pari Sportif, or Sports Action. It is the same service with different names across the country. Tickets can be purchased at lottery centers in some provinces now accepting wagers online.

Horse Racing – Horse racing is immensely popular in Toronto. There are at least 5 tracks within the Toronto greater area. All tracks in Canada are located fairly close to the US border.

Forms Of Legal Online Gambling In Canada

Canadians have many options when it comes to betting online. Almost all the territories and provinces allow online betting, and some regulate their own online betting services. Canadian criminal code states that the Canadian government and/or its provinces must license all gambling businesses operating within the nation’s borders. While offshore gambling sites are not subject to Canada’s licensing requirements, we recommend that punters only consider those options that are legitimately licensed and regulated through a respected governing jurisdiction, such as the ones listed in this guide. Many Canadians prefer legally licensed offshore gambling sites for their more attractive bonus offers, better odds, a wider selection of wagering options and betting platforms, and of course, the convenience. According to the Canadian Gaming Association, it is estimated that Canadians wager about $4 Billion a year with offshore online betting sites and some of the more popular forms of online betting come from these services.

• Online Casinos
• Online Poker
• Online Sports Betting
• Online Horse Betting
• Online Lotteries

Canada Drinking And Gambling Agents

Important Canadian National Gambling Laws

Bill C290 – Bill C290 was intended to amend the Criminal Code to allow single sport game bets. The way it stands now is that Canadians may place parlay bets on sporting events through local sportsbooks. A parlay bet is a wager placed on the outcome of multiple events, and according to existing law, a minimum of 3 events qualifies for the parlay. The bill was submitted to the House of Commons but was eventually rejected. Had the bill passed, individuals could have placed a wager on just one game, match or event and won or lost the bet based on a single outcome.

Criminal Code 201 – CC201 states that anyone who keeps or operates a gambling house is guilty of a criminal offense and can face up to 2 years in prison. The same applies to anyone who is found in an illegal gambling house or leases, protects, or permits a place to be used as an illegal gambling house.

Criminal Code 202 – This code condemns illegal bookmakers, illegal betting and pool selling. It states that anyone caught placing a bet, accepting a bet or selling a pool bet is susceptible to legal action and could face up to 2 years imprisonment.

Criminal Code 206 – This code lays out punishments for anyone who frauds the lottery system or schemes games of chance. It details many different lottery scheme scenarios and deems them illegal under this code.

Criminal Code 209 – CC209 states punishment up to 2 years imprisonment for anyone who is caught cheating or has intent to defraud anyone or gambling service.

First Nations Gaming Act – A piece of legislation enacted by the First Nations government of Saskatchewan. Lays out an orderly procedure and economic development plan to be driven by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Commission.

Who Regulates Gambling In Canada?

Provincial or territorial gaming control boards regulate Canada’s gambling operations. Each province or territory has their own way of regulating games of chance and their own gaming regulators. They also have their own way of disbursing the revenue earned into government funds. Legal gambling options often pay for the Canadian free health care system, educational services, and other government-funded services. Below are the gaming commissions listed and the specific aspect of the gambling industry that they oversee.

Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario – The AGCO is responsible for regulating the gaming industry and horse racing in the province of Ontario.

Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) – The AGLC regulates the gaming industry in the province of Alberta. Revenue received from gaming activities is returned to the community by the means of licensed charities.

Atlantic Lottery Corporation – a Canadian organization that operates lottery games in Atlantic Canada. Owned jointly by 4 provinces: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Regulates casinos on Prince Edward Island.

British Columbia Gaming Policy / Enforcement Branch – The Enforcement branch regulates lottery games, casino games, online gambling, horse race betting in the province of British Columbia. Revenue generated from gambling is used to fund city services such as health care.

Department of Community Services – Permits charity games for the province of Yukon.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission – The Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses and regulates interactive gaming, terrestrial poker rooms and raffles in the Mohawk territory of Kahnawake. Kahnawake is regarded as a sovereign nation operating in Canada’s borders but not under Canadian legal authority.

Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA) – The LGA licenses gaming employees, products, and operations in the province of Manitoba.

Loto Quebec – Loto Quebec was founded in 1969 to oversee the activities surrounding games of chance in the province of Quebec.

New Brunswick Lotteries & Gaming Corporation – Oversees lottery schemes and responsible for the development and implication of the responsible gaming policy for the province of New Brunswick.

North West Territories Municipal & Community Affairs – Oversees the lottery system for the North West Territory. There are currently no casinos in the NW Territory.

Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries & Casino Corporation – Regulates games of chance and lotteries and assures that 100% of the profits go back into the community to fund important programs.

Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation – Regulates casinos, lotteries and horse racing for the province of Ontario.

Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission – The board has supervision over casinos, horse racing and amusement machines for the province of Quebec.

Saskatchewan Liquor & Gaming Commission (SLGC) – The SLGC regulates gaming operations such as casinos, horse racing and charitable gaming in the province of Saskatchewan.

Service NL – Regulates charitable and non-profit organizations lottery fundraising events.

Legal Minimum Gambling Age

Minimum age requirements for legal gambling correspond with the legal drinking age mandated by the individual provinces and territories. Nineteen is the legal minimum gambling age at casinos throughout most of Canada, but 18 is the legal gambling age in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec.

Indian Casinos In Canada

The first Indian casino started operations in Toronto in the early 1990’s but in 1995 the First Nations Gaming Act was enacted to allow regulation of Indian casinos in the Saskatchewan province. By 1996, four more casinos had opened their doors. All casinos are charitable casinos and profits are put back into public funds. Today there are about 20 Indian casinos spread across 6 provinces.

Illegal Gambling Operations In Canada

Canada has a long history of illegal gambling operations that are still active today. Underground illegal gambling houses are in just about every major city throughout the country. These illegal gambling houses often feature illegal gaming machines and table games. Organized crime is often associated with these illegal gambling activities, so local task forces and provincial government agencies are especially looking to curtail these operations. In 2015, 33 illegal gambling houses were uncovered in the Toronto area and one raid even confiscated over $200,000. There have been raids reported in all major cities across Canada, but many of these illegal operations seem to be located in Toronto.

Do I Need To Pay Taxes On My Online Winnings?

No, the Canadian Income Tax Act states that unless someone is a professional and makes a living from gambling, they are not required to pay a tax or claim income on gambling winnings. The Minister of National Revenue states that individuals who consistently earn money from legal gambling and/or originates their primary source of income from gambling can be designated as a business and required to pay taxes on winnings.

Problem Gambling Help In Canada

As you probably know, the legal gambling age is not the same in all countries around the world. All the more, it does not have to be the same within a single country. In many cases, countries’ states, provinces, and other regions have the right to govern their own laws, including gambling regulations. Take Canada, for example. The gambling age in Canada is governed on a provincial or territorial level, meaning the legal gambling age in this country is different depending on the location.

For that reason, I’ve decided to do in-depth research about Canada’s gambling age. It’s crucial to get informed about all the differences in gambling age in Canada before you register in your favorite online casino or hit one of many land-based casinos.

As gambling is on the rise worldwide, especially in Canada, I’ve discovered plenty of eye-catching facts. These facts will provide all the necessary information when it comes to gambling in this country. Take a look.

Legal Gambling Age in Canada

Canada has ten provinces and three territories, meaning all 13 regions have the right to make their own rules and laws regarding gambling. For that reason, there isn’t an official gambling age that applies to the whole Canadian territory.

However, for the most part, the legal gambling age in Canada is 19 years. Nevertheless, as we mentioned before, the gambling age varies geographically. For example, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and others impose the legal gambling age of 19. Meanwhile, Ottawa and Montreal, among others, have administered the gambling age to be 18.

Furthermore, the gambling age in Canada is the same for all gambling activities. That includes land-based casinos, online betting and online casinos, scratch cards, lotteries, and more.

With that in mind, take a look at the ultimate list of the legal gambling age in all Canadian provinces and territories.

As you can tell, there are plenty of land-based casinos in Canada. When it comes to the legal online gambling age in Canada, the same provincial and territorial laws apply. That means that if you need to be 18 years old to place a bet in a casino in Quebec, you also need to be 18 years old to spin the reels on your favorite slot game online.

Naturally, the same applies to all Canadian provinces and territories.

Best Casino Games for Beginners

Once you’ve established your gambling rights within Canadian borders, you are ready to move on to the next step. If you’re just now starting your gambling journey, there are a few crucial things you should note.

If you’re of a gambling age in Canada, you should be able to get access to any online or brick-and-mortar casino of your choice. But the question is — where to start? As a beginner gambler, I didn’t have a lot of direction, so I’ve decided to share the wisdom I’ve gained over the years.

Keep in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to gambling. There isn’t a single game that will guarantee a 100% win, but some will make it a bit easier. With that in mind, here are a few games that you should start with before you hit the high-rolling tables.

• Slots — Slots are the most popular online casino games with visually appealing graphics. These games do not require any particular skill, just pure luck. All you need to do is spin the reels and hope for a lucky outcome.
• Baccarat — Baccarat has a fairly low house edge, meaning it’s perfect for newcomers as you will have higher chances of winning. It’s a relatively simple card game as it only takes a few minutes to get acquainted with the rules.
• Blackjack — Blackjack is one of the most common casino games because of its simplicity. In most cases, players have around 45% chances of winning at blackjack.
• Roulette — Another low house edge game with close to 50/50 chances of winning if you choose to bet on black or red. However, if you select to bet on numbers, your chances of winning significantly drop.

Although you’re of gambling age in Canada, that doesn’t mean you should bet away all of your savings. It is essential to know when to stop and take a break. Set a weekly or monthly limit in order to manage your gambling habits.

What Else Is There to Know?

If you’re wondering how to avoid the bar while you’re on the casino floor because you are not 21 yet, don’t worry. The drinking age correlates to the gambling age in Canada. So, if the legal gambling age in your province is 19, that means the drinking age is 19 as well.

However, some Canadian regions have come under attack for implementing this rule. Research has shown that young adults of 18 years of age tend to over-consume alcohol, which leads to negative consequences.

Canada Drinking And Gambling Agent

However, once you turn 18, you are legally considered an adult in Canada. That’s why it’s not surprising that the gambling age in Canada is lower compared to its neighbor.

Final Thoughts

Canada Drinking And Gambling Age

If you are determined to start gambling in Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, make sure you are of legal gambling age, depending on the province or territory you’re in. Take a look at the list I’ve prepared for you in this article to get all the details on the legal gambling age in Canada.

Don’t forget to start with some of the easier casino games, like the ones I’ve mentioned in this article. Once you’re sure of your gambling skills, you’re ready to conquer the competitive gambling scene in Canada.

Remember to gamble responsibly, and good luck!