The online iGaming market is heating up within Canada’s provinces’ rush to legalise iGaming and create new markets for opportunity for both companies as well as players within the region. As both the US and Canada seek to expand these markets across various jurisdictions the whole eyes of the world are on them. Today we look at the current status of what’s happening in online gambling within each of the Canadian provinces as well as their territories.
Canada is split up into ten different provinces including Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Each of these different provinces has different rules regarding both physical gaming and gambling as well as online gaming and gambling avenues. There are also three distinct territories in Canada including Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. This makes it tricky for Canadians to determine what type of gambling they can do and where -which is why we have provided this helpful guide.
Do be aware that gambling regulations change quickly, so keep on top of all changes as best you can. The reality is, online gambling rules are ever evolving, which is why it’s important to be well-informed on the topic. This applies to both operators and players who have just discovered the joys of cashable no deposit codes in the province they reside.
Quebec
In Quebec, online gambling is legal and is especially accepted by the government run website Espacejeux. Sports betting online is also legal in this province.
Nova Scotia
Online gambling in Nova Scotia is limited to only video and ticket lotteries where players can purchase tickets online.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the Atlantic Lottery runs Pro-Line which is a sports betting operation where players can purchase their bets online.
Over in British Columbia. PlayNow Manitoba is the online business where players can seek out online gambling legally. Campbell’s also have the opportunity to purchase tickets online from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.
British Columbia
British Columbia has just one site where players can select from sports betting, lotto, poker, bingo, and online casino game. This gambling site is called PlayNow and is owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Prince Edward Island
Sports betting is allowed in Prince Edward Island, using the Pro-Line service to purchase tickets online.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Legalised online gaming is only available in Newfoundland and Labrador under the lottery system where tickets may be purchased online from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Alberta
Alberta has some of the most relaxed online gambling laws in Canada. Here, residents can gamble at online casinos and sports books within the province.
Ontario
Ontario is the latest problem province to allow both sports wagering as well as online casino gaming legally within its borders. This change came about in late 2021/2022.
Yukon
Online gambling in Yukon reflects the same standards as Alberta, where people are allowed to bet online at either an online sportsbook or casino.
Nunavut
Nunavut has an online lottery available to residents as well as having both online sports books and casinos to play at.
Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, It is legal to do sports betting online through the Sport Select brand. Likewise, online casinos are also legal within the Northwest Territories.
To the future
While not all Canadian provinces have legalised online gambling or have systems set up to manage these operations within their province, there are moves being made by various people in various places to have these pushed through in the near future. What is important is setting up these values and mechanisms correctly to ensure both the safety of players as well as benefits for the government within the province. Overseeing bodies should seek more mature markets such as the UK market for best practices on running online operations within licensee conditions.
Not available within your province?
Just because there are no province-run online casinos or sports books within your given province doesn’t mean that you’re not able to play online for real money. There are also offshore operators that can accept Canadian residents for play within their online casinos and sports books. Always check the terms and conditions of the online gaming house that you are playing at to determine whether you are able to both play and receive payouts.
