Today, gambling is one of the most popular hobbies out there, with 60% of us in Canada admitting to enjoying a flutter or two. And it’s easy to see why. Now, there’s more choice than ever, with everything from AI poker rooms, live dealers to slots and the lure of great odds and some amazing sign-up bonuses. We are now more protected than ever, thanks to secure and robust security as read here, and we don’t need to part with our personal information or even our bank details in order to place a bet if we don’t want to.
But, how did we get here? To an industry worth over $20 billion CAD annually? This exploration will delve into the history and positive impact of gambling, showcasing how it has become an integral part of the Canadian social and economic fabric forever.
Indigenous Roots
The origins of gambling in Canada can be traced back to its indigenous peoples, who engaged in various games of chance and skill long before European settlers arrived. These games were not just about entertainment; they held cultural significance in that they often served as a means of communal bonding and as a part of spiritual rituals. These communities played games which the likes of lacrosse and dice games were derived from.
When Canada came under British rule in the late 15th century, there was a forced change in the societal perception of gambling. Soon all forms of gambling were illegal. The prohibition on games of chance continued: Even following Canada’s attainment of independence in 1867, gambling remained stigmatized. The Canadian Criminal Code, established in 1892, imposed a blanket ban on all gambling activities.
Charitable Gaming
However, as Canada began to modernise, so did its approach to gambling – albeit slowly. In the late 19th century, charitable gaming emerged as a way to fundraise as a way to fund certain community initiatives. Bingo and raffles allowed Canadians to engage in gambling activities – all the while contributing to worthy causes. It was this spirit of philanthropy intertwined with the thrill of gaming that helped to create a marked association between gambling and community betterment.
The 1960s & Legalization
It wouldn’t be until the 1960s that the tides were turned with the decriminalization of certain forms of betting. As provincial governments sought to regulate and capitalize on the industry, lotteries became a popular avenue for revenue generation. At last, gambling was out of the shadows. This legalisation began to pave the way for the safe and controlled betting environments that Canadians enjoy today.
Casino Renaissance
However, the real transformation of the Canadian gambling landscape occurred in the late 20th century when provinces began establishing casinos. Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in Ontario, Casino de Montréal in Quebec, and the iconic Casino Rama in Ontario exemplify this era of growth and development. These world-class establishments offered a stunningly large amount of games but they also served as entertainment hubs, with live concerts, shows, and some decent dining options. This casino renaissance did a lot to bolster Canada’s tourism appeal, which in turn, also contributed significantly to local economies, providing jobs and injecting funds into vital public services.
Online Gambling Revolution
By the dawn of the new millennium, some were placing their bets via a rather primitive internet. Despite the feared advent of Y2K, the convenience of accessing a host of casino games from the comfort of your own home meant the industry would never quite be the same again. And, as of 2024, Canadian online casinos which are regulated and controlled by provincial governments have become extremely popular, offering a secure and enjoyable gaming experience, whether in-person at a good old traditional brick-and-mortar casino, on a computer, or mobile device at home or on the go. And by 2021, the very last restricted form of gambling, sports betting, was fully legalised.
Today, the governance of gambling is decentralized, meaning that individual provinces and territories have the authority to regulate and supervise gambling endeavors within their boundaries. As such, this approach has led to to variations in gambling laws and regulations throughout the nation. Each province and territory generally maintains its regulatory body, responsible for overseeing both land-based and online gambling activities. The legal age for gambling always falls between the ages of 18 to 19 years.
Conclusion
The history and impact of gambling in Canada tells a story of evolution, from the more primitive, indigenous games to showstopping modern casino resorts and stunning online platforms including slots, poker, esports, sports betting and so much more. Today, gambling has become an integral part of Canada’s social and economic fabric, contributing to entertainment, tourism, and community development. And as Canada continues to embrace the brilliance and fun of gambling, the industry’s future promises to be an exciting chapter in our nation’s ongoing narrative of progressive dynamism.
