Most countries regulate gambling at a central level and have uniform rules within their borders, but Canada is an exception in this regard. The power to control which types of gambling are legal and how they must be administered is in the hands of the provincial authorities rather than the federal government. As a result, the approach to legal gambling has historically been drastically different from one province to another but with recent changes the policy is looking more balanced.
With such a fragmented legislative picture, it’s no wonder some players are confused regarding the legality of online gambling in their locations and other important issues. We will try to answer some of the most common questions about this topic in the light of the latest developments.
In Which Parts of Canada is Gambling Legal?
All Canadian provinces allow some form of gambling, but they diverge in numerous details. The most important difference is the minimum legal age – to be members of an online casino Alberta and Quebec residents must be at least 18 years old, but those living in most other provinces need to turn 19 before they can join. The status of online gambling is also subject to change depending on where you are at the moment, along with the offered games. Each of the provinces has a separate body tasked with overseeing gambling activities, as well as legal acts that govern what is permitted and what isn’t. The only way to be sure you are staying completely within the confines of the law is to check for the most recent report for the province where you are situated.
Who Can Offer Online Gambling Services in Canada?
Again, this is not the same for all provinces and territories. For example, in Newfoundland and Labrador only games administered by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation are permitted, while in Ontario you can play at a wide range of casino and sports betting sites. However, even Canadian websites must obtain a permission to operate in specific provinces directly from the local authority. Playing at offshore websites is explicitly permitted in some provinces, while some tolerate it informally. In all cases, gaming providers are expected to have valid licenses and to avoid offering any games that could be misleading to players.
Which Provinces Changed Their Gambling Laws in 2022?
The most recent round of legal changes in respect to gambling occurred in 2022, when Ontario and Nova Scotia amended their regulations. In both cases, this was done to allow online gambling to be directed to legal channels rather than shady operators. With these changes, now it’s possible to access online casinos and sports betting websites from all parts of Canada, which makes things easier for people who move around a lot. Ontario in particular quickly became a hotbed of the iGaming industry, issuing dozens of new licenses to online providers within a short timeframe, including some of the biggest international brands. This goes to show that liberalisation of the Canadian gambling market was long overdue, and that we could see a few more provinces enact new laws soon.
Which Province Has the Most Liberal Gambling Regulations?
The differences between individual provinces are often subtle, so there is no clear winner here. Historically speaking, Quebec has been one of the most gambling-friendly jurisdictions in Canada and has allowed some forms of wagering from the 1970s. It has a lower minimum age than most of the country and has recently greatly expanded the offer of available games. On the other hand, provinces such as British Columbia and Manitoba have more land based casinos than Quebec, and they are catching up when it comes to online play as well. With its large population and strong economy, Ontario could soon join the aforementioned provinces among the leaders in the nation.
What Taxes Apply to Gambling in Canadian Provinces?
While Canada doesn’t tax players who win at casino games or sports bets, the operators have to contribute to the provincial budget. All gambling operators licenced anywhere in Canada have to pay a corporate tax that starts at 15%, but their obligations don’t end there. Provinces also charge a gaming tax on top of it, with rates ranging from 8-12%. Furthermore, since some provincial governments participate in organisation of games of chance, they might be entitled to a share of the profits. Given the power of provinces to negotiate directly with the operators, tax arrangements are often fluid and subject to agreements with individual partners.
What is the Future of Gambling in Canada?
Canadians like to gamble, and they prefer to do it through legal means. That’s why the current trend towards greater availability of gambling services will probably continue into the foreseeable future. Lack of central authority slows down this process to a certain extent, but with the rising demand and positive economic impact it is logical to expect more provinces to modernise their views. In global terms, Canada is one of the fastest growing markets while also enjoying the reputation as one of the safest – a good sign for future progress.
