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Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Mary

Canadian Provinces – Gambling Laws

Canada provinces

Canada is quite known for amazing landscapes, multicultural cities, and friendly citizens. We have a very beautiful country, my fellow Canadians, don’t we?

But that’s not all! The country is also known for its diverse legal landscape when it comes to online gambling.

If you’re interested in a specific province and want to know your options, stay on. We’ll discuss each one and offer you some insights.

Alberta

If you’re from Alberta, you should know that online gambling is allowed through PlayAlberta.ca, which is operated by the AGLC. There are many games available on this platform including slots, table games and lottery products.

As for offshore online gambling sites – they may not be banned per se but aren’t regulated either, so players are pretty much on their own if they decide to try them out.

British Columbia

In 2010 BC became the first Canadian province to launch an online gambling site called PlayNow.com. This platform offers various types of gambling such as casino games, sports betting or lottery tickets. However, those who don’t like it can play freely at foreign (offshore) sites without any restrictions.

Manitoba

Manitoba has teamed up with British Columbia and uses their PlayNow.com platform. Players from this province can choose between playing there or going with foreign sites that accept Canadians.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick doesn’t have a province-specific online gambling site but they have shown interest in developing one. For now though residents usually turn to offshore websites which are accessible but not regulated by any provincial authorities.

Newfoundland and Labrador

There isn’t an online casino per se, but Newfoundlanders do have access to some games via ALC’s website where you can buy lottery tickets and play a few more games. The offshore sites option also remains valid.

Nova Scotia

Just like other Atlantic provinces Nova Scotia doesn’t offer any regulated local options when it comes to brick-and-mortar establishments or dedicated province-based gambling sites. However, ALC does provide some online games and lottery products to local residents. Offshore gambling sites are also accessible.

Ontario

The province of Ontario has recently introduced their own regulated iGaming Ontario platform in 2022 which will allow private operators to apply for licenses.

This creates one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in Canada as all bases are pretty much covered by this point – however offshore sites might still be attractive due to their long-standing presence and wider game selection compared to local offerings.

Prince Edward Island

PEI doesn’t have a dedicated online casino, either, but you can play games offered by the ALC just like in other Atlantic provinces. Alternatively, there are always those unregulated offshore operators!

Quebec

Quebec has had its own online casino site called Espacejeux since 2010, which offers various types of gambling, such as casino games, poker, etc., while also having an option for sports betting! Although illegal according to Canadian law, some offshore operators do accept players from Québec.

Saskatchewan

PlayNow.com was recently launched in Saskatchewan thanks to Manitoba, BC & BC Lottery Corp’s partnership, which ensures residents have access to a safe, regulated environment for playing online slots or any other type of casino game they desire. Of course some people might still prefer going with unregulated offshore casinos instead!

Summary of Online Gambling Laws in Canadian Provinces

Canada’s approach to online gambling is highly decentralized, with each province responsible for its own regulatory framework.

Here’s a brief summary:

  • Alberta: Controlled by means of PlayAlberta.ca; unregulated offshore sites available.
  • British Columbia: Controlled by means of PlayNow.com; not regulated offshore sites allowed.
  • Manitoba: Regulated through PlayNow.com; the availability of unregulated offshore sites is yet to be done.
  • New Brunswick: No platform created for the province; but there are accessible offshore sites.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: ALC has limited online offerings, and offshore sites are accessible but no regulations available for them.
  • Nova Scotia: Online offerings via ALC are limited, and offshore sites are accessible but unregulated in this regard as well.
  • Ontario: Managed by iGaming Ontario, which is licensed for private operators who find it less attractive to work with offshore sites.
  • Prince Edward Island: Limited online offerings via ALC exist, and so does the accessibility of unregulated off-shore websites
  • Quebec: Espacejeux regulates Quebec’s efforts were made towards blocking out-of-country/international platforms (offshore).
  • Saskatchewan: Controlled by means of PlayNow.com which leaves them open to access from anywhere in the world without regulation.