Canada Online Casino Laws in 2023 – Choosing Safe/Legal Sites
An Italian explorer John Cabot arrived in Canada in 1947 and, with him, brought playing cards. Locals used these cards for games such as Faro, blackjack and poker. Over time dice games such as barbotte quickly became Canadian favourites. The Canadian Criminal Code was enacted in 1892 and included laws regarding gambling. In 1910 betting was legalized for charities and religious venues. Although the rules were sketchy, throughout the 1900s, gambling got increasingly accepted as a national pastime.
Canada is home to many online casinos and land-based sites. Gambling was considered dodgy by many, and Gambling legislation was only legalized in 1970 when the Canadian government started taking an interest. In 1985 the government devolved the gambling laws to each province, and each manages its gambling regulations.
How to find a secure casino in Canada
This is probably one of the essential things you must do when deciding which online casino you want to join. When searching for a safe and secure online casino in Canada, you must first explore the site to determine its reliability. In addition, it must be registered and licensed with one of the reputable Igaming licensing providers.
However, we have done most of the hard work for you, and our top five online casinos listed below are all quality sites that you can play securely in Canada are the following:
Dunder Online Casino – #1 Safe Online Casino
SUMMARY
The operator has a three-part welcome bonus package on offer, exclusive to its Canadian players: 1st deposit — 200% match bonus up to $50 + 180 bonus spins on Book of Dead, 2nd deposit — 50% match bonus up to $150 and 3rd deposit — 25% match bonus up to $400,
Dunder online casino operates with a Malta Gaming License (MGA), and the site has grown in popularity since it opened in 2016. Dunder is where you must be if you are looking for top-notch security. The MGA operates out of Europe with strict rules and regulations; therefore, when you join Dunder, you can be sure of a secure and delightful experience. Both your money and financial details are going to be safe here. A 24/7 customer support team is on hand to assist with any queries. A great range of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, MuchBetter and iDebit, are offered for any deposits and withdrawals at the casino.
There are over 2750 games at Dunder online casino. The site constantly expands to offer you the best online gaming experience. Additionally, there is no sports section, so the site is purely for casino players. They have some fantastic games for you to try with excellent graphics and compatibility with mobile play. The powerhouses behind the online slots include some of the most esteemed software providers in the industry, including Netent, Microgaming and Red Tiger. The slots tab includes everything from scatters, high rollers, Christmas, Horror, Megaways, free spins, and many more. Or you could pop the game’s name into the search bar to find it instantly.
The live casino action aims to bring real-life casinos right to you in the comfort of your home or out and about if you prefer gambling on the go. The great optimization allows for superior gameplay, and the engaging croupiers will have a chat and keep you entertained. At the same time, you try Blackjack, Baccarat, Hold ’em, Roulette and Three Card Poker.
When you join, an enormous welcome bonus will get you up to $600 in bonus funds and fifty free spins on the Sweet Bonanza slot valued at 0.20 on your first deposit.
Casumo Online Casino – #2 Legal Online Casino
SUMMARY
Canadians are greeted by an amazing offer as soon as they visit the Casumo website. The welcome package consists of the following two bonuses: 100% match bonus up to $1,800 and 115 free spins.
Casumo also holds an MGA license, so the security here is also of the highest standard. When you decide to join Casumo, they guarantee your details will be in a safe and secure environment. The team works closely with the local organization and authorities for a responsible gaming experience. The site has been around since 2012, and they know what players want and have created the ultimate gambling adventure. You can contact the customer support team 24/7 via either email or for an instant response via live chat. Plenty of payment options exist, and you can withdraw in multiple currencies.
You will find nearly 4000 games at Casumo online casino spread across slots, table games (including a live casino) and Slingo. The layout is exceptional, and there are categories if you want something new or want to search via name. In addition, there are jackpots for life-altering sums of money, top slots, and daily must-drop jackpots.
Quickspin, Yggdrasil, Thunderkcik and Play’N Go are great names behind the slot range. The live casino offers all the regular games, including Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack and the ever-trendy game shows powered by Evolution Gaming. However, the highlight at Casumo online casino has to be the 100% welcome bonus for all new players of up to $300 on your first deposit and the bonus of 20 free spins on the Book of Dead slot. You only need to deposit a minimum of $10 to claim it, and the bonus and deposit require wagering of x30.
Gate777 Online Casino – #3 Safe Casino
SUMMARY
Players from Canada, welcome to Gate777 Casino, one of the world's busiest airports. Read the review of Gate777 online casino.
Gate777 is a fabulous online casino licensed by the MGA and has been around since 2018. Get ready to start a fantastic casino journey, as you will want to stay in this airport. It has earned a reputation as one of the safest and most secure sites, and the security is first-class. Multiple payment options offer fast payouts, including Skrill, Sofort, Visa and Neteller. Browse the FAQ section for common problems and answers; otherwise, contact one of the team via email or click on a tab to connect instantly to live chat and a real person.
Gate777 offers thousands of games with nearly 80 of the most prominent software developers powering them, such as Microgaming, Red Tiger, Push Gaming, Quickspin and Play’n Go. The vast selection will suit all tastes and budgets. You can choose all the classics, such as Baccarat, Roulette and Blackjack, for a fully immersive live experience and prepare for take-off. All this can happen from the comfort of your home with fun and experienced croupiers.
Starting your journey at Gate777 casino, you get welcomed aboard with a $1500 bonus and 150 extra free spins across your first three deposits. After that, deposit $20 and let them take care of the rest. Frequent flyers are always a priority here, and every day you make a deposit, you will receive a daily upgrade surprise.
JackpotCity Online Casino – #4 Legal Casino
SUMMARY
JackpotCity offers a hefty welcome offer for new customers in Canada, which helps it attract new players in the competitive Canadian market.
JackpotCity casino flung open its glitzy virtual doors in 1998. It holds a Malta Gaming License and is certified by eCOGRA, an independent testing agency for a secure playing venture. It utilizes all the top SSL encryption security procedures. The casino is modern but with a classic twist and offers the ultimate gaming experience. Multiple banking options include major bank cards, e-wallets and prepaid vouchers. The customer support team is there for you around the clock via live chat or email. The mobile casino design is impressive and glittery, with incredible graphics for taking with you wherever you are.
JackpotCity online casino has an extensive selection of over 500 top games full of innovative features and action with big payouts you can win on any spin. The software provider behind these ultimate slots is Microgaming, one of the top names in the industry. The immersive casino experience Vegas style comes with live dealers and is powered y Ezugi and Evolution Gaming.
Once you have opened your JackpotCity casino account, you are eligible for the welcome bonus of up to $600 on your first four deposits. Make sure you claim the bonus before depositing a minimum of $10 to activate it, and you must claim it within seven days of registration.
LeoVegas Online Casino – #5 Safe Casino Site
SUMMARY
LeoVegas features several welcome bonuses, the main one being the $1,000 first deposit bonus, on top of which you’ll get 200 free spins on the Book of Dead video slot.
LeoVegas came roaring onto the scene in 2011 and quickly became a top platform in the industry. It is based in Malta and licensed by the MGA and only offers players the best in security and safety. Playing at LeoVegas, your details will stay intact. The casino has won numerous awards due to its high-end site. There is also a sportsbook at this site for all sports enthusiasts where you can place your favourite bets. Again, there are excellent odds and a wide range of sports. The deposits and withdrawals get handled via Interac Online, iDebit, Much Better and Paysafecards. Unfortunately, LeoVegas doesn’t offer around-the-clock support. However, you can contact a team member between 08.00 a – 01.00 (CET-6).
Over 1700 top titles in the LeoVegas catalogue will suit all tastes. The leading software studios powering these include Betsoft, Playtech, NetEnt, Microgaming and Play’N Go. There are over 40 jackpots with life-transforming amounts to be won, including Mega Moolah which has paid out millions over the years. Over 100 live casino tables with exceptional, fully immersive gameplay. Of course, the usual favourites such as baccarat, games shows, and blackjack tables are ready to welcome you anytime.
The welcome bonus includes up to $1000 cash and 200 free spins on your first three deposits. After that, you must deposit a minimum of $10 and wager your deposit on any eligible slots, which you can find in the T&Cs. Once you have completed wagering, you can head to the promotions sections and claim your cash bonus. You can rinse and repeat this welcome offer three times in total.
Canadian Betting Agencies
The ten Canadian Betting Agencies that manage each province and ensure the security and safety of all players are the following:
- Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission;
- Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba;
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario;
- Alcohol and Gaming Authority Nova Scotia;
- Québec Gambling Commission Link and Kahnawake Gaming Commission;
- The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) – British Columbia;
- Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) – Newfoundland and Labrador;
- Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA);
- Prince Edward Island Gambling;
- New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation.
Criminal Code in Canada
Although it is legal to gamble in Canada, there are still a few instances of this code that get classed as gambling offences:
Section 201 – Anyone found to run betting premises or anyone in one will breach the law. This comes with up to a two-year sentence. However, there needs to be more clarification on whether online casino sites must abide by this rule.
Section 203 – If anyone gets found to place bets on someone else’s behalf, they will be found guilty. This offence also carries a two-year term.
Section 205 – This section dedicates itself to the games of chance and lotteries. Additionally, the Criminal Code of Canada has recently repealed this amendment.
Section 207 – This section relates to permitted lotteries. Provinces are allowed to manage the lottery alone or with another provincial government. The same rules apply to any charities or religious organizations. They can only offer these services if the revenue gets used for charities. A breach of this section carries a two-year sentence.
Final thoughts
Once you’ve found a safe and secure online casino and know the laws associated with your region, you’re ready to get started. All you have to do is sign up for an account, cash in your welcome bonus, and have fun.
However, if you know someone who has a gambling problem or you are struggling with one yourself, you should seek help from the following associations:
- ProblemGambling.ca – This site is packed full of valuable materials.
- CPGCB – At this site, you can receive education on problem gambling and also where to receive help
- KnowYourLimit.ca – This is an excellent site for all residents of Canada who think they may have a gambling problem and want help.
Safe Online Casinos FAQ
Must you pay taxes for gambling winnings?
The law state that recreational gamblers are not liable for any taxes on their winnings. The law sees it as a pastime, not constant employment. There are certain exceptions to this rule:
If you earn interest on any of your winnings, you must submit the amount on a T5 form.
Professional Canadian poker or other professional gamblers must file taxes to the Revenue Agency.
However, if you are unsure of the rules, always check with your local tax office or helpline, which will advise what your situation requires.
How do Canadian players know that their funds are safe?
If you are a Canadian online casino player, the first thing you should check before deciding which site to join is what licenses they hold. If the online casino holds a reputable license, it must abide by strict rules to ensure the security and safety of all its players. There should be regular audits. In addition, with eCOGRA approval, it will offer players extra peace of mind. Lastly, our team of gambling experts tested all our recommended casinos above. We can recommend them as secure platforms with the correct protections and where your funds will be safe.
Are online casino games fair?
Yes. Millions of players would not be global if they were unfair or cheated out of their winnings. All reputable online casinos use SSL Encryption software. It's that padlock you see in your web browser search bar. When you see it, you know the site has all the appropriate encryption. In addition, they use RNG (Random Number Generators), which means there can be no funny business or rigging of any games. So, when playing on these sites, you can also know that all your details are safe from hackers. Without all these protections in place for you, the casino would not be allowed to operate.
Do you have any comeback if you suspect unfair activity?
Yes, you do. As a first point of call, you can contact the Canadian Gaming Association and local governments. You can also contact ECOGRA or the licensing authority that regulates and oversees the site. Next, the site must demonstrate that they have not participated in any activities in breach of security accused of. If not, they will lose their license and the entire Canadian market.
Are online casinos in Canada legal and secure?
The Canadian government has introduced laws that allow each of the ten provinces to maintain and make decisions regarding online gambling in Canada. However, the government does not deem it a threat to its citizens, and it is widely seen as a victimless crime. In most instances, it is left up to citizens to use gambling platforms responsibly and securely. The local governments control revenue and also will allow sponsored online gambling.
Can you win by playing at online casinos?
Yes, of course, you can. There wouldn't be anyone playing if no money were available to be won. Online casinos are similar to brick-and-mortar, and you can win money at both. All slots have an inbuilt percentage of what the slots will pay out over time, known as the RTP. What it means is that the house will also have an edge. Say you play a slot with a 95% RTP over thousands and thousands of spins, the house will keep 5%, and the players will keep 100%. Each experience is different, some will win, and unfortunately, others will lose. However, remember to gamble safely and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.