Gambling Laws in Canada

The nation of Canada is a unique blend of natural beauty and urban modernity. From the frozen tundra of Nunavut to the steel and glass skyscrapers of Toronto, the world’s second-largest country in terms of total area has a lot to brag about. This sense of national pride also applies to their robust gaming industry, as well as the gambling laws created to keep it running efficiently.

While other nations across the planet swing wildly from one extreme to the other on the question of gambling, the citizens and lawmakers of Canada have managed to take an even-handed approach despite the allure of easy money. In most cases, the laws remain flexible while still keeping the welfare of the public in mind at all times.

In this report, it’s my goal to provide you with an overview of the gambling laws in Canada, specifically as they apply to various forms of gaming. I’ll also include additional statistics and factoids in order to add a greater layer of depth and distinguish this document from those of a similar nature.

Please keep in mind, however, that I am not a lawyer. The legal landscape of gambling in any nation can change rapidly, so even the most well-intentioned information can become outdated within a short span of time. If you want to be cautious, it’s always best to consult with an attorney or email a government agency directly before embarking on the life of a high-rolling Canadian gambler.

Illegal Gambling in Canada

Several decades ago, illegal gambling in Canada was largely the domain of organized crime. And since most forms of gambling were outlawed throughout the country prior to 1970, these unsavory individuals had plenty of chances to ply their trade.

That slowly began to change in 1970, when certain previously-illegal gaming activities were made accessible to the average citizen. Another major leap took place in 1985, when provinces and territories were given the right to oversee activities such as slots, charitable gaming, and lotteries.

While modern organized crime figures still rely on illegal gambling as a primary source of revenue, the practice has also been adopted by a more tech-savvy generation of independent crooks. In either case, these unscrupulous individuals bilk customers, rig sporting events, and avoid paying their fair share of taxes. This has resulted in a greater burden for city and provincial law enforcement, as well as national organizations such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The Criminal Code of Canada deals with a wide array of illegal gambling offenses, but the following are the most common:

• Section 201 – Includes a large number of offenses, but the most common involves keeping a common gaming or betting house.
• Section 202 – Deals with illegal betting, book-making, and pool-selling.
• Section 206 – Offenses related to lotteries and other games of chance.
• Section 209 – Cheating at games of chance with the intent to defraud either the customer or house.

In July of 2010, the above offenses were adjusted in the Criminal Code to be considered “serious offenses.” Under the laws of Canada, a serious offense is indictable under the code or act of Parliament, and the federal government doesn’t need to bring the matter before Parliament as an amendment to the existing legislation.

While some serious offenses within Canada carry a maximum prison term of five years, gambling-related offenses often fall significantly short of this mark. Most are limited to two years imprisonment, while an offense such as knowingly keeping a common betting house is limited to no more than six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

When compared to their neighbor to the south, Canada has rather lenient gambling laws. This is in keeping with their desire to be a more progressive nation, reserving long stretches of prison time for crimes such as murder and rape.

This certainly applies to major gaming operations such as land-based casinos, but it also applies to charitable options such as bingo and raffles.

Online gambling often falls into something of a grey area. Canadian law doesn’t prohibit the practice of betting via the Internet, but it does require a service to be licensed or owned by a provincial government in order to be considered legal. This hasn’t prevented over 1,000 unlicensed offshore sites from offering their services to Canadian citizens.

One case of prosecution involving online gambling came when British Columbia went after Delaware-based Starnet Communications International and forced them to forfeit almost $4 million in revenue. Another example occurred in 2013, when Ontario authorities conducted 10 raids, charged 19 people, and seized more than $2 million in funds from users of Platinum Sports Book.

Luckily, despite all this, there are still plenty of safe online gambling sites for Canadian players. Casumo is currently our most trusted site for Canadian vistors. If you haven’t already, check them out today!

Gambling in the Provinces

The nation of Canada is divided into 10 provinces, including the following: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Colombia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Each province is a self-governing entity, with power granted to the various lieutenant governors by the federal government, and any major changes in this relationship require an alternation to the nation’s constitution.

In this section, we’ll examine the current gambling laws in each of the nation’s 10 provinces, especially as they relate to the average citizen.

Gambling Laws in Ontario

Ontario has the highest population of all Canadian provinces, and over 90% of residents in Southern Ontario are within a one-hour drive of a legal gaming establishment. Considering this last fact, it should come as no surprise that a 2011 poll found that 82.9% of adults within the province had admitted to gambling at least once during the calendar year. If you want to be included in a future percentage, give one of these legal forms of gambling a try:

• Casinos

  Over 25 land-based casinos are active in Ontario, and these range from privately-owned entities to charitable locations run by the government.

• Slot Machines

  In addition to casinos, slots may be found at racetracks and other select locations. There are more of these gaming devices in Ontario than any other province in Canada.

• Horse Racing

  Quarter horse, Standardbred, and thoroughbred racing is available at racetracks from Ottawa to Fort Erie. These tracks enjoyed great success when slot machines were added in 1998, but their withdrawal by the government in 2013 has resulted in a massive downturn.

• Sports Betting

  Players may use the Pro-Line service to wager on multiple types of sports through the Internet or land-based lottery centers. At least two games must be wagered on, although the customer can choose from a number of betting options such as the point spread or over/under.

• Lottery

  In addition to national lottery drawings, residents can take part in provincial drawings that are administered by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Ontario boasts one of the largest lottery networks in North America, and in 2011 their fiscal revenue was in excess of $3 billion.

• Charitable Gaming

  This includes raffles and bingo. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation oversees licensing of such games, and they also manage a number of eBingo websites. Along with various lottery games, bingo generates the largest amount of gaming revenue for Ontario.

Gambling Laws in Quebec

Quebec has been offering legal games of chance since 1970, and the available options have continued to grow over the decades. If you find yourself in this predominantly French-speaking province, here are the most readily available forms of legal gambling:

• Casinos

  Quebec currently has nine land-based casinos, and these are popular with both locals and neighboring residents in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. All activities are overseen by the Quebec Alcohol, Racing, and Gaming Commission.

• Horse Racing

  Only one race track currently exists in the state, and it primarily offers harness racing. In addition to placing wagers at the track, bettors can also pick their favorite ponies at several off-track facilities.

• Lottery

  A wide range of lottery games are offered, from Lotto Max and Quebec Extra to Tout ou Rien. Drawings are held on a daily basis, and the lottery represents the oldest form of legal gambling within Quebec.

• Online Gambling

  Residents can play at any online site that’s willing to accept them, including the government-owned Espacejeux. This may soon change, however, as the Quebec government has announced plans to block any online gaming site that’s not approved and licensed by Loto-Quebec.

• Sports Betting

  Legal residents of Quebec can wager on sports teams or individual athletes through a game known as Mise-O-Jeu. Players can wager on two to eight options, although all picks must be successful in order to receive a payout. Wagers can be made online or at participating locations such as convenience stores.

• Video Lottery Terminals

  Quebec was one of the last provinces to offer video lottery terminals. In 1994, it was estimated that over 40,000 illegal machines were in operation within the province. That number has dropped substantially since over 12,000 VLTs have been legally placed in select brasseries, bars, and gaming hall complexes.

• Bingo & Charitable Gaming

  From bingo and Kinzo to raffles, all charitable gaming within the province is regulated and licensed by Loto-Quebec.

Gambling Laws in Nova Scotia

The second-smallest province in Canada in terms of area, Nova Scotia is known for agriculture and fishing. They also have a respectable gaming scene, with 87% of adults playing games of chance at least once a year (for an average annual expenditure of $609). The following forms of legal gaming are available throughout the province:

• Lottery & Charitable Gaming

  Video and ticket lotteries, as well as other charitable games such as bingo, fall under the domain of the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Tickets can be purchased online or from over 1,000 retailers throughout the province.

• Casinos

  There are two land-based casinos in Nova Scotia, and both are government owned. Casino Nova Scotia has locations in Halifax and Sydney, and both facilities offer traditional slots and table games. The average payback percentage for slots, as reported by the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation, is 92%.

• Horse Racing

  Three legal horse racing tracks are currently available in Nova Scotia: Inverness Raceway, Northside Downs, and Truro Raceway. A handful of teletheatres are also available for those who want to bet but can’t make it to the track.

• Sports Betting

  The Atlantic Lottery Corporation uses the Pro-Line system to allow residents to wager on sports. A minimum of two athletes or teams must be wagered on in parlay fashion, and this is common throughout the nation. Customers must be 19 or older in order to participate.

• Online Gambling

  The province offers no gaming sites of their own, but residents can still seek out thousands of offshore casinos and sportsbooks without fear of legal troubles.

• Video Lottery Terminals

  There are over 2,700 VLTs in Nova Scotia at more than 300 licensed retailers. The average prize payout ranges from 93% to 95% of the total wagers. Legal games are only found in age-restricted locations such as bars and liquor stores.

Gambling Laws in New Brunswick

Even though the population of the province stands at less than one-million, residents have a wide range of legal gambling activities to choose from. These include:

• Video Lottery Terminals

  In 1990, New Brunswick became the first province to introduce video lottery terminals. The minimum payback percentage required by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is 80%. Almost all of the province’s 2,000 machines, however, have a 93% payout.

• Casinos

  The only casino in the province is located in Moncton, and it contains an assortment of slots, table games, and poker.

• Horse Racing

  Permanent racetracks are located in Saint John and Fredericton, while the Great Western Fair circuit brings the excitement of racing to various regions of the province on a rotating basis. As of 2015, off-track betting facilities were available in Dieppe and Quispamsis.

• Online Gambling

  Residents can choose from a large number of offshore casinos and sportsbooks, although none of these are regulated by the government. In recent years, New Brunswick has openly discussed the idea of launching their own casino website in the mold of Manitoba and British Columbia.

• Sports Betting

  The Atlantic Lottery oversees Pro-Line, a parlay-style sports betting game that can be purchased online or through hundreds of licensed dealers.

• Lottery

  Lottery tickets can be legally purchased at over 900 land-based dealers. Drawings and payouts are conducted by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

• Charitable Gaming

  Over 800 charitable licenses are currently issued to non-profit organizations within the province. Raffles are the most common, although bingo remains the most popular gambling activity among adults 65 or older.

Gambling Laws in Manitoba

Gambling is legal in this western Canadian province, and activities are overseen by the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (which was created in 2014 by combining the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission). Residents and visitors can enjoy the following legal forms of gambling within the borders of the province:

• Online Gambling

  After British Columbia enjoyed success with a government-owned gaming website, Manitoba adopted the same business model in 2013. While over 1,000 unlicensed casinos and sportsbooks are available from offshore operators, PlayNow Manitoba is the only one operating within the borders of the province.

• Casinos

  Manitoba has a mixture of government-owned and First Nations casinos. Winnipeg has two of these facilities, and both are owned by the provincial government.

• Horse Racing

  Both thoroughbred and Standardbred races are conducted in the province, and Assiniboia Downs is the only permanent track for such events. Winnipeg has several off-track betting facilities, and both live and simulcast events are overseen by the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission.

• Lottery

  The Western Canada Lottery Corporation offers lottery tickets and scratch-off cards. These can be purchased online or at licensed retailers such as convenience stores.

• Charitable Gaming

  Not-for-profit organizations within Manitoba can apply for a license to conduct one of the following forms of charitable gaming: bingo, raffles, breakopen, Monte Carlo, Calcutta auction, sports draft, and Texas Hold’em poker tournament.

• Sports Betting

  The Sport Select system allows players to wager up to $250 per day on two or more sporting event outcomes. The minimum age to play is 19, and participants can choose from options such as props, pools, and over/unders.

• Video Lottery Terminals

  These games of chance are confined to VLT lounges throughout the province and overseen by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. The three most popular versions of the game are spinning reel, poker, and keno.

Gambling Laws in British Colombia

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has been offering gaming to BC residents for more than three decades, and the available gaming options have continued to grow over the years. Whether you live in British Columbia or neighboring U.S. states such as Oregon and Washington, here are the legal forms of available gaming:

• Lottery

  The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has been offering government sanctioned games since 1985. Players must be 19 or older to buy a ticket, and winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize.

• Horse Racing

  Fraser Downs is the only active track in BC. For those who don’t want to drive to Surrey, off-track simulcasts can also be enjoyed at over 15 locations throughout the province.

• Casinos

  There are over 15 casinos within the province, with a single facility belonging to the First Nations. The largest in terms of gaming space is Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, and it contains 1,000 slots, 70 table games, a poker room, and 8 baccarat tables in a high-limit room.

• Charitable Gaming

  Non-profit organizations may apply for a license to conduct one of the following charitable events: ticket raffles, bingo, poker, wheel of fortune, and social occasion casinos.

• Online Gambling

  The only regulated and entirely legal gambling site in BC is PlayNow, which is owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Launched in 2004, the site contains sports betting, lottery, bingo, poker, and casino games.

• Sports Betting

  Tickets are available in convenience stores and other licensed locations. Players must wager on at least two games, and most contests require a 100% winning percentage in order to receive a payout.

Gambling Laws in Prince Edward Island

Consisting of one major island and 231 smaller ones, Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada. The Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission has been overseeing gaming in the region since its creation in 1976. Even though the province consistently has one of the lowest gambling rates, the following types of gaming are offered:

• Sports Betting

  The Pro-Line service allows anyone 19 or older to make parlay bets on various sporting events. Tickets may be purchased online or at licensed land-based retailers.

• Lottery

  The provincial lottery is operated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

• Horse Racing

  There are two race tracks on Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway. Unfortunately, there are no off-track betting facilities currently in operation.

• Video Lottery Terminals

  In 2003, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation became the sole VLT operator for Prince Edward Island. In 2008, an initiative was enacted to reduce video lottery sites by 50% and the number of terminals by 20%. In 2014, there were 268 terminals at 39 sites, and rules were relaxed to allow these devices to operate every day of the week.

• Charitable Games

  Non-profit organization can apply for a license to conduct charitable games such as bingo, raffles, and lottery-style contests.

• Online Gambling

  Offshore gambling is unregulated, but it remains available to any PEI resident who can locate a site willing to accept their patronage.

• Casino

  The only legal casino is actually a “racino,” as it combines harness racing and casino-style gaming. Blackjack, poker, and slots are available, and anyone over the age of 19 can take part.

Gambling Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador

Located in the easternmost section of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador allows most forms of gambling within its borders. The most notable exception is land-based casinos, although First Nations tribes do have the right to open their own facilities. The following forms of gambling are currently legal within the province:

• Charitable Gaming

  Charitable gaming such as raffles and bingo are overseen throughout the province by the Department of Government Services, and over 3,800 charitable licenses are currently in use.

• Lottery

  Managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, this provincial lottery offers top jackpots ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Tickets may be purchased online or at one of over 1,000 licensed retailers.

• Horse Racing

  St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre is the only legal horse racing track currently operating in Newfoundland. In addition to live racing, patrons can also take advantage of simulcasting facilities to enjoy races from other Canadian tracks, as well as annual events such as the Kentucky Derby. This form of entertainment is co-regulated by Standardbred Canada and the Canadian Pari-mutuel Agency.

• Video Lottery Terminals

  Overseen by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, more than 2,000 of these devices are present at 500 age-restricted retailers across the province. The minimum payout percentage is set at 80%, while the more generous machines have a maximum of 93%.

• Online Gaming

  Since land-based casinos are currently banned in the province, numerous citizens turn to the Internet to get their gaming fix. While no sportsbooks or virtual casinos are located in Newfoundland, there are over 1,000 offshore sites willing to accept players.

• Sports Betting

  The Pro-Line service offers parlay sports wagering to anyone who meets the minimum age of 19 (which is also the legal drinking age in Canada). Tickets can be purchased for as little as $2, while the maximum daily wager is capped at $250.

Gambling Laws in Saskatchewan

According to a study conducted by Statistics Canada, residents of Saskatchewan spend more per household on gambling than any other province. If you happen to be a citizen of this sunniest part of Canada, here are the legal gaming pastimes currently available:

• Video Lottery Terminals

  These machines have been present in the province since 1993. A cap of 4,000 machines has been set, and there were 3,991 at 620 sites as of March 2015. Revenue from the games goes to the government’s General Revenue Fund. For 2014-15, the provincial net income from VLTs was $179.6 million.

• Charitable Gaming

  Any not-for-profit organization may apply with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for a license to conduct bingo or raffles.

• Casinos

  The province has six casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, as well as two more operated by the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation. In the case of First Nations casinos, revenue is split between the First Nations Trust, the government’s General Revenue Fund, and Community Development Corporations.

• Lottery

  This form of gambling has been available in the province since 1974. Operated by Saskatchewan Lotteries, proceeds are used to fund more than 12,000 groups.

• Sports Betting

  Sports Select offers legal parlay betting on the following sports: baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and soccer. Wagers generally range from $2 to $100.

• Online Gambling

  While online gaming providers are prohibited from being based in the province, offshore sportsbooks and casinos are still free to offer their services to residents.

• Horse Racing

  There are three legal tracks operating in the province, although the West Meadows Raceway was forced to temporarily halt business in 2014. A few provincial teletheatres also exist, allowing patrons to take advantage of off-track betting facilities.

Gambling Laws in Alberta

The largest of the Prairie Provinces in terms of population, Alberta has a long tradition of sports and gambling. They receive over 4% of their budget from gambling revenue, which is more than any other province in the nation. Unfortunately, a 2013 study showed that half the revenue came from problem gamblers, which means the province has a long way to go in terms of identifying and treating gambling addiction. Some of the most popular legal forms of gaming in Alberta include the following:

• Horse Racing

  Legal horse racing is available in Alberta at the following: Alberta Downs, Century Downs, and Northlands Park. In addition, 15 teletheatres are also available in such diverse locations as Leduc and Peace River.

• Video Lottery Terminals

  Managed by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, these devices are located at age-restricted, liquor-licensed facilities across the province. Retailers are limited to 10 machines, while gaming centers can have from 15 to 30. Over 6,000 are currently in operation.

• Sports Betting

  The Sport Select service allows players to wager on two or more games in parlay style. No more than $250 in wagers can be made per day.

• Casinos

  Over 25 casinos are located in Alberta. Most of these are charitable operations, which means the casino splits the profits with various charities throughout the region. A couple of government-owned casinos are also present, as well as a handful that are operated by the First Nations.

• Online Gambling

  Residents of Alberta can gamble at online casinos and sportsbooks without any limitations.

• Lottery

  Drawings occur daily and are overseen by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.

• Charitable Gaming

  In addition to most of the casinos in the province, Alberta also offers legal charitable gaming such as bingo and pull tickets to qualified non-profit groups.

Gambling in the Territories

In addition to the provinces, Canada includes the territories of Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. These areas are smaller in terms of overall population (a combined 107,265 in May 2011), and they are largely administered by the federal government. To many Canadian residents and foreigners, this entire region is simply known as “The North.”

In this section, we’ll look at the gambling laws of Canada as they apply to each territory. While opportunities for legal games of chance are rare in these regions, they still exist if you know where to look.

Gambling Laws in the Yukon

With a sparse population of just over 34,000, the Yukon is not known as the gambling center of Canada. A few legal opportunities do exist, however, especially for those living in and around the territorial capitol of Whitehorse.

• Charitable Gaming

  Under the law of the Yukon, only non-profit groups are allowed to host charitable gambling events as a fundraising method. These groups must first be approved by the Registrar of Lotteries, and they must also obtain a license for bingo, raffle, or lottery. In addition to giving away money, lotteries and raffles in this territory are also known for giving away meat and other forms of food.

• Lottery

  The Western Canada Lottery Association gives Yukon residents the opportunity to win millions of dollars through the purchase of a single ticket.

• Three-Day Casinos

  Permanent casinos are not allowed in the Yukon, although temporary gaming establishments may be permitted for no more than three days at a time. These events require a casino license, and they can only be conducted by a religious or charitable not-for-profit organization. Games such as blackjack, roulette, and wheels of fortune are permitted, and all patrons must be at least 19 years of age to participate.

  The only semi-exception to this rule is Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. This Dawson City landmark holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest casino, and it operates during the months of May through September. All proceeds are invested back into the town, making it a permanent not-for-profit structure. Available games include roulette, poker, blackjack, and slots.

• Sports Betting

  Legal sports betting is available through a service known as Sport Select, allowing residents to wager on their favorite CFL or NHL teams (among others). Options such as futures and over/unders are available, although the customer is always required to make a parlay bet on two or more teams.

• Online Gambling

  Residents can legally place bets over the Internet, whether it involves an online sportsbook or casino. It doesn’t matter if the provider is located within Canada or at an offshore location.

Gambling Laws in Nunavut

Nunavut is the newest and least populated territory in Canada, and the capitol of Iqaluit only has slightly more than 7,000 inhabitants. Despite its remote location and harsh weather conditions, the region offers a surprising number of legal gambling options to its citizens. While each of the following are legal under Yukon law, keep in mind that the limited population might prevent all of these options from being continuously available.

• Video Lottery Terminals & Slots

  These free-standing games of chance with random number generators can sometimes be found in bars and taverns throughout Nunavut.

• Charitable Gaming

  This applies to bingo, pull-tickets, poker tournaments, raffles, and temporary casino-style gaming. Residents must be at least 16 to play pull-ticket games, and charitable casinos must cease operation by 2am on Monday through Friday and midnight on Saturday. For Texas Hold’em tournaments, the maximum entry fee per player is limited to $100.

• Lottery

  Residents can play the national lottery conducted by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers or through the official online site.

• Sports Betting

  Despite a complete absence of professional, semi-pro, or collegiate sports teams, Nunavut residents may wager on everything from basketball to American football courtesy of Sport Select. This service is available online and at select retailers, and it allows customers to choose from props, pools, point spreads, over/unders, and several more options. A minimum of two games must be wagered on for any given ticket, and all selections must be correct in order for the player to receive a payout.

• Online Gambling

  Just like in other parts of the nation, Internet gambling is legal within the borders of Nunavut. This applies to both online sportsbooks and casinos, although those in more remote locations may have to struggle with a lack of Internet service.

• Horse Racing

  While this sport is allowed in Nunavut, there are no permanent tracks or regularly-scheduled events within the territory.

• Private Wagers between Residents

  This is one of the most common forms of gambling due to the small size of the territory, and private wagers between adults are not subject to government regulations.

Gambling Laws in the Northwest Territories

The most populous of the three Canadian territories, the NWT is comprised primarily of Aboriginal peoples. The climate is harsh by most standards, ranging from polar to subarctic. But despite unpleasant weather conditions and differing cultural backgrounds, gambling and games of chance are still popular with local residents.

According to territorial law, the following pastimes are currently legal within the Northwest Territories:

• Lottery Games

  This category includes casino-style lotteries, bingo, raffles, and Nevada or pull-tickets. These may only be conducted by non-profit organizations, and a license is required before they can be legally offered. All lottery games within the territory are regulated by the department of Municipal and Community Affairs, although they are also an associate member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.

• Land-based Casinos

  There are no laws prohibiting land-based casinos in the Northwest Territories. Despite this fact, there seems little interest in building such a facility due to the low population and remote location.

• Sports Betting

  Governed by the NWT Lotteries, this form of gambling is legally available online or at land-based retailers through the Sport Select brand. Players can wager on the results on most major sporting events and choose from a variety of options such as over/under and point spread. A maximum of $250 can be wagered at a single location per day, and each ticket must be in the form of a parlay (which requires the customer to correctly predict the outcome of two or more events).

• Online Gambling

  From online sportsbetting to virtual casinos, all forms of Internet gaming can be legally enjoyed by the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Conclusion

Canada is a diverse country that promotes the celebration of various cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds. The same can be said of their gambling landscape, as a wide range of gaming pastimes are legally available throughout the nation’s 10 provinces and three territories.

Charitable and online gambling are two of the most common, with the former providing much-needed income for non-profit organizations such as churches. The latter is available throughout the country with few regulations, which marks a distinct difference between Canada and the heavily-regulated Internet gaming climate of the United States.

Casinos are also prevalent and legal throughout the nation, especially in southern provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. These come in all shapes in sizes, from those owned by First Nations tribes to establishments operated by the Canadian government. In addition to local residents, casinos near the U.S. border also draw a sizeable number of foreign patrons.

Unlike the United States, sports betting is widely available throughout the provinces and territories of Canada. However, this form of gambling is commonly limited to parlay bets, requiring customers to successfully wager on two or more games in order to receive a cash payout.

Ultimately, the nation of Canada seems to have found a perfect approach to conducting legal gambling within its borders. Most forms of gaming are allowed, although reasonable laws and regulations exist to keep the hobby from becoming a detriment to its citizenry. While no system is perfect, the model conducted by the lawmakers in the Great White North stands as a shining example for all other nations.