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Canada Gambling Laws: Federal vs Provincial
- Canada Gambling Laws: Federal vs Provincial
Author: Edjona
Updated: 6 August, 2025
Canada has a unique legal framework when it comes to gambling. At first glance, it might appear to be federally regulated. However, the actual power lies with the provinces. The Criminal Code of Canada defines gambling as illegal unless conducted under the authority of a province. This decentralized model has created a diverse gambling landscape that varies across the country. From Ontario's open iGaming market to Quebec's state-run monopoly, Canadians face very different rules depending on where they live.
For readers looking to understand which platforms are legally accessible and how provincial laws apply to them, Casinoble is a reliable source that evaluates online casinos based on regional compliance. In this blog, we will explore the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial governments, highlight major provincial regulations, and include a comparative table for clarity.
Federal Gambling Laws in Canada
At the national level, gambling is governed by the Criminal Code of Canada, specifically Section 207, Part VII. This section declares most forms of gambling illegal unless managed by a provincial government or its agent. The federal government does not operate casinos or online gambling platforms. Instead, its role is to set legal boundaries and enforce compliance.
The federal government legalized single-event sports betting with the passing of Bill C-218 in August 2021. This was a major milestone, giving provinces the freedom to offer bets on individual sporting events, rather than just parlays.
In summary, the federal government:
- Criminalizes unauthorized gambling
- Allows provinces to license, operate, and regulate gambling
- Legalized single-event sports betting via Bill C-218
Provincial Gambling Laws in Canada
Every Canadian province has its own gambling authority and legislation. Here are key highlights from major provinces:
Ontario
- Regulators: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario
- Legal Model: Open licensing system for private operators
- Online Platform: No single platform; private operators like BetMGM and FanDuel are licensed
- Age Requirement: 19+
Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market in April 2022, allowing private companies to offer online gambling under provincial oversight. This model makes Ontario the most competitive province in Canada for iGaming.
Quebec
- Regulators: Loto-Québec and RACJ
- Legal Model: Government monopoly
- Online Platform: Espacejeux.com
- Age Requirement: 18+
Quebec maintains tight control over online gambling. It is one of the few provinces actively trying to block access to unlicensed offshore sites.
British Columbia
- Regulators: British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch
- Online Platform: PlayNow.ca
- Age Requirement: 19+
BCLC runs both land-based and online gambling. While private operators aren’t allowed, the province has a full-featured online casino.
Alberta
- Regulator: Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC)
- Online Platform: PlayAlberta.ca
- Age Requirement: 18+
Alberta has a centralized platform for online gambling, operated by AGLC. It also permits limited First Nations casino operations.
Saskatchewan
- Regulators: Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS), Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA)
- Online Platform: SIGA-powered PlayNow variant
- Age Requirement: 19+
Saskatchewan launched its online gambling platform in partnership with SIGA in 2023. The model supports indigenous operations while maintaining provincial oversight.
Manitoba
- Regulators: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) and Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGCA)
- Online Platform: PlayNow.com
- Age Requirement: 19+
Manitoba shares the PlayNow platform with British Columbia and offers various forms of legal gambling, including lotteries, casinos, and VLTs.
Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to note that each province has built its regulatory framework based on distinct goals. While some prioritize generating revenue through government-run platforms, others focus on fostering a competitive market with private operators. These differences lead to unique user experiences, availability of gambling products, and enforcement levels. The following table summarizes these provincial distinctions at a glance.
Comparative Table
| Province / Level | Regulator(s) | Online Gambling Platform | Private Operators Allowed? | Single-Event Sports Betting? | Legal Age |
| Canada (Federal) | Criminal Code | None | Provinces decide | Yes (Bill C-218) | N/A |
| Ontario | AGCO & iGaming Ontario | Licensed private sites | Yes | Yes | 19 |
| Quebec | Loto-Québec & RACJ | Espacejeux.com | No | Yes | 18 |
| British Columbia | BCLC & GPEB | PlayNow.ca | No | Yes | 19 |
| Alberta | AGLC | PlayAlberta.ca | No | Yes | 18 |
| Saskatchewan | LGS, SLGA, SIGA | SIGA-operated PlayNow | No | Yes | 19 |
| Manitoba | MBLL & LGCA | PlayNow.com | No | Yes | 19 |
Conclusion
Canada’s gambling laws are complex due to the shared governance model. The federal government criminalizes unauthorized gambling but lets provinces determine what is allowed locally. This means your access to casinos, sports betting, and online platforms can vary drastically depending on where you live.
Provinces like Ontario embrace private competition, while others like Quebec and British Columbia rely solely on government platforms. If you’re unsure which options are legal and secure in your region, Casinoble offers valuable insights, reviews, and comparisons tailored to each province.
Whether you’re a casual player or a serious bettor, knowing the legal boundaries and trusted platforms in your province ensures a safer and more enjoyable gambling experience.
Edjona
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