Canada may be known for its natural beauty, maple syrup, and ice hockey—but it also has a long and evolving relationship with gambling. From its early days of strict prohibition to today’s regulated land-based and online casinos, Canada’s gambling industry reflects a unique blend of cultural values, economic interests, and provincial autonomy.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how casinos in Canada came to be, how the legal system governs them, and what the future might hold.
A Brief History of Gambling in Canada
Gambling wasn’t always legal in Canada. In fact, for much of the country’s early history, it was heavily restricted.
1892: The original Canadian Criminal Code made all forms of gambling illegal. Exceptions were made over time for activities like horse racing and charitable raffles.
1969: A significant amendment to the Criminal Code allowed the federal and provincial governments to conduct and manage lotteries.
1985: Another turning point came when the federal government gave provinces full authority to regulate gambling activities within their borders—including casinos and lotteries.
This opened the door to the modern casino industry in Canada.
The Rise of Land-Based Casinos
Following the 1985 legal shift, provinces began establishing land-based casinos as a way to boost tourism and generate government revenue.
Manitoba and Quebec were among the first provinces to launch casinos in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, followed suit, eventually opening high-profile venues like Casino Niagara (1996) and Casino Rama (1996).
British Columbia and Alberta developed their own gaming corporations, such as BCLC and AGLC, to regulate and operate gambling facilities.
Today, there are more than 100 land-based casinos across the country, ranging from small slots-only operations to massive resort-style complexes like Casino de Montréal (the largest in Canada) and Caesars Windsor. Here you can find all gambling websites in Canada and their reviews.
Legal Framework and Regulation
Canada’s gambling industry is unique in that it is governed at the provincial level, not federally. This means that the rules and availability of gambling vary significantly from province to province.
Each province has its own gambling authority:
Ontario: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario
British Columbia: British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)
Quebec: Loto-Québec
Alberta: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC)
Manitoba: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
These bodies oversee licensing, operation, enforcement, and responsible gambling initiatives. They also partner with Indigenous communities, charities, and private operators in various capacities.
Online Gambling and Recent Developments
Online gambling in Canada exists in both regulated and grey market forms.
Provincial platforms: Many provinces operate their own legal gambling websites. For example, Ontario offers iGaming Ontario, British Columbia has PlayNow, and Quebec runs Espacejeux.
Offshore operators: Canadians are not prohibited from playing on international gambling sites, as long as those sites accept Canadian users. This has created a competitive space where offshore operators and provincial platforms coexist.
2022 Legal Milestone: Open iGaming Market in Ontario
A major development occurred in April 2022, when Ontario launched a regulated online gambling market that allowed private companies to operate legally under strict oversight. This marked a significant shift in the Canadian gambling landscape and could become a model for other provinces.
Responsible Gambling in Canada
With the growth of casinos and online platforms, Canada has placed a strong emphasis on responsible gambling. Provinces invest heavily in education, support services, and tools that allow users to limit their gambling activity.
Programs like GameSense in British Columbia and PlaySmart in Ontario provide resources for players to understand the risks and manage their habits. Self-exclusion programs and spending limits are also widely available.
Indigenous-Owned Casinos
Several First Nations communities have established casinos as part of economic development agreements with provincial governments. These include:
Grey Eagle Casino in Alberta (Tsuut’ina Nation)
Casino Rama Resort in Ontario (Chippewas of Rama First Nation)
Bear Claw Casino in Saskatchewan (White Bear First Nations)
These venues contribute significantly to local economies and support community programs.
The Future of Casinos in Canada
As technology evolves and user habits change, Canada’s gambling landscape continues to shift:
More provinces may follow Ontario’s lead in allowing private iGaming operators.
Cryptocurrency and blockchain may become more integrated in online platforms.
Virtual reality casinos and more immersive gambling experiences could emerge.
Increased focus on social responsibility and harm reduction is expected as accessibility rises.
Final Thoughts
Casinos in Canada reflect a balance of entertainment, economic growth, and regulatory responsibility. With a history rooted in prohibition and a future leaning into digital innovation, the country continues to offer a diverse and evolving gambling environment.
Whether you're spinning a roulette wheel in a grand Montréal casino or playing online poker from home in Toronto, Canada’s approach to gambling offers something for everyone—within a legal and secure framework.
