Strict regulations define Canada’s dynamic gambling sector. In Ontario, where licensed private online casinos are legal, promoting online casino bonuses is forbidden. iGaming platforms that operate in the country must adhere to regulations closely to protect their clients from fraud and problem gambling. Most Canadian provinces do not allow private operators to compete with local gambling sites either. However, it is not illegal for adults of legal age to win money from gambling. Alberta was one of them until recently. The province took a significant step forward by announcing plans to regulate the private online gambling sector.
Who Is Allowed To Gamble in Canada?
Real money games are available in many land-based casinos in Canada across 11 provinces. The largest and busiest casinos are in Ontario, but there are also fascinating alternatives in Alberta, where the first Aboriginal casino was established. Currently, the gambling sector is regulated at the federal and provincial levels. The primary law, the Criminal Code, banned gambling throughout the country before 1985 except for small stakes gambling on behalf of charities or churches. However, changes made in 1985 gave provinces the power to control and regulate gambling locally. These changes let each province manage activities like lotteries, casinos, and online gaming, creating a variety of gambling regulations across the country. In 2021, single-game wagering became legal throughout the country in addition to parlay betting when Bill C-218 passed.
Until now, Ontario is the only province that allows private operators to offer online casino games in Canada alongside the provincial lotteries. So, here, it is much easier to join the colorful world of online gambling directly via the internet for people over 19 years of age. Like the brick-and-mortar casino around the corner, you must have a valid document as proof of age. However, to prevent young and vulnerable people from slipping into a gambling addiction due to the abundant cash winnings and cash gifts, there are certain limitations to casino advertising.
Recent Changes in Regulations
As Canadian provinces adopt diverse regulatory strategies for online gambling, the country’s gambling sector is witnessing rapid changes. Ontario has one of the most advanced regulations on Canadian soil. In the meantime, Manitoba is initiating legal actions against the international gambling firm Bodog for operating offshore. Alberta is going in a different direction, preparing to welcome private gambling operators with new legislation inspired by Ontario’s regulatory system.
Why the Rules are Changing?
The main goal of gambling regulations is to protect players and prevent gambling addiction. Gambling is becoming increasingly popular with the advent of the internet, and with that comes risks. Players can get into financial trouble or become addicted to gambling if there are no limits. The operation and promotion of unlicensed online real money gaming platforms should be prohibited to counter this. However, this solution is only possible in a regulated gambling market. In regulated markets, licensed operators adhere to strict advertising limitations and apply responsible gambling measures such as deposit limits, identity checks, and warning messages during play.
Significant attention is also devoted to protecting young adults (18-25 years), who may be extra susceptible to risky gambling behaviour. Through these measures, the gambling authorities in Canada hope that players will become more aware of their behaviour and responsibly engage in online gambling.