Canada’s online casino legislation varies between the nation’s provinces and territories, as the Criminal Code of Canada allows each domestic region to establish its own rules and regulations.
This decentralized approach has given way to unique online casino legislation throughout the country – as provincial and territorial leaders endeavour to deliver safe, licensed and fair content for all.
Here, you’ll find comprehensive information on Canada’s current state of affairs, as well as a round-up of what to expect next from the national iGaming industry.
Are online casinos legal in Canada in 2025?
Canadian federal law authorizes each of the 10 provinces and three territories to formulate region-specific online casino regulations. In turn, operators and players are subject to different rules depending on geographic location.
This case-by-case, independent regulatory structure can be traced back to Canada’s Criminal Code. Essentially, online casinos are strictly prohibited unless provincial or territorial powers elect to legalize internet-based betting and gaming.
The result is a secure and flourishing iGaming market – with leaders permitted to chop and change measures to befitting local interests.
While most Canadian lawmakers have successfully implemented some form of online casino gaming, a handful of territories remain without steady legal groundwork.
Canada online casino laws by province and territory
As provincial and territorial legislators are permitted to design independent online casino regulatory schemes, Canada presides over a vast array of one-off iGaming stipulations. Let’s run through each national region’s current fabric, below.
Alberta – Legal
Overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) regulatory body, ‘The Energy Province’ s legal online casino gaming via one licensed vendor: PlayAlberta.ca. The site purveys popular slots, instant win titles, live casino action and single-player table games – all bolstered by sports and lottery accoutrements catered to those aged 18 and over.
British Columbia – Legal
A Government-led platform, PlayNow.com, stands as British Columbia’s sole licensed online casino operator. Slots, jackpots, scratchcards, live dealer tables and more reside on the game-laden site.
All residents aged 19+ may access British Columbia’s PlayNow.com service, per British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) requirements.
Manitoba – Legal
Manitoba represents a special case, in that the province serves up regulated online casino gaming to those 18+ in partnership with BCLC-governed operator, PlayNow.com.
This ing of forces does not restrict the region from developing individual iGaming statutes – as proven by The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba – providing holistic supervision of local operations.
New Brunswick – Legal
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) supplies online casino games and lottery content to New Brunswick citizens aged 19 and older. Video poker, slots and table games are up for grabs on this multi-provincial platform.
All ALC activities are regulated by the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Legal
Another province harbouring ALC casino content, Newfoundland and Labrador dishes out the same options present in New Brunswick – comprising slots, keno, video poker, jackpots and table games for adults aged 19 and over.
Online gambling is regulated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Lottery Corporation.
Nova Scotia – Legal
Having legalized online casino products in 2022, Nova Scotia now provides safe iGaming entertainment in the form of slots, table games and more. All online casino amenities are issued by ALC.
Players may access iGaming services from the age of 19, as set out by Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) code.
Ontario – Legal
Ontario online casinos stand head and shoulders above the rest of Canada when it comes to legal availability. Boasting over 70 iGaming platforms licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) – a plethora of table games, slots, poker and more are bestowed upon Ontarians aged 19+.
In 2022, the province introduced iGaming Ontario (iGO). As the country’s first online-only licensing body, the region has since been capable of forming broader relationships with online casino partners.
Quebec – Legal
Online casino services are controlled by Loto-Quebec; a lottery and gaming authority founded in 1969.
The province launched its only iGaming website in 2010, titled Espacejeux, with s aged 18 and over permitted to avail of the operator’s slots, bonuses, live dealer rooms and table game action.
Saskatchewan – Legal
Two vital organizations maintain Saskatchewan’s safe iGaming environment: the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
The former provides industry oversight, while the latter heads the province’s PlayNow.com vertical – open to those aged 19+.
Yukon, Northwestern Territories, Nunavut – Unavailable
No licensed domestic online casino operators produce content for those residing in Yukon, Northwestern Territories or Nunavut.
However, Canadian law does not restrict s from accessing offshore, internationally-licensed platforms. This means that you can visit third-party iGaming providers who have received certification from globally-renowned authorities.
One major drawback exists: you must be diligent when assessing offshore platforms. Should issues arise, there exists no protection from Canada’s gambling legislation.
Are offshore online casinos legal in Canada?
Putting it simply: Canadian online casino legislation does not criminalize individuals who play on offshore betting platforms.
It is important to note that operating unlicensed iGaming services is illegal. So, while there are no legal ramifications for using international online casinos, remain prudent of potential bad actors and deceitful operators.
What is next for Canadian online casino legislation?
Although ‘The Great White North’ embodies the beneficial elements of independent legislation on a provincial and territorial basis, there remains potential for Canada to refine and improve existing regulations. For example, changes may include:
- More online regulators: Provinces and territories may follow in the footsteps of Ontario and forge online-focused regulatory authorities, rather than the multi-purpose bodies currently in power.
- Offshore clampdowns: Unlicensed operators could be targeted by legislation to barricade players from possible criminal activity.
- Deeper AI integration: Improved accommodation of player preferences through AI innovations.
- Tightened marketing rules: Potential for further restrictions on how operators can online casino products.
- Payment options: Cryptocurrency payment services and internet banking solutions should become increasingly viable at Canadian online casinos.
