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Key Milestones in Canadian Gambling

MilestoneWhen
Single-event sports betting legalised (Bill C-218)August 2021
Ontario opens its regulated iGaming marketApril 2022
Alberta passes legislation to open a regulated iGaming market2025

How Gambling Is Regulated in Canada

Each province controls gambling within its borders. Most run their own online casinos and lotteries, such as PlayNow in British Columbia and Manitoba, Loto-Québec in Quebec and PlayAlberta in Alberta. Ontario was the first to license private operators through iGaming Ontario and the AGCO. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission also licenses many online operators.

What We Cover

  • Provincial regulation and new iGaming markets.
  • Casino openings and redevelopments, from Toronto to Vancouver.
  • Sports betting partnerships and advertising rules.
  • Lottery corporations and responsible gambling initiatives.

Looking for somewhere to play? See our best Canadian online casinos.

Responsible Gambling in Canada

Provincial lottery corporations and regulators run responsible gambling programmes, and Ontario's market includes strict advertising standards, such as limits on using athletes and celebrities in gambling ads. We cover these rules and their effect on players and operators.

Posted by Joshua Mau
Gaming Mathematician

Joshua Mau's excellent knowledge of number theory and random number generators led him to an advisory role with leading slot machine providers. In his articles he explains the structure and mechanics of casino games – the maths behind RTP, house edge and odds – in a way anyone can understand.

Visit the author's page
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Canada?

Yes. Provinces regulate gambling, and Ontario has an open regulated market for private online casinos.

When did Ontario open online casinos?

Ontario's regulated iGaming market launched on 4 April 2022.