Getting to know Canadian iGaming regulations in 2019

iGaming is widely accepted by the resident of Canada, the surveys show that approximately 70 percent of the population participates in some form of Igaming. According to the research, 24 percent of Canadians are busy with some form of online gaming on a daily basis. Sadly it is not determined which forms of them are most popular amongst Canadians and how the percentage is divided into the different forms of Igaming. Moreover, the country has not defined the Igaming industry clearly yet, and since in some of the provinces regulations are more strict than in others, it is hard to assume how honest the participants are when asked questions about their involvement in different forms of Igaming. However, it is clear that Igaming is very popular in Canada. Unfortunately, the regulations are not that clear. To understand what does the iGaming regulations look like in Canada in 2019 let’s go little back in history.

Forming of the regulatory framework

Just half a century ago all forms of gambling were prohibited in the country, including the lottery. Only in 1969, the criminal code was changed, allowing the governments of the provinces, as well as the federal governments, to host lotteries. Later on, in 1985, the law has changed once again and the provinces were given the right to regulate most forms of gambling and legalize them according to their own choice and decision. 10 provinces used this right in favor of the gambling and legalized some forms of it. Therefore, the laws are quite different from one province to another, most usually one can see the mix of forms of gamblings that are legal in each province. It might include lotteries, video lottery terminals, sports lotteries, racetracks, bingo, land-based casinos, and slot machines.

IGaming and gambling laws in Canada

The situation regarding online gambling is slightly different. The laws have started to take shape just recently. There are four provinces only that host web-based gambling sites and all the online casino games. These websites are available to the adult residents of these provinces only. Generally, while Canada is more open to the various forms of gambling, it had a more strict attitude towards online gambling and igaming. There is a separate commission that governs exclusively online casinos, and only one territory – Kahnawake Mohawk territory allowed to run online casinos. This territory is even considered to be legally offshore. Only four provinces authorize online casinos, these are Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
While it is almost impossible for many providers in Canada to have an online casino, Canadian gamblers can freely enjoy playing online casino games with the casinos that are not based in Canada and are authorized by the commissions of different countries such as the UK Gambling Commission.
Till now, it does not seem that there will be any changes whatsoever tackling the Canadian regulations for the iGaming industry. Since provinces have the right to change their regulations by themselves till today some Canadians have different rights when it comes to playing online casino games.