Canadian States
Responsible Gambling in Canada’s Regions
Regardless of where you are in the country, it is of the utmost importance to maintain responsible gambling practices when playing online.
On a national level, the government is committed to helping players gamble responsibly and ensuring that the resources are available to assist with behavioural issues associated with problem gambling.
We’re determined to spread the message of acting responsibly and cautiously when indulging in gambling activities and encourage all our readers to familiarize themselves with the various tools and resources available to promote responsible gambling:
Deposit Limits
It is common practice for online casino operators to offer a range of limit-setting tools to help you better manage your online gambling. This includes deposit limits and other self-imposed limitations on your account spending, such as a loss value or deposit value per month.
Time Limits
Do you spend too much time sitting in front of the computer playing slots or table games? Limit-setting tools also extend to time limits so you can set the maximum time you wish to spend playing online before opening your first title. These tools can help to ensure you don’t take your online gambling further than you can afford.
Reality Checks
Online casino games can be incredibly immersive, so setting up a reality check will interrupt your gameplay and remind you of your time playing in any gaming session.
Self-Exclusion Programs
Most provinces in Canada have self-exclusion programs through which players can voluntarily ban themselves from accessing gambling facilities and online platforms for a set period.
Support Services
There are many support services, including online resources, independent bodies, helplines, and more on hand to help if you feel you or someone you love is showing signs of problem gambling.
We urge all our readers to take advantage of such programs, always be bold, and ask for help if needed.
How We Rate Online Casinos – Step by Step
Want to know if you can trust our online casino ratings? Or whether what we’re assessing is really what’s important to you? Check out our casino assessment criteria below for insights on how we judge operators:
User Experience
The overall experience is paramount when assessing online casinos. From first impressions and the sign-up process to navigating the casino lobby and intuitive search facilities, we’re here for a good time, not a long time, and if it’s not efficient or user-friendly, we’d sooner find a site that is.
Licensing & Regulation
Valid licensing regulated by a reputable body ensures a site’s trustworthiness. We look for regulations from gambling authorities like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority and certificates from independent industry auditors.
Banking, Payments & Withdrawals
Having decent banking options offers players flexibility, so it’s a critical factor in our judgment criteria. It’s essential to have options, know your transactions are secure, and feel confident your data is protected.
In addition, we’ll investigate processing times, the ease of withdrawing winnings from your account, and any limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw in a single transaction.
Games & Providers
Content is king, as they say, and that couldn’t be truer at online casinos. With many fantastic game providers producing top-quality, innovative casino games worldwide, we want to see as much variety as possible in a casino lobby.
We’re particularly interested in seeing global game developers like Pragmatic Play or Games Global, as well as award-winning titles as determined by industry leaders.
A great selection of slots, table games, live dealer titles, and instant win games is integral, and having an accompanying onsite sportsbook is even better.
Bonuses, Promotional Offers, Loyalty Programs
We love a good freebie, so the bonuses are often one of the first things we’ll check. We’re not just looking for an enticing welcome offer to get us over the line but ongoing rewards like deposit bonuses and loyalty rewards.
Mobile Compatibility
In today’s world, no online casino operator should have a site that can’t be accessed for mobile play. As the majority of players have made the move over to mobile casinos, so should operators.
If we can’t play on our mobile devices, we’d sooner find somewhere we can.
Gambling Laws and Regulations
While no overarching legislation regulates online gambling on a national level, gambling in Canadian provinces and territories is regulated and managed at a local level, resulting in a diverse regulatory landscape.
Each region in Canada has its own regulatory body that is responsible for overseeing gambling activities. So, how do gambling laws vary from region to region?
Some areas, like Ontario, have extensive legislation that extends to online gambling and allows international operators to apply for Ontarian licensing.
Meanwhile, others, like Nunavut and Yukon, can feel a bit more like the Wild West, with little to no specifics related to online gambling activities.
What’s important to know is that right across the country, you can legally gamble at international online casinos. This means opting for an online casino with international licensing from a reputable authority, such as the UKGC in Britain or the Malta Gaming Authority, which can be helpful.
In addition, you can look for independent audit certification from industry bodies, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs, for signs of online casino software you can trust.
Below is a list of the regulatory bodies in each province and territory and the extent to which they regulate gambling activities in their respective regions:
| Province/Territory | Regulatory Body | Extent of Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) | Regulates all forms of gambling, including PlayAlberta, the only legal online gambling site. |
| British Columbia | Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Finance | Oversees casinos, lotteries, and online gambling through PlayNow.com. |
| Manitoba | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba | Regulates casinos, lotteries, and online gambling via PlayNow.com. |
| New Brunswick | Gaming, Liquor and Security Licensing Branch of the Department of Justice and Public Safety | Manages casinos, lotteries, and online gambling. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Consumer Affairs Division of Digital Government and Service NL | Regulates lotteries and charitable gaming. |
| Northwest Territories | Department of Municipal and Community Affairs | Oversees lotteries and charitable gaming. |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation | Manages casinos, lotteries, and online gambling. |
| Nunavut | Department of Health | Regulates lotteries and charitable gaming. |
| Ontario | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) | Oversees casinos, lotteries, and online gambling through iGaming Ontario. |
| Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission and Consumer, Corporate and Insurance Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety | Manages lotteries and charitable gaming. |
| Québec | La Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux and La Société des loteries du Québec | Oversees casinos, lotteries, and online gambling through Loto-Québec. |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and Indigenous Gaming Regulators | Manages casinos, lotteries, and charitable gaming. |
| Yukon | Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Branch of the Department of Community Services | Oversees lotteries and charitable gaming. |
FAQs
Disclaimer:
This content is for 19+ and informational only. CasinoFinder may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this doesn’t mean endorsement. Gambling laws vary, so ensure compliance in your area. CasinoFinder isn’t responsible for your actions. Gambling can be addictive, and losses are possible. Play responsibly. For help, call 1-866-531-2600.