Canada
The Canadian gaming industry Gold Rush has started, here are some regulatory aspects to consider
Gambling Regulations in Canada
Online gambling is a great way to have some fun. However, the trade is a regulated industry. Different countries have different laws and regulations that govern all forms of gambling. Being aware of the regulations can make you safe. In this article, we take an expert look at gambling regulations in Canada.
Any Unregistered Gambling Company is Unlawful
In Canada, any form of gambling not licensed by the Canadian government is illegal. This law applies mostly to physical location-based casinos as well as raffles and bingos. Even so, online gambling is still a grey area. Gambling legislation in Canada doesn’t necessarily prohibit betting through online casinos. However, the betting company must be owned by a provincial administration or be licensed to operate.
Even so, Canadians still access hundreds of offshore betting companies. Such companies are available on the World Wide Web, hence accessible via the Internet. In this case, they are not answerable to the Canadian government. Therefore, they operate freely on the Internet.
Anyone above 19 years in Canada (or above 18 in Alberta and Quebec) can gamble. However, the user should conduct due diligence on the betting company to ascertain its registration and regulation. This is important to avoid losing money on fake sites that trick people. A fully registered online casino comparison website such as Stashbird, is free to operate in Canada. Hence, it is a safe place to begin your search for a lawful gambling site.
Different Provinces Have Own Gambling Laws
Even though gambling is mainly legal in Canada, different provinces and territories have their own gambling regulations. Here is a quick look at some regions and their gambling laws.
Ontario
This province has some of the most relaxed gambling laws in Canada. Here you can play at the regulated Pro-Line or PlayOLG, which are government-managed. Gambling using offshore online casinos remains unregulated.
Quebec
Quebec is also a relatively liberal province. Users can bet using offshore platforms. One can also bet using Espacejeux, which is government-run.
British Columbia
Here, there are 15 physical, legally regulated casinos. In addition, one can bet using PlayNow, the only Canadian sports and betting site available in British Columbia.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Liquor and Gaming Authority regulates all betting casinos (offline and online) in the province. PlayNow is also the only government-licensed online platform available in the region. Users are also limited to a maximum spend of C$250 per day.
Yukon Territory
Operating a physical casino in Yukon Territory is prohibited. However, various venues can access temporary licenses, but only for three days maximum. In addition, online licensed casinos are unavailable, but offshore betting remains largely unregulated.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Here, the law prohibits physical casinos from operating. Regulated gambling sites are also unavailable. However, one can place bets to a maximum of C$250 per day using the Pro-Line government service.
New Brunswick
Land-based casinos can operate, but only one venue is available in the entire province. The only regulated betting site is Pro-Line.
Nova Scotia
There are two government-owned casinos in Nova Scotia. Pro-Line service is also available for parley gaming.
Saskatchewan
There is a strict regulation against online casinos in Saskatchewan. However, it is possible to play using offshore platforms.
Northwest Territories
No land-based betting halls exist here. Online casinos are also non-existent, even if allowed by the law. The only legal gambling service is Sport Select.
The Take-Away
Gambling in Canada seems like a complex affair, especially when you are new to the country’s gaming laws. However, some legit betting sites have a customer care expert who can answer some of your questions. When you visit any online casinos, ask questions from their experts before betting with them. In this way, together with your background checks, you will be sure that you are betting on a regulated site. There you go! You now have an idea of the gambling regulations in Canada. Always remember to gamble responsibly.
Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app
Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
BCLC
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
AGCO
Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier
Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.
This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.
Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.
“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.
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