New Online Casino May 2024

Canadian gambling laws have evolved significantly over the years. Before 1969, betting was largely limited to charity lotteries and horse races at fairs. In that year, the government reformed the Criminal Code, granting provinces and the federal government the authority to conduct lotteries.

Subsequently, in 1985, the federal government delegated the regulation of sports betting and casinos to the provinces, while the individual gambling activities allowed by the Criminal Code remained consistent. These include prohibitions against operating or being present in a betting house, engaging in illegal betting, pool-selling, and bookmaking, placing wagers on behalf of others, and participating in lotteries or games of chance. Additionally, provincial governments have the authority to manage lottery programs independently or in collaboration with other governments. Charitable organizations can also conduct lotteries if they obtain the necessary licensing from the Lieutenant Governor.

Canadian residents are permitted to sign up and participate in offshore gambling websites. However, running an online casino within Canada is illegal unless the operator possesses a valid license issued by a provincial regulatory authority. Ontario took a significant step on April 4, 2022, by launching its iGaming market. This initiative allowed authorized operators to offer games and sports betting services to bettors within the province. This pioneering framework in Canadian gambling could potentially set a precedent for how other provinces may introduce online casino and sports betting operations in the future.

1. Alberta entrusts the regulation of recreational cannabis, alcoholic beverages, and gaming activities to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission, serving as the sole regulatory body in the province.
2. Ontario's slots and casino venues are regulated and supervised by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), while the Ontario Lottery & Gaming (OLG) manages and operates these casinos. The OLG also oversees the introduction of online gambling, including online casinos, in Ontario.
3. In New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) is authorized under Paragraph 207(1)(a) of Canada's Criminal Code to oversee provincial gaming. The Gaming, Liquor & Security Licensing Branch, part of the Department of Justice & Public Safety, manages and regulates both provincial and charitable gaming in New Brunswick.
4. Saskatchewan's Indigenous Gaming Regulators are responsible for licensing and oversight of charitable gaming activities conducted by First Nations communities on their reserves, facilitated through Band Council Resolutions. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Liquor & Gaming Authority assumes the role of managing and overseeing all gambling activities across the province.
5. In Quebec, the provincial government agency known as the Quebec Lottery Corporation oversees casino operations and regulates various forms of gambling, including bingo, traditional lotteries, and gaming machines within casinos. Additionally, the Quebec Alcohol, Racing, and Gaming Commission play a regulatory role in supervising casino activities, specific lottery types, contests, and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). 
6. Manitoba's gambling activities are regulated and licensed by the Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. Additionally, the Manitoba Gambling Control Commission is responsible for registering gaming equipment suppliers who provide their services to licensed operators within the province
7. Prince Edward Island's gaming-related activities are regulated by various agencies. The Consumer, Corporate & Insurance Division, part of the Department of Justice & Public Safety, oversees casino nights, raffles, charitable gaming, and bingo. Meanwhile, the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission holds responsibility for licensing and managing gaming activities within the province.
8. In British Columbia, the Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch, operating under the Ministry of Finance, oversees and licenses charitable gambling. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) manages and conducts all commercial gambling activities, including online gambling within the province.
9. In the Northwest Territories, the regulation of alcohol and gambling falls under the purview of two entities: the Department of Municipal & Community Affairs and the Northwest Territories Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Commission. 
10. In Nova Scotia, the Alcohol, Gaming & Tobacco Branch within Service Nova Scotia administers aspects of the Gambling Control Act. The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation regulates the gaming industry, ensuring social responsibility while generating substantial profits.
11. Newfoundland & Labrador Gambling activities, including lottery fundraising conducted by non-profit and charitable organizations, are subject to regulation by the Consumer Affairs Division within the Digital Government & Service department in Newfoundland and Labrador. 
12. Nunavut The Department of Health serves as the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating gambling activities within the territory of Nunavut. 
13. Yukon Within the province of Yukon, the Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Division, under the Department of Community Services, and the Charitable Gaming Licensing authorities take on the regulatory responsibilities for managing and licensing gambling activities.