Online Gambling Laws in Canada: A Complete Guide

Canada has one of the most unique gambling landscapes in the world. Unlike countries that either outright ban online gambling or regulate it under a single national framework, Canada delegates authority to its provinces and territories, creating a patchwork of rules that can be confusing for players. Whether you are spinning slots from your living room in Toronto, placing sports bets from Vancouver, or exploring offshore casino sites from your phone or tablet in Halifax, the laws governing your activity vary depending on where you live and which platform you choose.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about online gambling laws in Canada as of 2026. We cover the federal Criminal Code provisions, explain how each major province handles online gambling, explore the grey market of offshore casinos, and clarify your legal position as a player. If you are looking for the best online casinos available to Canadian players, understanding the legal framework is an essential first step.

The Canadian Criminal Code and Gambling

At the federal level, gambling in Canada is governed by the Criminal Code of Canada, specifically Section 207. This section of the law establishes that gambling is, by default, illegal in Canada — but it carves out a critical exception. Provincial and territorial governments are given the exclusive authority to "conduct and manage" lottery schemes within their borders. The term "lottery scheme" is defined broadly under the Criminal Code and includes casino games, slot machines, sports betting, poker, bingo, and virtually all forms of gambling you would encounter at an online casino.

This means that provinces can either operate gambling platforms themselves (as most currently do through Crown corporations) or they can licence private operators to offer gambling under provincial oversight. The key legal principle is that any gambling operation in Canada must be conducted and managed by a province or under its authority. An individual or company that sets up a gambling operation without provincial authorization is committing an offence under the Criminal Code.

For players, the Criminal Code does not contain specific provisions that criminalize the act of placing a bet online. The law is written to target operators, not individual gamblers. This distinction is important and forms the basis for the legal position of Canadians who choose to play at offshore sites — a topic we explore in detail below.

It is also worth noting that in 2021, the federal government passed Bill C-218 (the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act), which amended the Criminal Code to allow provinces to offer single-event sports betting. Previously, only parlay bets were permitted. This change opened the door for Ontario's regulated market and for provincial platforms across the country to offer full sports betting products.

Provincial Gambling Regulations

Because the Criminal Code delegates gambling authority to the provinces, each province has developed its own approach to regulating online gambling. Some have embraced fully regulated private markets, while others maintain government-operated monopolies. Here is how the major provinces handle online gambling in 2026.

Ontario

Ontario is the most significant province for online gambling in Canada. In April 2022, Ontario became the first province to launch a regulated, competitive online gambling market that allows private operators to obtain licences. The market is overseen by iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Licensed operators must meet strict requirements including game fairness testing by independent labs, responsible gambling tool integration, advertising standards compliance, and segregation of player funds to protect deposits.

Since its launch, Ontario's regulated market has attracted dozens of well-known international operators. Players in Ontario now have access to licensed versions of popular casino brands, all operating under Canadian regulatory oversight. The regulated market has generated billions of dollars in revenue and is widely viewed as a model that other provinces may eventually follow. For Ontario residents, playing at a licensed site means enhanced consumer protections, access to dispute resolution through the AGCO, and the assurance that games are regularly tested for fairness.

British Columbia

British Columbia operates online gambling through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The province's official online platform is PlayNow.com, which offers casino games, slots, poker, bingo, and sports betting to BC residents. PlayNow has been operating since 2004, making it one of the earliest legal online gambling platforms in Canada. The BCLC also operates the GameSense programme, which provides responsible gambling education and support across all of its properties, including the online platform.

Unlike Ontario, British Columbia has not opened its market to private operators. PlayNow remains the only legally authorized online gambling site within the province. However, many BC residents also play at offshore sites, which operate in the legal grey area discussed later in this guide.

Quebec

Quebec's online gambling market is managed by Loto-Quebec, the provincial Crown corporation. The platform, known as Espacejeux, launched in 2010 and offers a range of casino games, poker, sports betting, and lottery products. Loto-Quebec has taken a notably aggressive stance against offshore operators. In 2016, the province passed legislation (Bill 74) that attempted to force internet service providers to block access to unlicensed gambling sites. This law was challenged in court and was ultimately struck down by the Quebec Superior Court in 2018 as unconstitutional, since telecommunications regulation falls under federal jurisdiction.

Despite this setback, Loto-Quebec continues to advocate for stronger measures against offshore operators. For Quebec players, Espacejeux remains the only provincially sanctioned online gambling option, though offshore sites continue to be widely accessible.

Alberta

Alberta's gambling industry is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). The province launched PlayAlberta in October 2020 as its official online gambling platform. PlayAlberta offers casino games, slots, and instant-win products. Sports betting was added following the passage of Bill C-218 in 2021. The AGLC maintains strict oversight of PlayAlberta, including requirements for responsible gambling features and regular game audits.

Like British Columbia, Alberta has not moved toward licensing private online operators. PlayAlberta is the sole provincial platform, though the AGLC has partnered with third-party game providers to expand the library of available games.

Other Provinces

The remaining provinces and territories have varying levels of online gambling infrastructure. The Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) jointly operate the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, which offers online gambling through its Pro-Line and other products. Saskatchewan operates under the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), with limited online offerings. Manitoba operates through the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, which provides some online gambling options through its PlayNow partnership with BCLC.

The territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) have minimal online gambling infrastructure and rely largely on the Western Canada Lottery Corporation for lottery products. Residents of these jurisdictions frequently turn to offshore sites for a broader online gambling experience.

Offshore Online Casinos in Canada

Despite the growth of provincially regulated platforms, the reality is that a significant portion of Canadian online gambling activity takes place at offshore sites. These are casinos operated by companies based outside of Canada — typically in jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, or Kahnawake — that accept Canadian players and often offer CAD deposits through methods like Interac e-Transfer, credit cards, and cryptocurrency.

The reason many Canadians play offshore is straightforward: the provincial platforms, with the exception of Ontario's open market, tend to offer fewer games, lower bonuses, and a narrower overall experience compared to international operators. Offshore casinos often feature thousands of slot titles from top providers, generous welcome bonuses, VIP programmes, live dealer games, and faster withdrawal times. For players outside Ontario, an offshore site may be the only way to access a full-featured online casino experience.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) occupies a unique space in this landscape. Based in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, near Montreal, the KGC has been licensing and regulating online gambling sites since 1999. It operates under the assertion of First Nations sovereignty and has licensed hundreds of sites over the years. While the legal authority of the KGC has been debated — it does not operate under provincial gambling legislation — it maintains recognized regulatory standards and is generally considered a credible licensing body within the online gambling industry.

Is It Legal to Play at Offshore Casinos?

This is the question that Canadian players ask most frequently, and the answer requires understanding the distinction between operator legality and player legality.

From the operator perspective, it is technically illegal under the Criminal Code for a company to offer online gambling services to Canadians without being authorized by a provincial government. Offshore operators do not hold Canadian provincial licences (with the arguable exception of Kahnawake-licensed sites). However, Canada has never taken meaningful enforcement action against offshore operators, and there is no mechanism in place to block access to these sites at the federal level (Quebec's attempt to do so was struck down in court).

From the player perspective, the legal position is even clearer: no Canadian player has ever been charged, prosecuted, or penalized for placing bets at an offshore online casino. The Criminal Code does not contain provisions that target individual gamblers. Legal experts widely agree that playing at offshore sites falls into a grey area where the activity is not explicitly authorized but also not practically prohibited for the individual player.

That said, playing at offshore sites does come with risks that are unrelated to criminal law. Unregulated sites may not offer the same consumer protections as licensed platforms. If a dispute arises — over a withdrawal, a bonus, or account closure — you may have limited recourse. This is why we always recommend choosing safe, reputable online casinos that hold credible licences, have positive player reviews, and offer transparent terms and conditions.

Ontario's Regulated iGaming Market

Ontario's regulated market deserves special attention because it represents the most significant shift in Canadian online gambling law in recent history. When iGaming Ontario launched in April 2022, it created the first Canadian jurisdiction where private companies could apply for a licence to legally operate online casinos and sportsbooks.

The impact has been substantial. Dozens of operators have registered with iGaming Ontario, including well-known international brands. The market generated over $2 billion in total wagers in its first year alone, and revenue has continued to grow. For Ontario players, the regulated market means several key benefits: all games must be tested by independent laboratories for fairness, operators must implement responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks), player funds must be held in segregated accounts, and the AGCO provides a dispute resolution mechanism.

The success of Ontario's model has sparked discussions in other provinces about whether to follow suit. British Columbia and Alberta have both explored the possibility of opening their markets to private operators, though neither has taken concrete legislative steps as of early 2026. The Ontario model demonstrates that regulation can coexist with a competitive, player-friendly market — and it may well become the template for the rest of Canada.

Cryptocurrency and Gambling Regulation

The intersection of cryptocurrency and online gambling is an area where Canadian regulation is still catching up. While cryptocurrency is legal to own and trade in Canada, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats it as a commodity for tax purposes, no provincial gambling regulator has established a specific framework for crypto-only gambling sites.

Licensed operators in Ontario process transactions in Canadian dollars, and while some may accept crypto deposits that are converted to CAD, pure crypto casinos — where you wager in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other tokens — operate exclusively from offshore jurisdictions. These sites are popular among Canadian players for their speed of transactions, enhanced privacy, and often lower minimum deposits. If you are interested in this space, our guide to Bitcoin casinos covers the best options available to Canadian players.

From a regulatory standpoint, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) monitors cryptocurrency transactions for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Licensed gambling operators must adhere to FINTRAC reporting requirements. Offshore crypto casinos, however, operate outside of this framework, which means players should exercise additional due diligence when choosing a crypto gambling platform.

Responsible Gambling Legislation

All Canadian provinces have implemented responsible gambling legislation and programmes as part of their gambling regulatory frameworks. These measures are designed to minimize gambling-related harm and ensure that players have access to tools and support when they need it.

Self-exclusion programmes are available in every province. These allow players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling platforms for a set period — typically ranging from six months to five years, or permanently. In Ontario, the AGCO requires all licensed operators to participate in a centralized self-exclusion system. British Columbia's GameSense programme is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive responsible gambling initiatives in North America, offering education, counselling referrals, and on-site support at all BCLC properties.

Advertising regulations have also tightened considerably. Ontario introduced strict advertising standards for licensed operators in 2023, limiting the use of inducements, requiring responsible gambling messaging in advertisements, and prohibiting marketing that targets minors or vulnerable populations. Other provinces have followed with their own advertising guidelines.

Player protection mandates vary by province but generally include requirements for deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, and access to gambling help resources. Licensed operators must display responsible gambling messaging prominently and provide direct links to support organizations. For a deeper look at self-exclusion tools, bankroll management, and warning signs, read our responsible gambling guide.

FAQs: Canadian Gambling Laws

Is online gambling legal in Canada?

Yes, online gambling is legal in Canada when operated by or licensed through provincial authorities. Each province has the power to regulate and offer online gambling within its borders under Section 207 of the Criminal Code. Ontario launched a fully regulated private market in April 2022, while other provinces operate government-run platforms like PlayNow (BC), Espacejeux (Quebec), and PlayAlberta (Alberta).

Can I get in trouble for playing at offshore casino sites in Canada?

No individual Canadian player has ever been charged or prosecuted for gambling at an offshore online casino. Canadian gambling law primarily targets operators, not players. While offshore operators technically violate the Criminal Code by offering services without a provincial licence, the law does not contain specific provisions penalizing individual players who access these sites.

What changed with Ontario's iGaming market in 2022?

In April 2022, Ontario became the first Canadian province to open a regulated private online gambling market. Through iGaming Ontario (a subsidiary of the AGCO), private operators can now obtain licences to legally offer online casino games and sports betting to Ontario residents. This gave players access to well-known international brands operating under strict Canadian regulatory oversight, including requirements for responsible gambling tools, fair game testing, and player fund protection.

Is cryptocurrency gambling regulated in Canada?

Cryptocurrency gambling occupies a largely unregulated space in Canada. While crypto is legal to own and trade, no provincial regulator has established specific frameworks for crypto-only gambling sites. Licensed operators in Ontario and other provinces typically process transactions in CAD. Most crypto casinos serving Canadian players operate from offshore jurisdictions, and players should exercise additional caution when using these platforms.

What is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and is it legitimate?

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) is a regulatory body established in 1999 by the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, located near Montreal, Quebec. It is one of the oldest online gambling regulators in the world and has licensed hundreds of gambling sites. While its legal authority has been debated — since it operates under First Nations sovereignty rather than provincial jurisdiction — it maintains recognized regulatory standards including game fairness testing, player complaint resolution, and operator vetting. Many offshore casinos available to Canadians hold a KGC licence.

Conclusion

Canada's online gambling laws are shaped by a unique division of power between the federal government and the provinces. The Criminal Code sets the baseline by granting provinces the authority to conduct and manage gambling, and each province has taken its own approach — from Ontario's groundbreaking regulated market to the government-operated platforms in British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta. For players, the key takeaway is that provincial platforms are fully legal, offshore sites exist in a grey area where players face no criminal risk, and the landscape continues to evolve as more provinces explore regulated models.

No matter where you play, choosing a reputable, well-licenced casino is the best way to protect yourself. Browse our top-rated online casinos for Canadian players to find trusted platforms, or read our guide to safe online casinos for tips on verifying a site's legitimacy before you sign up.