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Legal Status of Online Gambling, are online casino legal in canada.
Are online casino legal in canada
1) canadians are not at any legal risk by playing at an online casino site, whether they play for fun or as a part-time job the provincial gaming authorities:
ontario – ontario lottery and gaming corporation
alberta – alberta gaming and liquor commission
british columbia – BCLC
manitoba – liquor and gaming commission of manitoba
saskatchewan – saskatchewan liquor and gaming authority
new brunswick – new brunswick gaming control
nova scotia – alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division service of nova scotia
quebec – loto quebec
new foundland – service NL
prince edward island – prince edward island lotteries commission
Legal status of online gambling
Let’s clarify the legal status of online gambling in canada to put any potential punters at ease.
Five key points you need to know!
1) canadians are not at any legal risk by playing at an online casino site, whether they play for fun or as a part-time job
2) no canadian citizen has ever been prosecuted for playing at an online gaming site (casino, poker or sportsbook)
3) it is illegal to operate an online casino without a license if based within canada, all our recommended casino sites though are located offshore
4) any winnings from your gaming activities are not taxable unless your gaming activities are seen as a form of employment based upon skill, frequency and expectation of payout – for gamers playing for fun at an online casino, winnings won’t be taxable
5) the criminal code of canada is the official codification of criminal acts and procedures; it does not explicitly criminalize playing at an online casino site
Top 3 legal online casinos
More useful info
Canada vs U.S: it is clearly illegal in canadian law to operate an online casino/gaming site from within canada (i.E. Legally formalized there, playing servers located there) without a license. However within the criminal code of canada there are no laws that explicitly address offshore gaming sites.
This is the key distinction between the U.S and canada. In the U.S offshore online casinos are targeted by the unlawful internet gambling enforcement act of 2006, which prohibited banks and other payment processors from conducting transactions with offshore gaming sites. In order to stay on the right side of the U.S authorities following passage of the act, virtually all reputable gaming sites withdrew from the U.S no longer accepting players based in the united states.
In canada there are no specific laws targeting gaming sites/companies located offshore, this is why most of them are happy to continue accepting canadian players. To characterize the different legal situation appertaining to the countries – canada can be considered to be a ‘grey’ market where the playing at online gaming sites is neither explicitly legalized or outlawed, whilst the U.S (at least prior to recent developments in the states of new jersey, delaware and nevada) is a ‘black’ market. In distinction to both, an example of a ‘white market’ would be the U.K where online gaming has been explicitly legalized.
Regulators and gaming authorities: the reformed criminal code of 1970 opened up gambling by allowing the individual provinces within canada to regulate and license gambling in their regions. This led to the development of a number of land-based casinos as well as lotteries run by the provincial gaming authorities.
The provincial gaming authorities:
ontario – ontario lottery and gaming corporation
alberta – alberta gaming and liquor commission
british columbia – BCLC
manitoba – liquor and gaming commission of manitoba
saskatchewan – saskatchewan liquor and gaming authority
new brunswick – new brunswick gaming control
nova scotia – alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division service of nova scotia
quebec – loto quebec
new foundland – service NL
prince edward island – prince edward island lotteries commission
It’s important to note that many of these gaming authorities run their own gaming portals often featuring casino games. Being of a poorer quality though with regards to game selection, quality and bonus/promotions than offshore sites we don’t recommend them
Kahnawake commission: the kahnawake commission is an interesting anomaly. Located in quebec the mohawk territory of kahnawake saw the potential of online gaming in 1996, subsequently setting up the kahnawake gaming commission of that year. As an indian reservation and thus a sovereign legal entity, the mohawk commission is not bound by canadian law and thus has the jurisdictional right to license and regulate offshore online gaming sites.
Initially, the kahnawake commission was a popular licensing authority with many of the older microgaming brands licensed there. Over recent years though it has fallen out of favour somewhat with many e-gaming companies/sites preferring to be licensed by the gaming authorities in malta or gibraltar.
For more information on the gaming authorities which license our recommended casinos see this article.
Future legal developments
What future legal developments can we expect with regards to online gambling in canada?
Essentially no one really knows, and it seems that all involved parties are holding a ‘wait and see’ attitude. The government has currently shown no inclination to tighten the law and explicitly stop canadian citizens from playing at ‘offshore’ sites despite the loss of tax revenues. Similarly, a U.K style fully legalized ‘white market’, where offshore sites operate on the same legal basis as the sites run by the provincial gaming authorities also looks unlikely, not least because the provincial gaming authority sites would lose out even more to their superior ‘offshore’ gaming sites.
With the canadian government focusing on other threats and legislative areas, it seems the best bet is a continuation of the status quo one where canadian gamers are free to continue playing at a great selection of international casino sites.
If you’re now ready to start choosing a casino head to our casino reviews page which lists all our recommended and reputable sites, while viewing our dishonest casino list to find which ones to avoid.
*disclaimer – this article should not be considered legal advice.
Legal online casinos in canada
When it comes to online gambling, one significant questions in the lips of players in canada is: “are online casinos legal in canada?” this is a valid question, but it mostly has to do with where you are situated in the world. However, they are legal in a range of countries.
The legality of a specific online casino is dependent majorly on its licensing, individual operations, and overall obedience to the rules and standards guiding online casinos in the area it is located.
The USA, for instance, does not support online casinos in most of its cities. However, many states have begun to make different kinds of gambling. This mode of operation was a little different in great britain. This is because online casinos were deemed legal and allowed to carry out their full operations. However, they were required to follow the laws of the state, pay taxes, and were regulated by external bodies.
When it involves gambling in canada, there is a lot of grey areas as regards how legal it is. This is to be expected due to the various regulations around the globe involving online gambling.
Is online gambling legal in canada?
Legal canadian casinos were not a thing between 1892 and 1669. It was not legal to engage in any form of gambling then, asides from charity lotteries, raffles, and horse racing. But, this changed in 1969 when the federal government made the decision to provide all q0 provinces with the capacity to carry out lotteries of their own. This was because it looked like a great means of funding numerous local projects.
Also, in 1985, the federal government gave all the provinces the authority to control their own gambling laws. However, the criminal code remained the same, and this made it even more confusing. The reason was that the canadian criminal code stated that it was not legal to operate a gambling house or be found in one.
Still, the first legal online casino in canada was launched in 2012. This site provided both table games and slots to individuals who resided in british columbia. However, people who were not residing in this state were not allowed to play in this casino.
Are there really such things as legal canadian online casinos?
Even though gambling in canada comes with a lot of grey areas, there are still legit online casino canada. The laws guiding playing online are quite few and allow players to engage in numerous kinds of online gambling.
It is not against the law for anyone in canada to play in an online casino, so you will never be on the wrong side of the law for doing so. However, the hosting of an online casino in canada may be illegal, and that is why many legal casino platforms choose to host it offshore. In essence, online gambling in canada is legal.
Finding a legal canadian online casino
When in search of an excellent legal online casino in canada to play, there are an array of factors you have to put into consideration.
- For one, you have to ensure the casino is known to be reliable in its operation.
- Also, you have to choose a casino that is known to be fair in its payout.
- The casino should be registered and licensed with the right authorities and should have the proper license to operate in the city you are trying to play.
The tendency to find a fraudulent site is far higher than getting in trouble with the law for playing on an illegal platform. Any of the casinos we have listed in this article are legal casinos you can play in, which are certain to offer you the best results.
Check out the reputation of the casino
As we stated earlier on, you need to be sure of the reputation of the casino you want to play. A great way to do this is to check out the reviews from other users. This way, you will learn from the experiences they have had. You will also find out if the casino is safe, legal, and fun to play in.
There are known casinos that are already known to be secure to play. This is because they have already spent years building their reputation. However, if you want to play in a casino that is not yet so known, you may need to make some further findings.
Any online casino that is run by a publicly-traded organization, which shows auditing certificates and its gaming licenses boldly on its website is usually known to be legal and reputable. You can also run a quick search on google to find out more about the casino you want to go with. If there is anything to note, it will certainly show up there.
Are players from my country allowed in the legal canada online casino?
The laws guiding gambling are not the same in all locations. There are online casinos in canada which will be legal in a specific country while it will be illegal in another. Before you choose a casino to play, you need to make sure players from your country are supported. You may not face any issues with the law as regards gaming in the casino; however, if the authorities in your country find out the site is operating in its area, they could shut it down, making it inaccessible to you. This way, you may lose your account and all of the funds you have worked so hard to earn.
To prevent this from happening to you, and ensure you and your earnings are safe at all times, it is crucial to gambling on a platform that is legal.
Is online gambling legal in canada
I’ve searched the internet far and wide to find the answer to this question. Some say yes, others say no, but what I got out of it all was the fact that it is only legal to gamble at places licensed by the canadian government. Technically this would make it not legal to gamble online in canada, unless of course you’re playing at the provincial casinos currently running online. There have been no laws written, as far as I know, specifically outlawing or allowing online gambling. This puts it in a “grey area” since it’s not really legal or illegal.
There is however, an old canadian law that states that it is unlawful to be found in a “common betting house”, which some think could be used against someone who is gambling online, but nobody playing in canada has ever been prosecuted. Even in the US, in the states with laws against it, it is very rare for an individual to be charged. In one of those rare cases that I found, a person had to pay a $500 fine for a $100,000 online poker win (and since he’s in the US, probably a much larger sum for taxes). Authorities in the US have been targeting the banks and companies that process online gambling transactions for US players, rather than going after individuals.
The attitude here in canada is much more relaxed. It appears that the provinces are going with the flow and opening their own online casinos to compete in the current market rather than fight. There was one company charged for running an online casino in canada, back in 2001, but that’s the only case I could find that had anything to do with online gambling.
One interesting fact that not many people may know, is that there are many online casinos that are already licensed and regulated in canada by the kahnawake gaming commission (est. 1996) in quebec. The kahnawake gaming commission has been licensing and regulating online gaming since july 8, 1999 – longer than almost any other jurisdiction in the world. One of their rules for being licensed by them, is that the online casino must be located on kahnawake land, on their secure servers. There have been questions about the legality of the kahnawake gaming commission running in canada, for quite a few years now, but no action has ever been taken.
Golden tiger casino is one of the many trustworthy online casinos that are licensed by the kahnawake gaming commission.
One funny thing about the situation in the US – there are now US land-based operations, like foxwoods, launching online casinos in europe where it is perfectly legal and US players are not allowed to play there. There are still some US friendly online casinos that americans can to play at, but depositing and withdrawing is becoming difficult.
Update on the US situation for those who care… much like their stance on pot in their war on drugs, some US states are completely flipping their stance on the subject and launching their own online casinos and poker sites. So after spending millions of taxpayer dollars to combat online gambling, seizing millions of dollars from big companies like pokerstars, and stopping as many americans as possible from gambling online, they are now “allowing” US players to gamble online. How’s that for freedom eh?
Most canadian provinces are considering launching their own online casinos, and BC actually recently launched one but it is only available to residents of BC. Quebec also just launched an online poker site, again restricted to residents of quebec. Ontario has plans to open one in 2012, and new brunswick may be next.
I’ve heard of some banks questioning your transactions to and from online casinos, and some credit card companies don’t allow transactions for gambling, so I like to use an “e-wallet” like instadebit (canadian company). I’ve never had any questions arise from transactions using those.
Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer, so do not take this as legal advice, and I do not condone illegal activities.
Is online gambling legal in canada?
Betting and playing in casinos for real money are some of the most popular entertainment activities on the territory of canada. Local gambling laws, however, are considered a bit complicated, just like the situation with other parts of the world.
Up to date, several forms of land-based gambling activities have been legalized by the country's government. The same applies to a few forms of internet gambling. Still, some laws related to casino and gaming services provided by companies based overseas are yet unclear.
Top rated online casinos for canada
The situation looks even more complex when it comes to internet gambling. Companies are actually not allowed to operate any online casinos and poker rooms in canada, but here is the paradox – most offshore gaming servers are located on the kahnawake native reserve, which is still on the territory of the country. Also, some of the most trusted offshore companies licensed by malta gambling authority and UK gambling commission support online casinos in canada.
From a player's point of view, it is actually not illegal to play at an online casino. In fact, it is only illegal to operate a web-based casino from canada. The offshore websites, whose servers are located on the native reserve of kahnawake come to prove this. So, even with the laws saying that players are not allowed to be found in an illegal betting house, the rules stay murky and not very clear.
Still, even under the present situation, the country remains an attractive gaming environment for its residents and is also considered as relatively safe for them to enjoy online casino games.
Gambling laws in canada
The casino and gaming industry in the country has a complex history. As in many other countries around the world, it was first legal, but certain pieces of legislation proclaimed it out of law in 1892. With the time going, the law became more and more relaxed.
After the 1900s, bingo and casual raffles were allowed for charitable events only, and a decade later, horse races were legalized. The great breakthrough came in 1985 when gaming machines were made legal. Several years later, casinos started to appear on the territory of the country, as gambling operations started to become more and more popular among local players.
Canadian criminal code
The criminal code of canada is the bill that sets a definition of the illegal gaming activities within the country's borders. Up to date, the provinces are able to operate, regulate and grant licenses to certain casinos, including web-based ones.
Generally speaking, the criminal code of the country defines gambling and conducting any gaming activities in canada as illegal, unless these activities are included in specific exceptions pointed in the code itself.
The provisions that prohibit gaming operations on the territory of the country can be found in part VII of the code. Some exceptions can be found in section 207. The situation, however, is a bit more complex, as provincial governments are provided with the right of organize and control lotteries, as well as some games of chance that are operated on or through a computer (online gambling). According to the current canadian legislation, such websites are to be operated by the provincial governments themselves.
The kahnawake gaming commission
The kahnawake gaming commission is a special gaming regulatory body that is entitled with the right and responsibility to issue licences and regulate several web-based casinos, as well as online poker rooms and sportsbook websites. A total of three land-based poker rooms situated within the mohawk territory of kahnawake in quebec are also put under the control of the gaming commission.
In order to receive a license from the kahnawake gaming commission, casinos are required to meet certain criteria. This online legislation model as a whole has come as a result of the government's efforts to make the environment favorable for kahnawake internet gambling. This is exactly the reason why the legislation model that provides certain provinces with the right to monitor, control and regulate the gambling industry within their borders is believed to be suitable for canada.
The gaming commission is the organization that bears the responsibility for monitoring the compliance of the gambling legislation within the mohawk territory of kahnawake in quebec. It is also the organization that also takes care of granting online poker and casino providers, as well as the sportsbook gaming providers with valid licenses.
The principles of work of the commission include fair gaming, payouts guarantee, as well as a geographical reference. Currently, the commission issues four types of licenses under the regulations that correspond to interactive gaming of september 22nd, 2010.
Online gambling in canada
Nowadays, almost every form of gambling has been legalized on the territory of canada. However, online gambling is considered as a trickier situation, as the country's government does not grant local companies with license to operate internet casinos.
Web-based casino and gaming operations have always been considered as a grey area in canadian law. The country was a fierce opponent to gambling until the 1960s, but then the government granted provinces with the right to make decisions whether to allow gambling or poker activities within their borders. This is when some provinces began holding lotteries and some casinos were constructed in the country.
Up to date, according to the criminal code of the country, hosting a gambling website on the territory of canada is defined as illegal. However, every province has the permission to legalize specific types of gambling that may be “operated on or through a computer” within their borders. This is what actually is considered as opening the door for each canadian province to decide on the matter of legalizing online gambling operation within its own confines.
The situation is considered even more complex due to the fact that there is a section of the criminal code of canada that specifically points out that it is only the government of the country and its provinces that may operate any form of gambling.
There is one exception of this rule – the kahnawake mohawk nation has received permission to provide its own casino website to players. This operation was strongly opposed by the country's attorney general, who described it as illegal under the canadian gambling laws. However, no actions against the kahnawake mohawk nation have been undertaken, including shutting the casino down.
Money transactions at legal online casinos
A large part of legal canadian online casino websites are based actually outside the country. This makes it difficult for some players to complete their payments.
For example, visa that is probably the most-used credit card option is not accepted at every canadian casino website. On the other hand, there may be some restrictions imposed. For example, players may be required to set up an account with a third-party money transfer website. Players also need to comply with the fact that there are some online casinos that prefer wire transfers, while others require the payments to be made through a list of accepted payment methods.
Deposit methods
Here are the two most common deposit methods used for making online casino deposits in canada.
Citadel
Citadel is one of the legally permitted payment methods used for making deposits in online casinos in canada. It offers a specialized internet-based payment method service that guarantees that every money transaction is processed a safe and secure manner.
Citadel commerce also provides its customers with an electronic internet check that offers them the chance to transfer money in a reliable, inexpensive, easy and absolutely safe way. Such transactions can be executed from any computer or mobile device that has access to the internet.
Probably one of the best reasons why citadel is among the most-preferred online casino payment methods is the fact that using it is not associated to using a credit card and revealing any personal or banking details to third parties. All that online casino players are required to have in order to use citadel is a valid bank account. Once they have entered the information needed when creating a citadel account, they are not requested to fill in any personal details.
In addition, all information filled in by the player when registering an account is protected thanks to an encryption technology that is normally used by financial institutions all over the world. This encryption technology guarantees a 100% safe and secure environment for money transfers.
Another advantage of the citadel payment method is the fact that the system is very quick. Most transactions are processed and finalized within 72 business hours.
Being on of the most widespread payment methods in contemporary everyday life, visa has also managed to become a leading online casino deposit method.
Up to date, the major bank institutions in canada issue visa debit, credit and prepaid cards to their customers. The fact that visa products are accepted in more than 150 countries basically means that owners of the card are provided with the opportunity to use it not only when making purchases in real brick-and-mortar stores, but also on the internet.
There are different types of visa cards that are suitable for all kinds of customers. The most-used types of visa cards when it comes to making a deposit in an online casino account are the credit cards. All players need to do is visit the deposit section of the casino website and fill in the fields required.
If the money transaction is approved, the player is allowed to start playing instantly.
Mastercard
Mastercard is another brand, which is known for its reliability, products diversity and high level of security provided to customers. The fact that the products of mastercard ad accepted all over the world makes them one of the most-preferred ones when it comes to making purchases online and offline.
The brand provides a variety of debit, credit and prepaid cards, which can be used for making deposits in online casinos. However, there is one major difference between visa and mastercard products – while visa allows players to make a withdrawal of their casino winnings, mastercard does not provide such an option.
As a matter of fact, the prepaid cards offered by the brand are some of the most preferred and used deposit methods when it comes to online casinos.
Many online casino players consider these cards as the best solution for making deposits in their casino accounts, because of the fact that each prepaid card has a limit, which cannot be surpassed. Of course, prepaid cards are reloadable, and some of them have expiration dates.
Instadebit
Instadebit is probably the most-used online casino deposit method in canada. It has become so popular thanks to a number of reasons.
For instance, when using instadebit, players are allowed to deposit money and withdraw winnings instantly to and from their online casino accounts. This is a great advantage of the method because most payment options require too much paperwork or take too much time until the transactions are processed.
All this makes instadebit a fast and easy to use payment method when depositing funds to an online casino is concerned. In addition, the payment system provided by the brand is secure enough in order to guarantee players maximum satisfaction.
Canadian players are allowed to register an account with instadebit in case that they are already customers of the following local bank institutions: TD, BMO, RBC, scotiabank, as well as to some other credit unions.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard is another payment method that is commonly used by canadian citizens when making online casino deposits. The brand offers a regular plastic pre-paid card that can be used for all kinds of online and offline purchases.
One of its major advantages is the fact that customers do not have to reveal any personal or bank account information. Depending on the customers' location, paysafecard can also be found as an electronic voucher, which is also fast and easy to work with. No bank account number is required to be filled in when making payments or online casino deposits with the system.
The prepaid card offered by paysafecard is a reloadable, multi-use one. The PIN code provided to customers at the time of the card's purchase remains the same no matter how many times the card is being reloaded. Making a money deposit in an internet casino does not differ in any way from a regular online purchase.
All the players need to do is choose paysafecard as the desired depositing method and fill in the information required by the casino.
Interac
Online casino players from canada are quite inclined to this payment method, considering it has upheld its reputation as the national debit payment processing system for nearly half a century.
The company functions as a direct payment processor, facilitating transactions between bank accounts. All you need to do as a precondition is hold an account with one of the 250+ partnering banks and credit unions, including major names such as scotiabank, BMO bank of montreal, canadian western bank, union bay credit union and many more.
Among the processing products on offer…
…interac e-transfer is currently the method of choice, allowing players to deposit and withdraw from their casino accounts with minimum fees. Simply access your existing online banking portal, select e-transfer and complete the payment.
Security is a priority with this service, which is why payments are processed upon authorization with a security question. Still, this does not cause any lag time and still manages to get players’ funds to the desired destination in no time.
Idebit
Idebit originated and expanded the idea of instadebit, providing its services across 20+ countries globally. Users of the service can process payments to and from merchants by turning to its direct online banking option, or alternatively, its inherent e-wallet service.
The former allows idebit users to transact straight from their online banking service, simply specifying the recipient bank number and the amount. As for the latter, you will first need to register for an e-wallet account and fund it through regular online banking.
Security is a non-compromising priority, as well as speed and fee-free service, available with the latter option. Just make sure you hold an account from the partnering financial institutions, including bank of montreal, scotiabank, royal bank of canada, TD canada trust, and get started.
Legal status of online gambling
Let’s clarify the legal status of online gambling in canada to put any potential punters at ease.
Five key points you need to know!
1) canadians are not at any legal risk by playing at an online casino site, whether they play for fun or as a part-time job
2) no canadian citizen has ever been prosecuted for playing at an online gaming site (casino, poker or sportsbook)
3) it is illegal to operate an online casino without a license if based within canada, all our recommended casino sites though are located offshore
4) any winnings from your gaming activities are not taxable unless your gaming activities are seen as a form of employment based upon skill, frequency and expectation of payout – for gamers playing for fun at an online casino, winnings won’t be taxable
5) the criminal code of canada is the official codification of criminal acts and procedures; it does not explicitly criminalize playing at an online casino site
Top 3 legal online casinos
More useful info
Canada vs U.S: it is clearly illegal in canadian law to operate an online casino/gaming site from within canada (i.E. Legally formalized there, playing servers located there) without a license. However within the criminal code of canada there are no laws that explicitly address offshore gaming sites.
This is the key distinction between the U.S and canada. In the U.S offshore online casinos are targeted by the unlawful internet gambling enforcement act of 2006, which prohibited banks and other payment processors from conducting transactions with offshore gaming sites. In order to stay on the right side of the U.S authorities following passage of the act, virtually all reputable gaming sites withdrew from the U.S no longer accepting players based in the united states.
In canada there are no specific laws targeting gaming sites/companies located offshore, this is why most of them are happy to continue accepting canadian players. To characterize the different legal situation appertaining to the countries – canada can be considered to be a ‘grey’ market where the playing at online gaming sites is neither explicitly legalized or outlawed, whilst the U.S (at least prior to recent developments in the states of new jersey, delaware and nevada) is a ‘black’ market. In distinction to both, an example of a ‘white market’ would be the U.K where online gaming has been explicitly legalized.
Regulators and gaming authorities: the reformed criminal code of 1970 opened up gambling by allowing the individual provinces within canada to regulate and license gambling in their regions. This led to the development of a number of land-based casinos as well as lotteries run by the provincial gaming authorities.
The provincial gaming authorities:
ontario – ontario lottery and gaming corporation
alberta – alberta gaming and liquor commission
british columbia – BCLC
manitoba – liquor and gaming commission of manitoba
saskatchewan – saskatchewan liquor and gaming authority
new brunswick – new brunswick gaming control
nova scotia – alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division service of nova scotia
quebec – loto quebec
new foundland – service NL
prince edward island – prince edward island lotteries commission
It’s important to note that many of these gaming authorities run their own gaming portals often featuring casino games. Being of a poorer quality though with regards to game selection, quality and bonus/promotions than offshore sites we don’t recommend them
Kahnawake commission: the kahnawake commission is an interesting anomaly. Located in quebec the mohawk territory of kahnawake saw the potential of online gaming in 1996, subsequently setting up the kahnawake gaming commission of that year. As an indian reservation and thus a sovereign legal entity, the mohawk commission is not bound by canadian law and thus has the jurisdictional right to license and regulate offshore online gaming sites.
Initially, the kahnawake commission was a popular licensing authority with many of the older microgaming brands licensed there. Over recent years though it has fallen out of favour somewhat with many e-gaming companies/sites preferring to be licensed by the gaming authorities in malta or gibraltar.
For more information on the gaming authorities which license our recommended casinos see this article.
Future legal developments
What future legal developments can we expect with regards to online gambling in canada?
Essentially no one really knows, and it seems that all involved parties are holding a ‘wait and see’ attitude. The government has currently shown no inclination to tighten the law and explicitly stop canadian citizens from playing at ‘offshore’ sites despite the loss of tax revenues. Similarly, a U.K style fully legalized ‘white market’, where offshore sites operate on the same legal basis as the sites run by the provincial gaming authorities also looks unlikely, not least because the provincial gaming authority sites would lose out even more to their superior ‘offshore’ gaming sites.
With the canadian government focusing on other threats and legislative areas, it seems the best bet is a continuation of the status quo one where canadian gamers are free to continue playing at a great selection of international casino sites.
If you’re now ready to start choosing a casino head to our casino reviews page which lists all our recommended and reputable sites, while viewing our dishonest casino list to find which ones to avoid.
*disclaimer – this article should not be considered legal advice.
Are online casinos legal in canada?
Though it’s rare for a punter to get arrested because of online gambling in canada, punters need to understand the betting laws before placing their wagers.
In canada, playing online casino games is a popular pastime, though the canadian laws related to gambling are a bit complex. Just like other places in the world, some land-based casinos are legal, though there are still some grey areas. The legislators also allow internet gambling in online casinos, though there are bans on some activities. However, the situation for overseas online slots providers remains particularly unclear.
The canadian legislators have prohibited foreign companies from operating online casinos and poker rooms in their territory. Despite the preventive measures put in place, several offshore providers have based their operations in kahnawake native reserve. Most of these providers are trustworthy entities that have been licensed by the proper bodies like the MGA (malta gaming authority) and UKGC (UK gambling commission).
Even with the lack of clarity in canada, the interest of online gambling enthusiasts in the country remains well protected. It’s not illegal for keen canadian gamers to play casino games online, though the law looks determined to ban the operation of online casinos on national soil.
The kahnawake gaming commission and canadian online casinos
The KWH (kahnawake gaming commission) is a special regulatory body that regulates interactive gaming and issues licenses to various web-based casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms. That means that online casinos in canada must meet certain criteria to qualify for a license from the kahnawake gaming commission.
In general, this canadian online legislation model shows the government’s efforts to establish an environment that favors the kahnawake internet gambling. This specific legislation model gives certain provinces the right to regulate, control, and oversee the gambling industry in their territory.
Legal online casinos in canada
Today, most types of gambling activities are legal in canada. However, the situation remains a bit tricky for interactive online games. That’s mainly because the canadian government isn’t willing to offer a license to run an online casino to domestic companies. The country has an ambiguous approach towards web-based casinos, making it hard for a local company to dive in the market.
Up to the 60s, canada opposed gambling, though they granted provinces the right to make decisions about gaming activities in their specific jurisdictions. Today, canada’s criminal code forbids hosting interactive gaming sites in the country. That means the practice is illegal, though provincial legislators can allow certain gambling activities within their borders. This loophole gives provinces the green light to decide about online gaming in their region.
Best casino games in canada
Many online slots and casino software providers offer a host of different casino games. As such, the canadian betting marketing is teeming with over 100 top-quality slot games and a range of other online casino games. That includes games from major developers like IGT, microgaming, WMS, PLAYOLG, and netent, to mention a few.
Essentially, players can either consult reviews to locate the best online casino with great bonuses or check out the site that offers their favorite games. Some choose to chase down sites that offer free demos to online slots and other casino games. As such, the players can start to look for their casino of choice once they’ve decided the games they want to play. Either way, it all goes down to personal preference.
Online casinos in canada
Canada is the country of the maple syrup and ice hockey, and today, we review a little-suspected proclivity among canadian – their love for online gambling. If you have tried playing at some of the best online casinos in canada, you will have immediately noticed that the residents of the north are fond of a variety of games and they quite equally engage in the card, table, and even dice games.
We will examine the makings of a sterling host of operators and see what establishes them as market leaders. Conversely, we will also undo the self-styled fraudsters. Here we go!
How to play at canadian online casinos
If you enjoy online casinos in general, you will be quite keen on canadian venues. They are the benchmark against which all other purveyors of all things related to chance & profit are gauged. You will be immediately tempted into action by how accessible the whole offer is. Let’s see how you can play.
- The no-download option – dive straight into the action on any devices of your choice by simply accessing the online casino via your web browser. Yes, the top venues of recreational and professional online gaming in canada will cater to all your needs without the need for any software download. The best software developers are at play here, competing to bring you the most immersive experience possible.
- Let’s download for better graphics – without a speck of doubt, you will immediately notice that the downloadable version offers slightly better treats. If you are not in it for the pure gaming value, but normally appreciate having enhanced graphics and a subtly better audio, you may feel more comfortable downloading.
Ultimately, an online casino in canada will strive to provide you with the same experience regardless of the version you choose for yourself. Explore the options well and remember that nothing stops you from alternating them freely.
Best real money online casino to join
Ultimately, it always boils down to picking the most reputable operator. It may come as a rather demanding task, but one that pays off immensely. Having decided to open your account at a reputable gaming operator(s) is crucial. In conducting our reviews, we rely on a comprehensive vetting process that checks everything from regulatory bugbears and compliance to more common things, such as the variety of games and available devices to play on.
We will pay attention to several things in particular, as we consider them rather essential to identifying the top brass:
- Regulatory compliance – without a doubt, our top condition prior to committing any given sum of money;
- Welcome bonuses – we care whether those bonuses come with clear conditions from the onset and whether they can lead to sustainable profit;
- Security – an aspect of every operation that cannot be overlooked lightly. When you play for real money, you want to know that your personal and gaming data remain safe;
- Customer support – establishing a clear channel of communication is of equal importance. If things go the wrong way, you want to know that you can rely on a quick response from the operator.
We strive to review each and every one of those parts separately. Next, we move onto the fun parts, such as the selection and variety of games. We audit and check if those offer a decent return to player rates and test the casino from a number of devices.
For instance, it is important that an online casino in canada is mobile friendly. More, it would be a great help if an android and ios apps can be accessed through the website, boosting the comfort of the gamer.
Lastly, when it comes to security, we will check whether the website is whitelisted. You may want to keep your eye open for the green padlock in your browser’s URL that guarantees your information has been secured using the SSL standard.
Top 5 online canadian games
Yes, canadians mean business. Their local operators come with quite the exhaustive trove of options and they all seem quite the worthy choices. You will find an overwhelming variety and one that you ought to fully give in to instead of demurely avoid.
We personally like the slots. They are casual, leisurely, and allow you to score the occasional big win. However, they may not be exactly designed for you to win, and as much as you may like a cartoony character slogging through the jungle of south america, for example, you may want to reconsider your choice of game. If you are truly lucky, the online slots, paired with a brilliant starter’s bonus, can turn into a quick hit-and-run win.
There are many iterations of cards you can play. If you fancy the slow-paced, cunning action that is poker, you will find quite a few options, including the live dealer games. But why restrict yourself to a single title? Playing with real money in an online casino in canada can be quite rewarding, and you can swap between titles of various stature. Baccarat is another classic example of a lasting gaming title.
And if that does not satisfy your gaming needs, then do consider blackjack, everyone’s favorite after all.
Canada’s favorite games
Canadians like to balance between well-considerate play and the occasional foray into the unknown. You will see most of your compatriots hit the online slots while happily planning their next stratagem in a game that implies actual tactics. Based on skill and prescience, table & card games are your go-to options in canada if you are looking to boost your profits.
Conversely, you can always & happily palaver with fellow gamers while engaged in the latest online slot action and not giving it another thought. Those titles can, in fact, be quite riveting. Steeped in history and popular culture, you can enjoy a number of tales, myths and famous movie characters.
Who forges the games?
Real money online casinos in canada make use of a number of established companies that hammer hard at the anvil of creativity to bring you the latest well-balanced title. Everyone can appreciate the treats on offer by netent and microgaming. If you love cards, then you should definitely check out microgaming’s seductive playboy-themed live hostesses. Still, don’t let frills distract you and focus on your game.
Tips and bonuses for canadian players
Bonuses. Yes, we are huge fans of those. Make sure that whatever you opt for, you read the wagering requirements carefully and consider whether the task there is feasible and worth undertaking in the first place. And now, let’s check out a few special treats!
- Welcome bonus (as part of a package or standalone) – all operators that offer real money games will always have you covered with an initial bonus. That’s fine and definitely worth looking into!
- No deposit treats – every now and then an operator gives you a free bonus that does not require you to do anything on your part. The casino just reward you it as a quick token of gratitude.
- Get your local specials – if you are part of a loyalty program, you may tap into a handful of extra options that may otherwise be off the table.
- Reload bonuses – if you get to add more money to your account, you could be eligible for the reload bonus.
Canadian laws on online gaming
So canada does not exactly adhere to gambling as a country, but popular support is quite sufficient to allow for offshore operators to gladly take canadians onboard. Yes, the best online casinos in canada are not precisely canadian, to begin with, but they excessively cater to the local climate.
In essence, the criminal code of canada prohibits gambling. Don’t worry, though. While it is illegal to run a gambling den, whether online or offline or be found in one, wagering at an offshore operator is unlikely to hurt you. Canadians are gambling openly, and they have never been in hot water with the authorities.
If you want to enjoy yourself locally, you may do so in british columbia, which is running a virtual poker room to cater age-appropriate gamblers. Otherwise, you will be quite happy to continue dabbling with those heavens known as the offshore industry. It’s still worth making sure that they are licensed.
Most companies that take canadian chance-takers have been licensed by kahnawake – one of the legal jurisdiction that allows operators to carry out gambling transactions.
What’s next on the legal landscape?
We will argue that canada assumes the same relaxed approach towards its gambling industry as it does towards many other areas. As long as the operators are not seedy characters swindling people out of money, the government is not particularly hot on chasing down offshore ghosts, especially when the brick-and-mortar gaming business is on an upswing, and advertisement revenue is generated with the help of the online counterparts.
Finding an authentic gambling den is not at all difficult, although it is very likely to be classified as an outer-land jurisdiction to avoid entanglement with the government. It’s most certainly an apt move by those who wish to operate online casinos for players in canada. And for us gamers, it really does not matter as long as no foul play is afoot.
Sites to avoid
You may think that all casinos are safe to play in, but the truth of the matter is, it isn’t. There are most certainly some shady operators out there, ones that you should avoid at all cost. However, there’s no need for you to be worried, as long as you avoid these specific ones that we’ve blacklisted. With our experience, we can spot a dishonest site from a mile away.
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This website is an independent reviewer with no direct relationships with gambling operators so r eaders get 100% unbiased and independent casino information.
Gambling responsibly and reasonably with moderation. Gambling should never be considered as a way of earning money and as such you should always only play with money you are prepared to lose in the process of an activity that is fundamentally built on risking your money for the purpose of entertainment. Please learn more about responsible gambling if you have concern for yourself or another, or simply want to educate yourself further on the risks and precautions when it comes to gambling.
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Gambling laws and regulation in canada
Betting and real money gaming are popular activities in canada. Like some other parts of the world, gambling laws can be fairly complicated.
Several forms of government approved offline gambling are perfectly legal, along with a few forms of online gambling. Yet, the laws surrounding gambling with companies based overseas aren’t very clear.
On this page, we provide a basic overview of canadian gambling laws, with details of what is allowed and what is not. We also offer some information on the laws relating to online gambling and how they affect you.
Additionally, we have explained about the kahnawake gaming commission, a regulatory body based within canadian borders.
We also keep this page updated, if and when necessary, to reflect any changes to legislation that affects gambling in canada.
Overview of canadian gambling laws
Historically, gambling laws in canada were very strict. Only very limited forms of gambling were allowed. However, drastic changes to legislation in the 1970s relaxed things quite significantly.
The reformed criminal code gave the individual provinces within canada the authority to license and regulate gambling in their own regions.
This ultimately resulted in the opening of a number of land based casinos throughout the country. Several of the provincial governments started operating their own lotteries and still do to this day.
There are also now several government approved sports betting outlets, mostly run by an organization called sports select. These betting operations are known by different names in the different provinces, and although they represent a perfectly legal way to bet on sports, they only offer fairly limited ways to bet.
Online gambling laws
Things get a little more complex when it comes to online gambling. Some of the provinces operate their own online casinos and most of the government approved betting outlets allow you to place wagers over the internet.
It’s perfectly legal for canadians to use these and also to purchase lottery tickets online.
What is illegal is to provide online gambling services of any kind to canadian citizens unless approved and licensed by the government. The laws on this are quite clear. The real gray area is for companies that are based and operated overseas, but allow canadians to use their gambling sites.
At first glance, this would be appear to be illegal under canadian law.
How canadian gambling laws affect you
If you live in canada and want to gamble online, then you are probably not too concerned about whether a site is approved by the government or not. You are more likely to worry about whether using an overseas gambling site yourself is considered illegal.
Because of the legislation currently in place it’s difficult to state with any confidence whether it is or not.
There’s no canadian law that specifically makes gambling online legal. Equally, there is not one that specifically makes it illegal. There is an old law that says it’s illegal to be found in a “common betting house,” and while this is obviously an outdated term, there’s still the argument that this law could apply to an individual using an online gambling site.
However, to the best of our knowledge no canadian citizen has ever been arrested, charged, or got into any kind of legal trouble for betting or gaming at an overseas site.
While this doesn’t make anything clear cut, it does suggest that you have nothing to worry about if you do wish to gamble online.
The biggest drawback for you is that, outside of the government and state approved operations, there’s no regulation in canada for online gambling sites. However, this should not turn you away, because you can choose to simply play at a reputable site that’s licensed and regulated in a different online gambling jurisdiction.
The kahnawake gaming commission
We should make reference to the kahnawake gaming commission, which is based on the indian reserve of kahnawake located inside canadian borders. They license gambling sites, providing they operate from within kahnawake and meet certain criteria.
There have been many questions raised about the legalities of this organization operating from within canada. However, kahnawake is regarded as a sovereign nation in its own right, and therefore not actually governed by canadian laws.
Changes to canadian gambling legislation
There are frequent reports that the canadian government is discussing, or at least considering, introducing changes to legislation relating to online gambling.
At the time of writing, there is nothing planned for the immediate future. We will provide updates if and when the situation changes.
Legal canadian online casino sites for 2020
With there being so many online casinos available and accessible to players based in canada, and as you are not going to have any legal problems playing at a fully licensed but maybe offshore based casino sites, we have compiled the following guide that will introduce you to the finer points of playing real money casino games online.
The rapid growth pace in online gaming in canada was the focal point this year at the canadian gaming summit (CGA). The CGA is a yearly event held across different regions annually, and in 2017 it took place at the vancouver convention centre while its focus was the rapid pace of change focused on online gaming in canada.
The 2017 two-day summit organized by the CGA in union with mediaedge communication followed the same pattern as previous yearly summits, and the annual goals are to provide operators within the canadian nation's gambling industry with insight as to how the industry is advancing as well as education in contemporary technology.
Previously the canadian gaming summit was predominantly focused on lottery systems and land-based gambling, although this year the focus changed and the primary topic for 2017 is online gaming. Canadian gamblers evolve along with technology in particular since the age of internet gambling arrived.
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How to Play Craps, a casino craps game.
A casino craps game
Once the point is established the bettor can make an additional bet behind the passline bet. This is known as the "odds bet." it is the only bet in the casino that does not have a house edge as it is paid off with true odds. If the shooter rolls a seven before the six the pass line bet loses and the dice are passed to the next shooter.
How to play craps
The next time you are in the casino stop and listen when you approach the table games. From the craps pit, you will probably hear whooping and hollering as you see high-fives and other animated gestures coming from the players. Craps is by far the most exciting game in the casino and the players are not afraid to let their emotions show. The game is fast moving and at times very loud. It is for this reason that craps is probably the most intimidating game to new players. If you feel this way you are not alone. Many players would like to learn how to play craps but the thought of approaching a craps table scares them.
It was a few years into my casino visits before I decided to find out what this game was all about and learn how to play craps. I knew that a pass line bet in craps with its low house edge of 1.41 percent made it one of the best bets in the casino. This gave me the incentive to take the plunge and learn how to play craps. It was a decision that I have never regretted. I love playing craps and over the years I have introduced many friends to this exciting game.
Craps is not as confusing as it looks. It actually is an easy game to learn. An understanding of the basics of the game and how to make a passline bet will get you started on your way. You don’t have to be concerned with any other of the craps bets when you begin to play craps. There are about 40 different bets that can be made on a craps layout but most of them like the proposition and hardway bets have terrible odds that you should avoid. To get started playing craps, all you need to understand is the basic passline bet
Passline bet
A simple passline bet works like this. You place your bet on the passline before a new shooter begins his roll. This is known as the come out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 you win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12, you lose. If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point number. The shooter must roll that number again before a seven is rolled. If that happens, you win even money for your passline bet. If a seven is rolled before the point number is rolled again, you lose.
Example
A new shooter rolls the dice for the first time and they land on a 4 and a 2. The total is six, which becomes the "point." the dealers places a marker that looks like a hockey puck on the number 6 on the craps layout. The shooter must now roll a six before he rolls a 7. If he rolls the six, the passline bet wins and the shooter rolls again. This is a new comeout roll and the same procedure applies as the first time the shooter rolled the dice.
If the shooter rolls a seven before the six the pass line bet loses and the dice are passed to the next shooter.
Odds bet
Once the point is established the bettor can make an additional bet behind the passline bet. This is known as the "odds bet." it is the only bet in the casino that does not have a house edge as it is paid off with true odds.
Most casinos offer double odds, which means you can make a bet twice the size of your pass line bet. If you passline bet is $5 you are allowed to make an odds bet of $10.
The odds bet is paid as following:
if the point is 4 or 10 it pays 2 to 1
if the point is 5 or 9 it pays 3 to 2
if the point is 6 or 8 it pays 6 to 5.
A passline bet is the simplest bet you can make on at the craps table and it will get you on your way to playing this exciting game.
An easy way to learn how to play craps is to take advantage of the free lessons offered by many of the casinos. The instruction will give you the basics and also show you some of the table etiquette that will make you feels more comfortable approaching the table.
How to play craps
Even blindfolded in a crowded casino, anyone can find the craps table when the dice are hot. Just follow the screams, shouts, and cheers. Jackpot winners on slot machines may be the loudest individuals in the house, but nothing is quite like the collective excitement that builds at a craps table. Whereas blackjack players are quiet studies in concentration, craps players let loose as they win or lose together.
Conversely, nothing is quite as dead as a craps table when the dice are cold. At peak hours, when you see three or four somber individuals at the big table for 24, you can be sure the loser 7s have been coming up all too frequently.
Craps is the fastest-moving of casino table games. An average speed at a busy blackjack table runs around 60 hands per hour, but the house expects about 100 decisions per hour at craps. That, along with the tendency of craps players to have several bets working at once, means that craps requires a larger bankroll than other table games. And craps offers the widest variety of bets in the casino, with dozens of wagering options on the table.
All this can be pretty intimidating to a newcomer. But casino games were not designed to chase customers away, and craps is easier than it looks at first glance. Yes, there are an enormous number of bets available, but only a few are really worth playing. And those few are among the best bets in the casino. In this article, we'll discuss the fundamentals of craps, as well as the wide variety of bets and which ones to place at the right times to increase your odds of winning. We will begin with the layout of the table and the common terminology used for a game.
The table and personnel
most craps tables today are double layouts. At the center of one side of the table is the boxman, who supervises the game and takes cash collected by the dealers and deposits it in a drop box. Directly opposite him is the stickman, who uses a stick to push the dice to the shooter. The stickman controls the tempo of the game. He calls out the results of each roll and keeps up a continuous patter, urging players to get their bets down.
At the center of the table between the boxman and stickman are boxes for proposition bets -- one-roll bets. Also here are areas for hard-way bets -- betting that a 6, for example, will be rolled as two 3s before either a 7 or any other 6 is rolled.
On the sides are two dealers who take bets, pay off winners, and collect losing bets. The players encircle these side areas. In front of the players is the "pass" line, a bar that extends all around the table for players who are betting with the shooter. A smaller, "don't pass" bar is for players betting against the shooter. The areas marked "come" and "don't come" are for bets similar to pass and don't pass but are placed at different times of the game.
Also on the layout in front of the players is an area marked "field" for a one-roll bet that one of seven numbers will show up. Boxes marked 4, 5, six, 8, nine, and 10 are for "place" or "buy" bets that the number chosen will be rolled before the next 7. Six and nine are spelled out because players are standing on both sides of the table -- no need to wonder if that's a 6 or an upside-down 9. Down in the corner at either end of the double layout are boxes marked 6 and 8 -- the "big 6" and "big 8" bets that a 6 or 8 will roll before a 7.
2,3, or 12 | |
yo, or yo-leven | 11 |
C and E craps | 11 |
snake eyes | two 1s |
boxcars | two 6s. Though the public is familiar with both snake eyes and boxcars, most stickmen don't use them very often. The more common calls would be "two, craps," or "12, craps." |
little joe, or little joe from kokomo | 4, particularly rolled as a 1 and a 3 |
jimmy hicks | the number 6 |
skate and donate | 8 |
skinny dugan | A loser 7 |
center field | 9, because it's in the middle of the seven numbers on the field bet |
puppy paws | two 5s -- though the more common call is simply "hard 10," or "10, the hard way" |
natural winner | 7 or 11 on the come-out roll |