If you’re looking for the best gambling sites Canada provides to its residents, you’ve come to the right place. We will reveal which forms of gambling you can rejoice in each province and territory, the Canadian online casinos you can use, the essential rules and regulations in the country put in place, and more. So, let’s start the journey now!
So, what are you waiting for? Choose your gambling site and play wisely.
Our recommendations feature: Safe online casinos, Huge welcome bonuses, Great variety of gamesVerified by:Kate MatthewsAuthor at GameZinger.com
Below we have carefully picked the best online gambling sites Canada offers to players. They provide exceptional bonuses, game selections, terms, and websites.
Since we have spent countless hours researching and checking each of the above online gambling sites, you can be sure they are first-class. Have a look at them to understand why they tick all our boxes!
Our criteria for ranking sites are:
We will give you all the information regarding gambling for the exact territory and province you are in. You will know how to avoid being penalized and get the most out of your gaming time. The virtual gambling portals Canadians can play at are licensed, safe, and provide a diversity of gaming options.
Here are our criteria for the top-ranking online casino sites in Canada:
Safety and reliability This matters, and no player should ignore it. The most trustworthy platforms usually hold licenses from the jurisdiction of Malta, Curacao, and Kahnawake. Additionally, they apply SSL encryption and have external regulations.
Usability We value the accessibility of all the features a user would value at a given Canadian online gambling site, the clear and high-quality graphics. Mobile optimization is always a must today, so this is another thing we also test.
Great welcome bonuses We check the deals for newly registered players and their terms and conditions. The welcome bonuses let you win more from the start. Usually, they are match deposits that may or may not include free spins and other extras.
Instead of getting mesmerized by the ocean of web-based wagering portals, choose wisely. Rely on us to help you have fun and win big while playing on the go or from the comfort of your home.
Is it legal to gamble on the Internet in Canada?
Canada has ten provinces and three territories, each adhering to its offline and iGaming laws.
The laws are constantly changing, and new online gambling sites are getting into new states each year. We will update this information often, so you can always get up-to-date news.
Laws in Canada differ since each area has its own gaming rules and regulations. The following gambling forms are allowed in most provinces, though not in all:
Online casinos
Internet poker
Betting on sports events
Land-based casinos
Horse racing
Bingo halls
Poker rooms
Lottery
Charitable Gaming
iGaming is always available anywhere in Canada, as all three territories and ten provinces offer some legal forms.
Canada online gambling laws by province
Canadian province
Online casino gambling
Land-based casino gambling
Online sports betting
Physical sportsbooks
Lottery
Online horse race betting
Retail horse race betting
Sweepstakes casino
Legal age – casino & sports betting
State Review
Alberta
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
AB online gambling
British Columbia
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
BC online gambling
Manitoba
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 18.
MB online gambling
New Brunswick
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
NB online gambling
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
NL online gambling
Northwest Territories
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
NT online gambling
Nova Scotia
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
NS online gambling
Nunavut
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
NU online gambling
Ontario
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
PE online gambling
Quebec
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 18.
QC online gambling
Saskatchewan
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
SK online gambling
Yukon
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting is 19.
YT online gambling
History of gambling in Canada
Canadian gambling history has been turbulent, yet casino games have been a favorite pastime since its introduction to the land by the settlers and with the country’s development. Residents of Canada are free to play games of chance and place bets online and offline. Today, you can even find government-sponsored websites. Gambling in the country dates back to the natives when sticks for betting and casino games were used. John Cabot’s voyage to the Canadian shores in 1497 brought the playing of cards, which introduced the early faro game versions that later evolved into blackjack and poker. Other loved by Canadians games include dice and barbotte games.
Although gambling has always been permitted, the government started overseeing and regulating it in the late 1800s. By 1970, the authorities gave the provinces the freedom to control gambling, resulting in land-based casinos’ growth. Nowadays, the decisions related to iGaming are left to players, with the Canadian provinces providing only regulatory oversight.
1380 – The prohibiting of dice games
In 1380, long before Canada was discovered, Richard III banned dice games on suspicion that his archers spent too much time playing dice games. The monarch prohibited all dice games out of fear that they neglected their duties, causing safety breaches.
1497 – Ban on gambling
John Cabot claimed the English territory, and while exploring Canada, he found out that the Native populations were playing card games. Canada was under British rule, so the ban on gambling went into effect on its territory too.
1767 – The first horse racing event in Quebec City
On July 1st, 1767, the first horse racing event marked the official start of gambling events in Canada. Canadians from all walks of life came together on the Plane of Abraha in Quebec City to watch the racing of horses and win the prize. The mare Modesty ridden by Captain Prescot won the event earning $40 (or $1,558 after inflation).
1892-1900 – First laws
The ‘Canadian Criminal Code’ – the first official law document that included all forms of gambling, was enacted in 1892. It had statutes that made casino games acceptable under certain conditions, though they were not permitted yet. Morality and religious views were predominant at the time, so the legislators had to satisfy the masses with a ban on gambling. The wagering hunger, on the other hand, provoked the opening of an underground gambling network of illegal dens. In 1900, Canadians started playing raffles and bingo for charity. The government realized the tremendous economic potential of some betting games and amended the laws legalizing bingo and raffles for charity. In 1910, another part of the Criminal Code was reformed, letting pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. Other casino games were allowed for charity and religious purposes only. In the 1900s, wagering became more and more accepted by Canadians.
1925 – Gambling events at fairs and exhibitions allowed
Many people started to appreciate the value of gaming activities. In 1925, the government made more changes to the Criminal Code that allowed the hosting of gambling events at town exhibitions and fairs.
1969 – Lotteries became legal
Once the government realized the importance and potential of lotteries, it again amended the Code, approving them. As a result, federal and provincial governments started using lotteries to subsidize specific projects.
1970 – Canadian provinces license and regulate gambling
The iGaming regulations had to undergo plenty of modifications, and the government had been paying no heed to illegal schemes for decades. Ultimately, the law changed to give each province autonomy with the right to execute, license, and regulate its gambling activities on its territory.
1974 – The first lottery held in Canada to raise funds for the Montreal Olympics
Five years after the legalization of lotteries, Canada held the first lottery in an attempt to fund the Montreal Summer Olympics. The Stadium was estimated to cost $250 million, but ultimately, it cost $1.4 billion! The government helped by raising $15 for the Games. It offered another $1 million jackpot free of taxes – the biggest lottery payout ever given then!
1985 – Gambling in Canada becomes legal
In 1985, after a long road of plenty of changes and particular restrictions, Canada made gambling and sports betting legal. However, single-game wagering was not permitted and became so much later – in 2021.
1989 – The first land-based casino in Canada opens its doors
After the long waiting for the ban to end, in 1989, the first brick-and-mortar casino was opened in the country. Crystal Casino, owned by the government, and located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, lasted only eight years. In 1997 two other gambling centers took over Crystal Casino’s operations.
1994 – Online Canadian gambling legalized & the launch of the first official casino
Though illegal, online casinos were not completely banned by the government. Canadian online gambling sites used to have shabby graphics and screeching sounds came out of the dial-up. They weren’t at all as luxurious and convenient as they are now, which made many players give up using them. In 1994 Canada launched its first official casino in Windsor, Ontario. That marked a turning point in gambling regulation in the country. This casino opening made a broader trend with provinces started establishing their regulations and facilities to generate revenue and provide entertainment to residents.
Late 1990s – 2000s – Provincial lotteries and casino industry growth
In the late 1990s, many provinces expanded their gambling options, establishing more casinos and introducing video lottery terminals (VLTs) in restaurants and bars as ways of government revenue without raising taxes. By 2000, a few Canadian provinces had embraced wagering to fund public services, which led to the proliferation of gambling venues across the country. The gambling industry became a multi-billion-dollar sector that significantly contributed to local economies.
2004 – Gambling regulation and responsible gambling
In 2004, the gambling landscape continued to grow and develop, with numerous casinos operating across the Great White North. However, gambling addiction concerns urged provinces to take support for problem gamblers and measures for responsible gambling.
2010s – The rise of online gambling
The 2010s was marked by a significant shift towards online gambling, as many Canadians preferred online casinos and sports betting platforms. The trend increased during the COVID-19 pandemic when land-based casinos faced closures.
2020s – Single-event sports betting legalization and current development
In 2021, Canada made single-event sports betting legal, so provinces could regulate and offer it. This was a way to fight illegal betting and generate additional revenue. As of 2024, gambling remains a popular pastime in the country. A diverse range of options such as casinos, online platforms, and sports betting are currently available. The CA gambling industry continues to adapt to changing regulations and consumer preferences, but not without a focus on responsible gambling practices.
The best online gambling site of the month
We have checked many digital casinos and finally have found one that stands out among the best online gambling sites Canada.
Our top pick is excellent for casino games enthusiasts, sports bettors, newbies, and seasoned gamblers. Check it out. We update our number one casino for gambling online each month by evaluating them through stringent criteria.
The best online gambling sites we have selected for you have many and various depositing methods, secure as well. Choose the ones you feel most comfortable with, considering that specific banking methods trigger deposit bonuses. In most cases, you need to use the same methods for depositing and withdrawing.
Here are some of the most common ones at the best online casino sites for Canadians:
Debit cards
Debit cards are popular methods for depositing in Canadian online casinos. They accept payments from Switch, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Visa Debit, and Laser cards. Maestro, Visa, and American Express debit cards are the most used brands.
Credit cards
The most popular credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, American Express, and Interac. The online banking-based company Iterac is ubiquitous in Canada. With it, you can transfer as much money as you have in your account. The deposits are fast and highly secure, and you have more control over your casino bankroll. Keep in mind that deposits with Mastercard and Visa credit cards have fees. American Express remains one of the top depositing methods in Canada.
E-wallets
If you want to avoid using your credit and debit cards, plenty of options are available for Canadians. These include e-wallets like PayNearMe, PayPal, Neteller, EcoCard, Citadel, ecoPayz, etc.
PayNearMe – if you are apprehensive about using your credit card at an online casino, PayNearMe is a great alternative. Funding your account online with PayNearMe is child’s play – depositing cash at a local store, and you’re done.
PayPal – a provenly highly secure method for online transactions, including gambling. It is an accepted e-wallet for depositing by the best online gambling sites.
Neteller – one of the biggest and most used e-wallets for deposits and withdrawals in Canada and the rest of the world. The transactions are secure, safe, and speedy, taking just seconds.
EcoCard – another e-wallet preferred by the majority of Canadian and European players. It lets you deposit with various currencies using your Eco Card e-wallet account.
ecoPayz – a modern depositing method loved by Canadian gamblers. Players prefer it because you can fund your ecoPayz account with 45 currencies and deposit them in your casino account.
My Citadel – another Canadian depositing method for quick and easy transfers that lets you keep your credit and debit cards protected and your data secure.
Pay By Phone – You can deposit using a Pay By Phone bill casino by entering your phone number. This protects your financial information and lets you enter the gambling tables in minutes.
Bank wire transfer
There are plenty of ways to make bank transfers since the methods available to Canadian residents are not few:
Most casinos legal in Canada let you make wire transfers from your bank account. This is an excellent choice for large deposits and withdrawals. Sometimes you may be charged a small fee for these transactions.
eCheck is a Canadian-first depositing method that ensures safe and easy transfers.
InstaDebit is another secure and speedy deposit method as many Canadian online gambling sites accept it.
Bitcoin and crypto deposits
Players can use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to move money into their casino accounts. Many operators accept them as viable options suitable for customers who are adept in them. Some online casinos may even offer special crypto welcome bonuses. Cryptos and BTC offer anonymity, wagering with a decentralized currency, protection against deflation, and the advantage of no taxation.
Other depositing options
Canadian players can use Revolut, Klarna, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other deposit methods:
Revolut lets you move money into your casino and other accounts quickly and without fees.
Klarna is a Swedish bank and a fintech start-up becoming mainstream in many Canada-regulated online casinos.
Owners of Android and Apple smartphones and tablets can use Google Pay and Apple Pay for casino deposits and withdrawals, respectively.
Canada online gambling statistics
Let’s see some numbers revealing how much Canadians spend on gambling.
6 out of 10 Canadians have gambled for money.
The average Canadian spends $6.75 monthly on games of chance and gambling.
63% of men and 57% of women admit to spending money on gambling per month.
56% of men and 43% of women reveal having initiated some form of digital gambling.
In Canada, there are over 19.3 million active gamblers.
Ontario’s reported revenue from gambling in 2020 was 3.8 billion.
Canada’s revenue from its online iGaming industry in 2021 was $1.2 billion.
About 2% of Canadians aged 15 and above have a gambling problem.
73% of Canadians admit gambling-associated problems have multiplied in their province.
83% of Canadian residents believe everyone is responsible for their gaming and gambling habits.
Responsible gambling
Gambling wisely is a must if you plan to have fun and spend more time doing it. Once you choose a site, the next stage is to register and deposit. Here are some valuable pieces of advice you can apply and protect yourself from loss and unpleasant emotions:
Bet for fun
As mentioned, gambling is an entertainment activity, not a way to earn money. Consider it a recreational thing you do to unwind and try your luck. You can be fortunate and win cash or lose some; it’s all up to Lady Luck!
Create control points
An effective way to be in control of your gaming activity is by setting control points. Gamble for a preliminary planned time and calculate your losses. Don’t get too frivolous and lose more than you can afford or have planned. Once you reach the set amount of losses, stop playing. Sounds easy and not that easy to apply.
Set budget
Set aside a budget you are comfortable with and stick to it no matter what. Play with what you can afford to lose, and never try to make up for your bad luck with even greater wagers and risks. Otherwise, in the end, you won’t be satisfied with the outcome.
Accept losses
Never try to compensate for your losses, as this will generate even more significant losses, not to mention the negative emotions it will create. Don’t be disappointed and discouraged by your lack of luck; take it easy.
Why trust us for online gambling?
We do our best to offer the latest information on the most prospective online gambling casinos in Canada. Our experienced team does in-depth research of new potentially prospective gaming and betting sites. This includes the available games, depositing and withdrawal options, free demo versions, promotions, licenses, user interface, and more. We also test the online casinos on smartphones and tablets to see how they perform on smaller screens.
You can expect factual, accurate, and up-to-date information on the changes in each gambling website. Keep yourself updated with the news and development of online gambling industry with our help!
Canada Online gambling FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Canada?
Fortunately, all provinces and territories allow residents to use overseas platforms.
How old do I need to be to gamble in Canada?
In most provinces, you must be 19 to play at gambling sites in Canada and gaming venues, whereas in several is enough to be 18. Compare the rules and regulations in our table about gambling age by province and region.
Is playing online casino games in Canada safe?
Yes, if you go for the licensed online gambling sites in Canada, we recommend here. They are checked, reliable and ensure a safe and satisfying experience thanks to offering casino games of all possible categories. Go ahead and check our responsible gambling section.
Can I play online slots in Canada?
The top websites host offer various slot machines of every genre, type, and mechanic. Online gambling has been legal since 1994. You can also play slot games from mobile devices. One of the best ones for this type of game is Spin Casino, among many others.
When did Canada legalize online gambling?
In 1994, it became officially legal, and though the first online casinos in Canada hosted did not look as glamorous as they do today, this was a significant breakthrough. Canada’s gambling history has been bumpy and unpredictable.
Ads disclosure
At Gamezinger.com, we provide personalized casino and sports betting offers through affiliate links, provided by our trusted partners. This earns us a commission at no extra cost to you when depositing. We urge readers to abide by local gambling laws, which may vary and change. Please note that gamezinger.com is not a gambling operator and doesn't offer gambling facilities. We can't be held responsible for third-party site activities, and don't condone gambling where it's prohibited.