Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada 2025? Get To Know More!
Author:
oliviam
Last Updated:
11/02/2025
Topic:
Betting Guide
Experiences:
Multi-sports fanatic and betting expert
Topic:
Betting Guide
Experiences:
Multi-sports fanatic and betting expert
Olivia Martin has been a dedicated sports fan for as long as she can remember – whether from hockey to soccer to baseball, she has no particular preference: so long as it’s sport, she’s happy and always willing to watch. Wanting to transform this dearly-held passion into a viable career, Olivia pursued a degree in Sports Journalism, and started her journalism career while studying, writing for various fledgling sports blogs and even running her own dedicated hockey blog throughout her studies.
Upon graduation, Olivia embarked on a career that saw her write about her favourite sports for a living. Over time, she became more and more interested in probability and statistics, which in turn transformed into an interest in betting. Having delved deeper into the subject and expanded her knowledge base considerably, she is now a master of all aspects of sports writing, betting strategies, and guides – all of which are her primary focus as the Betastic sports editor.
Born, raised, and still living in Gatineau, Olivia speaks fluent English and Quebecois, and is learning Italian and Spanish in her spare time. She is also an avid sports player as well as a fan, regularly competing in amateur tennis and badminton tournaments, and mountain biking whenever she has the opportunity.
The gambling landscape in Canada looked rather grim 50 years ago as most forms of betting were illegal. The pro-gambling shift started innocuously in the 1970s with the introduction of lotteries. Then, the first legal casino opened its doors in 1989 and several others soon followed.
Soon after, this little thing called the internet came along and revolutionized the entire gambling industry. While many regions such as the United States were relatively quick to put the kibosh on internet gambling, Canada was content with a laissez-faire approach. So, is gambling legal in Canada? Read on to learn more about legal gambling Canada.
Key Takeaways on Legal Gambling Canada
Most forms of gambling are legal.
Countless online betting sites from all over the world accept Canadians.
Online gambling at offshore sites is neither legal nor illegal for Canadians.
Online betting sites based in Canada must be licensed.
Gambling laws differ from province to province.
Several provincial and Territorial governments operate online betting sites.
Is Gambling Legal in Canada?
Is gambling legal in Canada? It seems like a straightforward question, but it isn’t that simple. To understand legal gambling Canada, you must first understand that gambling laws vary between the ten provinces and three territories. For instance, you must be at least 18 to enter a
casino in Alberta, Manitoba, or Quebec. The minimum age is 19 in
British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Provincial governments in each individual province and territory have the power to draft their own gambling legislation. With that said, most forms of gambling are indeed legal throughout Canada.
Canadians have an abundance of great online betting sites to choose from. Having so many choices of the
best betting sites Canada
is both a blessing and a curse. Those who partake in legal gambling Canada have access to countless betting options, unique features, and a treasure-trove of bonuses. The downside is that comparing all of the operators and their bonuses is a massive undertaking. Fortunately, our comparison tool significantly eases the burden. It will help you narrow your search and find the operator and bonus that is best suited for you.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
T&Cs apply, 19+
Get Bonus
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Is Online Betting Legal in Canada?
Laws that relate to online legal gambling Canada are a bit convoluted. As the law applies to players, online gambling is not expressly legal. On the flip side, there are no laws against it either. There are some antiquated gambling laws still on the books that could theoretically apply to online betting. However, no Canadian has ever faced legal repercussions for placing bets at an online site, be it domestic or foreign. Authorities simply have no interest in hassling online gamblers.
Canadian online gambling enthusiasts are in the enviable position of having a boatload of betting sites to play at. They can also claim some valuable bonuses. Canadians and their currency are welcomed with open arms at a seemingly endless number of international betting sites that provide legal gambling Canada.
Do Canadians Have to Pay Taxes for Online Gambling Winnings?
The taxman always seems to have its hands in your pockets. It may come as somewhat of a surprise, but Canadians don’t need to pay taxes on their gambling winnings. That applies to online casinos, sports betting, horse races, lotteries, poker, and any other game of chance. The only exemption applies to those who classify themselves as professional gamblers. Even then, the Canadian Revenue Agency is hesitant to tax them. Canadians must abide by tax laws in other countries like the United States if they choose to gamble there.
Online Legal Gambling Canada: What Do Canadians Need To Consider?
The most important concern for Canadian online bettors is whether or not the site they play at is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Malta Gaming Authority. Canadians should always make sure that they only play at licensed and regulated sites. By doing so, they ensure they can enjoy a safe, secure, and fair online gambling experience. They will always get paid, their money is safe, and their personal details won’t be compromised.
Of course, Canadians can also bet at government-operated betting sites. Aside from the Kahnawake-licensed sites operating in Quebec, the provincial government-run sites are the only other licensed sites in the country. There might be a few minor drawbacks to playing at government-operated sites, but the level of player protection they offer to Canadians is unparalleled.
Can Operators Provide Online Legal Gambling Canada?
As for those who wish to operate an online gambling site in Canada? They can – provided they have a license. But therein lies the rub. Canada does not issue online gambling licenses. One exception is licenses possessed by the provincial and territorial governments for their own operations. The other is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission which asserts its authority under its aboriginal rights. Unlicensed Canadian-based operators face hefty fines and jail time if they are caught.
As an aside, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission has been around since 1996, and it is one of the most highly respected regulatory bodies on the planet. It regulates several online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites.
Legal Gambling Canada: How to Choose the Best Betting Site?
If you are new to the world of online betting, be sure to check out our
Betting for Beginners
guide and also our strategy guides covering subjects like
no risk matched betting
and how cash out betting works. Do you like playing online casino games? Are you content to stick with sports betting? Do you enjoy the thrill of online poker? Do you want a site that offers all three? You need to find a site that lets you do the type of online betting that you want to. If you are partial to table games like Caribbean Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette, you’re obviously searching for an online casino that offers those games. If you’ve discovered the advantages of
cash-out betting, find a bookmaker that has it. You’re not just looking for the best site for legal gambling Canada. You’re trying to find the site that caters to all of your online gambling needs. Trust us. It’s out there. Using our comparisons will start you off on the right foot.
After you decide what kind of betting site you want to join, start looking at what they offer. If you’re after an online casino, make sure it has a large and diverse library of games from the best software providers. If a bookie is what you’re searching for, be sure it offers competitive odds on a vast array of betting markets. Many online poker players like playing at sites that boast high traffic, a variety of games, and a full schedule of tournaments. Other important considerations include the best welcome bonus, the most regular promotions, and other perks like player rewards and a VIP program.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
T&Cs apply, 19+
Get Bonus
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Interpreting Welcome Bonuses
You want to find a welcome bonus that best suits your purposes. Some welcome bonuses are aimed at online casino players who have large gambling budgets. For instance, you might see a 50% match welcome bonus up to $1,000. This provides good value for anyone who wants to deposit $2,000. That would give them an extra $1,000 in bonus cash to play with. However, that offer doesn’t provide the best value to someone who wants to start with a $100 bankroll. That person would only get $50 in bonus cash.
A recreational player who wants to deposit $100 is better off claiming a 100% match welcome bonus up to $100. That would mean they’d get $100 in bonus cash. Conversely, the player who plans on depositing $2,000 would get very little value out of it. When comparing bonuses, the one with the higher bonus amount isn’t always better.
Reading and understanding the terms and conditions that are attached to welcome bonuses isn’t all that exciting. Nevertheless, it’s a crucial element of accurately assessing a bonus. What are the rollover requirements? How long do I have to meet them? What games contribute to the wagering requirements? These are among the most important questions that are answered in detail in the terms and conditions. You cannot effectively rate a welcome bonus without knowing all of the variables. You can also get the most out of your bonus by following our
Match Betting Explained
guide.
5 Simple Steps for Finding the Best Operator and Welcome Bonus
Decide on what type of site you want to play at. Online casino? Bookmaker? Poker? A combination of the three.
Determine what your budget is. How much do you want to deposit?
Use our comparisons to narrow your search of trusted sites for legal gambling Canada.
Compare welcome bonuses and choose the one you can get the most value out of. Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions. It’s also important to consider loyalty programs and the types of promotions a site offers. You want access to more great deals beyond the welcome bonus.
Do a quick Google search to see what other experts and players have to say about a particular site.
Government vs. International Sites
Government-operated sites that offer legal gambling Canada are almost identical to the ones based offshore. Both offer a variety of casino and live casino games from the world’s most recognized software developers. Sportsbook verticals cover a huge selection of betting markets. As is the case with offshore betting sites, government-run operators offer welcome bonuses and regular promotions. However, there are some subtle differences. Let’s take a brief look at how government lottery sites differ from international operators.
Online Casinos
Even though the gaming libraries at government-operated online casinos are impressive, they don’t stack up to what many of the leading offshore sites offer. Those who appreciate getting maximum value for their gambling dollar will be unimpressed with welcome bonuses offered at most government sites. They’ll be downright disappointed by the lack of VIP and loyalty rewards programs.
Bookmakers
Government-run and international sportsbooks that offer legal gambling Canada both cover an incredible range of sports and events, but that’s where the similarities end. Generally speaking, the odds offered at government-operated bookmakers are significantly inferior to those posted at the best offshore sports betting sites. That means that the payouts are lower. Perhaps the worst thing about government-run bookmakers is that bettors cannot place single wagers. Instead, they must parlay at least two games which makes it a lot harder to win their bets.
Poker Sites
Some government lottery sites feature online poker rooms where you can play popular poker variants such as Texas Hold ‘Em, Stud, and Omaha. One of the biggest issues is a lack of traffic. Even though some player pools consist of players in multiple provinces, you’ll be hard-pressed to see more than a few hundred players at peak times. The frequency of tournaments and the prizes offered don’t hold a candle to what you’ll find at the major offshore poker sites. Nor do the bonuses and promotions.
Can Canadians Expect any Changes to Legal Gambling Canada?
As it stands, the Canadian Government appears satisfied with the status quo. While it would prefer Canadian players to place their bets with the provincially-run sites, legislators won’t interfere with those who would rather wager with offshore operators. Just be sure that the offshore site you play at is licensed and meets the high standards of our experts.
One thing that could soon change relates to government-operated bookmakers. There is growing support for allowing single-match betting. It doesn’t look like this will happen in 2020, but it is a distinct possibility in 2021. Allowing single-match wagering won’t just benefit sports bettors. It would also put the government-run operators on a more level playing field with their offshore counterparts. A lot of experienced sports bettors use offshore bookies specifically because they can wager on single games.
Is Online Casino Canada Legal? – A look into the guidelines
Before depositing any funds into an online casino, you’ll want to make sure that everything is above board and legal. The law can sometimes be confusing and tricky, especially when it comes to gambling online. As it currently stands, it is only illegal to operate an online casino in Canada. As such, it’s completely legal for Canadian residents to enjoy casino gaming at offshore operators.
Currently, there are no specific laws in place to prevent Canadian residents from using offshore casino websites. Although this is unlikely to change any time soon, we’ll be sure to update you on the latest gambling legislation in Canada, so make sure to watch this space.
So, while you won’t find any Canadian-based casino operators around, you’ll still have plenty of choices when it comes to online casino gaming. Many online casinos accept CAD as a payment option, so you don’t even need to worry about conversion fees!
Is Online Casino Canada Legal? – Overall Verdict
Yes – playing at online casinos in perfectly legal for Canadian residents. While there are laws to prevent casino operators from setting up within Canada, this rule does not apply to players.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada? – The guidelines
Sports betting is a popular pastime for plenty of Canadian residents, but is it legal? If you’re considering creating a betting account with a provider for the first time, then you’ll definitely want to make sure that you’re not breaking any laws in the process!
Much like the US, each Canadian province has its own set of laws and regulations, so you’ll need to check which rules apply to your area. Generally, there are no laws in place for bettors – it’s just illegal to run your own betting service within Canada.
There are some other factors to consider, such as the minimum age to sign up for a betting account. Depending on your province and the type of bets you plan to make, the legal age for betting in Canada is around 18-19.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Canada? – Overall Verdict
As we already discussed above, there are no laws in place to prevent Canadian bettors from enjoying offshore betting sites. However, it’s worth checking the regulations in your local province, as there can sometimes be some variation in the rules. As long as you are over the age of 18, you can enjoy online betting with offshore sites.
Conclusion on legal Canadian gambling
Is gambling legal in Canada? It sure is. Being able to participate in legal gambling Canada is just one of the many freedoms that those in the Great White North enjoy. There aren’t too many nations that have access to the vast number of online betting sites and bonuses that Canadians do. Let’s not forget that Canadians don’t have to pay taxes on their winnings.
While some Canadians remain steadfastly against gambling, the law continues to favor it. There is little reason to think this relaxed attitude will change anytime soon. Be sure to make use of our
online betting guide
and comparison tool when you want to find a site for legal gambling Canada.
Legal Gambling FAQ
⚖️ Is sports betting legal in Canada?
Before you set up an
online betting
account, it’s essential to make sure that you’re following the law. Canada has its own rules for online betting, and you can find out about them in our comprehensive guide at Betastic. We’ll also help you choose the right provider for you, based on our editor recommendations.
🎰 Are online casinos in Canada legal?
Canada has its own rules and regulations regarding the use of
online casinos. To find out if online gambling is legal in your province, be sure to visit our in-depth guide to legal gambling in Canada. We’ll help you understand the law surrounding online gambling, while also pointing you in the direction of
quality casino
providers.
🍁 Which online casinos are legal in Canada?
When choosing an online casino in Canada, it’s important to make sure it’s a legal provider. As Canada has rules against setting up online casinos, you’ll need to do a bit of research before finding the right one for you. We’ve done the hard work for you, by sharing our favourite legal gambling sites for Canada in our latest guide.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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