The most unique thing about gambling in Canada is that the country has a decentralized approach to gambling. What this means is that every province governs all forms of gambling as it sees fit, in terms of licensing and regulation. However, this doesn’t mean that offshore online gambling is illegal. As the popularity of online casinos in Canada grows, players need to be kept abreast of these laws. In this guide, I will explore some provincial-based laws and shed some light on why online casinos are becoming so popular in the territory.
Provincial Gambling Laws
Before you start gambling, it is important to understand the legal landscape of gambling in your province. Here is a brief overview of what gambling looks like in some of the provinces:
Alberta
In Alberta, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission regulates online gambling. It only allows religious and charity organizations to provide gambling services. There is only one legal online gambling platform in the province known as PlayAlberta.com.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, the regulatory authority is known as the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. It is in charge of registering companies that provide gambling and lottery services in the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Consumer Affairs Division of the Consumer and Commercial Branch of Service NL is in charge of regulating all gambling-related activities in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are no land-based casinos in the province.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Finance regulates gambling services. The province has one regulating online gambling platform known as Playnow.com.
New Brunswick
Under the Gaming Control Act of 2008, the Gaming Control Act of the Department of Public Safety regulates lottery schemes in New Brunswick, on behalf of the government.
Quebec
In Quebec, the Quebec Lottery Corporation and the Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux are the bodies in charge of regulating gambling activities in Quebec. The first body regulates gambling halls, bingo, and lotteries. The second is in charge of gambling, horse racing, alcohol, and public lotteries.
The Prince Edward Island
According to the Lotteries Commission Act, the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission is in charge of regulating casino and online gambling providers in the Prince Edward Island province.
Ontario
In Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is in charge of regulating gambling activities. There are currently 50 licensed online gambling platforms in this province.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel, and Tobacco Division Service of Nova Scotia regulates and controls the registration of gambling providers. It is also in charge of settling disputes and complaints.
Why Online Casinos are Becoming so Popular in Canada
Although Canada’s introduction to online casinos was in the 1990s, the idea of playing casino games on the Internet has become even more popular in recent years. Here’s why:
Convenience
Online casinos like Bangon Casino offer unmatched convenience, giving players the opportunity to access their favorite games without having to step out of their comfort zones. No more traveling across the country or taking long flights with uncomfortable aisle seats just to play for mere hours.
Games Availability
Online casinos have so much more to offer in terms of game selection. Some casinos in Canada have up to 15,000 games for players to enjoy. Most of these catalogues are so diverse in terms of themes and formats, offering players a chance to explore a large variety of symbols and bonus features.
Live Casino Games
The advent of live casino games has made land-based casinos almost redundant. These live-streamed titles offer players a realistic experience with live dealers and interactive chat sections. Live games come in all sorts: roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and even game shows. So, no matter the type of player you are, you will most likely find something to enjoy.
Bonuses and Promotional Offers
Bonuses are a core part of the online casino journey. Players receive rewards when they sign up and make their first deposit. As if that were not enough, some online casinos offer bonuses to returning players as well. You will also find well-structured VIP and loyalty programs where each bet counts towards bigger and better perks.
Customer Support
Most online casinos nowadays offer 24/7 customer support. This means that you can get a response to your questions at any time of the day. With live chat, most of these responses are quick. No more waiting for minutes or even hours for an attendant to look into your issues.
Access to Responsible Gambling
As per regulatory laws, online casinos are obliged to give you access to responsible gambling tools as soon as you sign up. You can set deposit, loss, and wager limits and even self-exclude if you need a break. In addition, their staff is most likely trained to help you if you observe patterns of problem gambling.