The history of gambling in Canada is long, complicated, and influenced by traditional practices, law, and ever-changing public sentiment. Whether it was Indigenous peoples’ early games of chance or online casinos, Canadians have always found a way to push their luck. So, when did gambling become legal in Canada, and how did the laws and regulations change and evolve?Â
Let’s put it all together in a complete history that starts with early traditions and finishes off in the modern online age.
Early Gambling Traditions in Canada
Long before European settlers arrived in North America, Indigenous peoples across Canada engaged in various types of games of chance. These were more than recreational events, often carrying cultural, social, and spiritual significance. Early settlers also brought their own gambling customs with them when they arrived, including card games, dice, and betting on horse racing, among other things. As time progressed, gambling became a normal fixture in both rural communities and large towns.Â
Today, Canadians still find the imprint of those early customs in land-based casinos, some of which carry modern gaming experiences with historical elegance. For example, the Casino of The Kings Canada outlines how deeply embedded gambling is in the cultural and entertainment society. On the site, readers can see the progression of gambling offers, from present-day welcome bonuses to free-spin promotions. The site also highlights various online casinos that are legal in Canada, provides expert reviews (in French and English), and chooses the best sites based on security, payment systems, game variety, and mobile capability.Â
The Criminal Code and its Evolution
The cornerstone of gambling history in Canada occurred in 1892 with the establishment of the Criminal Code of Canada. Most forms of gambling were explicitly prohibited by it, with a few exceptions. These were limited to betting at an agricultural fair, charity raffles, etc.
Over the decades, many changes were made to the Code. The most significant change occurred in 1969 when it allowed both federal and provincial governments to operate lotteries. The Code was further changed in the 1970s/1980s, leading to provincial control over casino operations, slots, and sports betting.
First Government Restrictions and Bans
Despite its popularity, gambling was not welcomed by authorities historically. By the 19th century, massive issues of moral decay and criminal fraud were prevalent. Under early Canadian law, gambling was banned on:
- Dice
- Lottery
- Card Play
Therefore, an underground gambling industry blossomed. Although authorities made attempts to ban gambling, Canadians secretly continued to play games of chance in clubs, pubs, and other makeshift betting venues. Some provinces later experimented with minor exceptions, like lottery tickets.
All of these prohibitions opened up an epic legal battle on the stance of gambling as a social norm. However, restrictions did not exactly affect the demand for this form of entertainment. Canadians sought operators who accepted players from this region and even took advantage of their 100 spins for $1 bonus offers. It will take several decades before provincial governments acknowledge how their approach is counterproductive.Â
Eventually, gambling became seen as a pastime and a form of revenue for the provincial government. The shift in perception allowed the government to revisit and shift the anti-gambling prohibition to government-controlled gambling.Â
Provincial Control and Legalization Steps
A hallmark of Canadian gambling law is decentralization. In some countries, gambling is controlled at the national level. In Canada, however, the provinces are given power to regulate gambling operations within their borders.
This became apparent after Criminal Code amendments in 1985, when provinces were given exclusive authority to provide gaming machines and other operations in their jurisdiction. Gambling then spread across the country in many forms. Alberta and Ontario developed large commercial casinos, while Quebec successfully operated lotteries and online sites.
Rise of Lotteries, Casinos, and Sports Betting
Lotteries were critical to funding large projects in Canada, like the 1976 Montreal Olympics. They set the stage for the growth of commercial casinos in the 1980s/1990s. Areas like Niagara Falls and Montreal developed gaming destinations, which attracted both locals and tourists.
Sports betting also developed during this time. While parlay betting (multiple picks on the same ticket) was permitted for many years, single-event sports betting was only legalized in 2021 with the passage of Bill C-218. This represents one of the more significant changes in Canadian gambling law. It permitted provinces to enter a market that thrived underground and offshore for decades before.
It’s worth mentioning that video games also played a role in further popularizing gambling content. AAA titles with record numbers of players, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and the GTA franchise, have side content that features casino games. These include poker, slots, blackjack, and other classics. Â
Online Gambling Regulation in Modern Canada
So, when did online gambling become legal in Canada? Unlike physical casinos, online gaming existed in a grey area during the 1990s and early 2000s. Offshore operators targeted Canadian players while domestic regulation lagged behind.
Today, online gambling is legal in Canada, although it is regulated on a provincial basis. For example, Ontario implemented its regulated iGaming market in 2022. This allowed licensed operators to provide casino gaming, poker, and single-event sports betting. Other provinces also provide government-operated services, including but not limited to British Columbia and Quebec.
This model reflects the larger history of gambling in Canada: a balance of prohibition, adaptation, and regulation. Canadians now benefit from numerous methods of gambling, both in person and online, which is the result of an extended period of legal reform.