What Are the iGaming Regulations in Canada?

Although Canadian laws are considered liberal, iGaming regulations vary depending on the provincial government. This probably doesn’t sit well with everyone. After all, the numbers prove it: by 2029, Canada is expected to have 33.9 million online gamblers. Some decided to embrace a fully regulated market, while others signed up with offshore casinos. So, what does this mean for Canadian players? How legal is gambling in Canada actually?

In this post, we’ll go over the ins and outs of the legalities of igaming Canada to help you make smarter choices. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about gambling laws in Canada, the differences between regulated and offshore casinos, and how player protection measures keep you safe.

Is iGaming Legal in Canada?

Short answer? Yes—but with some caveats. Instead of one set of national laws, gambling is handled at the provincial level, meaning each province sets its own rules. At the federal level, online gambling isn’t illegal, but only government-approved operators can legally run within Canada. That said, there’s nothing stopping Canadians from playing on offshore casino sites, which exist in a bit of a legal gray zone.

A lot of online players go for offshore casinos. This is because they tend to offer more games, bigger bonuses, and fewer rules to deal with. If you’re into free spins, you might want to check out these 100 free spins no deposit Canada deals, featured on Gamblizard’s best casino list. Just keep in mind—offshore sites aren’t regulated here, so you won’t have the same protections as with a licensed Canadian platform.

The Differences Between Provincial Regulations

Online gambling in Canada isn’t the same everywhere. Since each province makes its own rules, what’s legal in one place might not be in another. But if one province is leading the way, it’s Ontario.

In 2022, the province launched iGaming Ontario (iGO), a regulator that oversees online casinos and sportsbooks. Even brands outside of Canada need to register, meet the approval requirements, and enter the revenue-sharing agreement with iGO. With iGO in place, Ontario players can now use licensed sites that come with solid protection. It’s the most open and competitive gambling market in Canada.

Meanwhile, Québec takes a different route. The province runs Loto-Québec, its own online gambling platform. While players can still access offshore casinos, the government has tried to block them in the past.

There are also British Columbia and Manitoba, which rely on government-run platforms like PlayNow, which offer casino games, poker, and sports betting. Unlike Ontario, they don’t regulate offshore sites, so players can still use international casinos if they want more options.

Sports betting is another area where provinces differ. Before 2021, Canadians could only place parlay bets (multiple bets combined). That changed with Bill C-218, which made single-event betting legal. Ontario opened its doors to major sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings. But other provinces stuck to their own government-run sportsbooks, such as Mise-o-jeu and PlayNow.

Player Protection

In Ontario, iGO runs a tight ship and all their operators follow precise security standards. This includes fair gaming policies, data protection, and tools for responsible gambling. Players can set deposit limits, time restrictions, and even self-exclude if they need a break. Sites must also offer secure payment methods and make sure winnings are paid on time.

Since provinces like Québec and British Columbia likewise run their own platforms, they’re also responsible for implementing safe gambling practices. Like Ontario, these include features like self-exclusion, reality checks, and problem gambling resources. British Columbia also works with GameSense, a group that helps players gamble responsibly.

Conclusion

Knowing your province’s gambling rules can help you make better choices. While Ontario has a fully licensed market, other provinces stick to government-run platforms but still let players access offshore casinos. Since the laws aren’t always clear, Canadians have plenty of options—but sticking to regulated sites is the safest bet. Keep it fun—know the rules, set your limits, and choose sites you can trust!

Barry Ramos is an avid fan of slots, blackjack, and poker, on top of that he is iGaming journalist and analyst. He aims to create content that helps other casino fans like game guides and reviews, while covering the latest developments on the regulatory fronts.