What’s Next for Regulation of iGaming in Canada  

Canada possesses a multifaceted regulatory framework for iGaming. Gambling is generally permitted in Canada alone when controlled by one of the country’s ten provinces, three territories, or First Nations authority. This indicates that commercial gaming, including online gambling, is permitted if operated or sanctioned by local authorities. Establishing a casino in Canada requires adherence to certain regulations, which vary by province and territory.

Competition from international online gaming providers further complicates the circumstances for gambling enterprises in Canada. Canadians may generally access a gray market of overseas entities offering gaming services that evade Canadian rules. Due to their lack of registration with local authorities and noncompliance with stringent regulations, these offshore enterprises may encounter restrictions like IP bans, payment prohibitions, and advertising constraints.

This amalgamation of potentially perplexing impediments engenders challenging circumstances for the registration and lucrative running of gaming enterprises in Canada. In recent years, the nation has relaxed several laws and streamlined various registration processes.

This article summarizes the primary iGaming legislation in Canada and examines recent changes in the nation’s regulatory framework.

The current regulatory state of Canadian iGaming

Gambling is legal in Canada under the Criminal Code, subject to regulation by the relevant provincial or territorial authorities. This signifies that gambling legislation, including internet gambling, is established at the province or territory level, akin to Canada’s regulations regarding alcohol and cannabis.

In Alberta, it is permissible for someone as young as 18 to bet online; however, in British Columbia, the minimum age to do so is 19, thus this wouldn’t apply to them.

In Canada, adults from all provinces and territories can engage in online gambling; however, certain jurisdictions provide gambling goods that comply with local legislation aimed at enhancing safety and promoting responsible gaming, which may not be available through offshore casinos. One valid option to conquer this hurdle is to use expert review sites like Gambling.com, where Canada’s best and legal iGaming sites can be found.

Numerous further oddities exist within Canadian gaming legislation. An illustration of this is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which leverages its sovereign First Nations rights to provide internet gaming services throughout Canada.

This Commission is situated in the Kahnawake First Nations Reserve, directly over the Saint Lawrence River from Montreal, and has emerged as a significant entity in the nation’s online gaming sector. Numerous First Nations gaming regulators exist throughout Canada; however, as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission shows, they often collaborate with provincial authorities rather than operate autonomously. 

Recent iGaming advancements in Canada

Certain regions of Canada are progressively becoming more receptive to the gaming sector. Ontario’s 2022 iGaming project exemplifies a commitment to facilitating market entrance for third parties. Their debut has encouraged other governments, such as Alberta, to explore analogous initiatives to emulate Ontario‘s success.

Furthermore, the Canadian federal government enacted Bill C-218 in 2021, abolishing prohibitions on single-event sports wagering. Consequently, sports betting is legal in Canada and accessible online in all provinces and territories.

As Canada’s gambling legislation progresses, corporations must monitor alterations in each province. Given the dynamic nature of this area, it is essential to provide a comprehensive KYC solution for market access. This allows businesses to respond swiftly to regulatory changes across jurisdictions.

Ontario’s iGaming sector signifies a potential surge in gambling throughout Canada and serves as a model likely to extend outside the province. What is the operational mechanism, and what is the process for enterprises to register for market participation?

Regulatory adjustments expected in Canada

Canada’s gaming regulatory framework is expected to evolve to match how the nature of gambling itself is evolving. A few of the significant expected changes are as follows:

●        A study of NFT gaming and DeFi legislation as part of a hinted-at bigger effort against the gray market.

●        Other jurisdictions may follow Alberta’s lead and create their own online gaming markets similar to iGaming Ontario’s.

●        iGaming Ontario might break away from the AGCO altogether in 2025 as an autonomous business.

●        iGaming Ontario might extend beyond Ontario and possibly Canada.

●        A heightened federal emphasis on anti-money laundering measures to address illicit financial activities via online gambling platforms.

●        Increased initiatives to address the uncontrolled gray market of offshore gambling enterprises in Canada, shown by Manitoba’s injunction against Bodog.

●        Authorization of novel peer-to-peer games in Canada’s marketplaces, such as poker and fantasy sports. 

Anticipations for 2025 and Beyond

The Canadian government is expected to amend Bill C-218 to incorporate more transparent and stringent requirements.

Officials are primarily concerned with player protection. Canadian internet casinos and operators will likely be mandated to prioritize responsible gaming more rigorously. This may signify enhancements to responsible gambling instruments, more stringent account oversight, and more emphasis on education and resources.

In summary, the forthcoming advancements in 2025 are not intended to impede the gaming sector. They will be established to provide a secure atmosphere for all participants.

A focus on growing the iGaming industry in Canada

Casino owners are exploring alternative methods to attract consumers instead of relying on advertising. These platforms are effectively attracting more Canadians by investing in cutting-edge technologies. This signifies an enhanced gaming selection accompanied by superior security protocols.

Operators are pursuing merger agreements as an alternative strategy. These agreements enable firms to consolidate many brands under a single entity. They do this to attract a varied audience. For instance, they may operate one platform dedicated to athletics and another centered on nostalgic entertainment, among other things.

In general, advertising limitations are negligible obstacles for reputable casino companies. They comprehend the market and the fundamental values of their target customers. By delivering secure and high-quality entertainment, they may effectively maintain a competitive edge in meeting the market’s needs.