Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?

Last reviewed: · Based on official government and regulator sources

This page outlines key gambling laws in Canadian provinces based on official sources. It covers legal age requirements, regulated platforms, advertising restrictions, and support services. All information is cited from government or regulatory materials.

Provincial platforms and open markets

Ontario has a regulated open market where private operators may offer online gambling once registered by the AGCO and contracted with iGaming Ontario; the market opened on April 4, 2022[1]. Alberta’s regulated online gambling market launched on July 13, 2026[2].

In British Columbia, online gambling is run only by the province through BCLC's PlayNow.com[3]. Manitoba’s only legal online gambling site is PlayNow, operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries[4]. Saskatchewan’s only legal platform is PlayNow.com, with exclusivity extended to September 2029[5].

“Atlantic Lottery is the designated authority and alc.ca is the only legal online gambling site authorized to operate in the Atlantic provinces.”— Atlantic Lottery - Court bans illegal offshore gambling site in Manitoba [4]
At a glance, by province
ProvinceMinimum ageOnline gamblingHelp line
Alberta18+ [6]Regulated open market [2]1-866-332-2322[7]
British Columbia19+ [3]Provincial platform only [3]1-888-795-6111[8]
Manitoba18+ [9]Provincial platform only [4]1-800-463-1554[10]
New Brunswick19+ [11]Provincial platform only [4]1-800-461-1234[12]
Newfoundland and Labrador19+ [11]Provincial platform only [4]811[13]
Nova Scotia19+ [14]Provincial platform only [14]—
Ontario19+ [15]Regulated open market [1]1-866-531-2600[16]
Prince Edward Island19+ [11]Provincial platform only [4]1-855-255-4255[17]
Quebec18+ [18]Provincial platform only [19]1 800 461-0140[20]
Saskatchewan19+ [21]Provincial platform only [5]1-800-306-6789[22]

Checking that a site is regulated

In provinces without an open market, such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, the only legal online gambling option is the provincial platform: PlayNow, Loto-Québec or ALC.ca[23].

In Ontario, regulated gambling sites display the iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos, and iGaming Ontario publishes an official directory of all regulated sites[24].

“Saskatchewan people who wish to gamble online can do so safely and securely on PlayNow.com, which is the only legal online gaming platform”— Government of Saskatchewan - Beware of Fake Online Casinos and Other Illegal Operators [23]

Help lines by province

Ontario’s ConnexOntario offers free help with gambling concerns at 1-866-531-2600[16]. Alberta’s Addiction and Mental Health Helpline provides 24/7 support at 1-866-332-2322[7]. British Columbia’s Gambling Support BC has a 24/7 helpline at 1-888-795-6111[8].

Quebec’s Jeu : aide et référence offers free, confidential, bilingual help 24/7 at 1-800-461-0140[20]. Saskatchewan’s Problem Gambling Help Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-306-6789[22].

Bonus and 'free' offers

Ontario's rules prohibit public advertising of gambling inducements; such offers may only be shown on an operator's own gaming site or sent to players who have consented to direct marketing[25].

Under Ontario's standards, a gambling offer may not be called 'free' if the player has to risk or lose their own money, and its material conditions must be shown when the offer is first presented[26].

“Not be described as free unless the inducement, bonus or credit is free.”— AGCO - Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming [26]

How old you must be

In Alberta and Manitoba, you must be 18 or older to gamble online[6][9]. In Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, you must be 19 or older[15][3][11][14][11]. Quebec allows online gambling at 18 or older[18].

“A person must take reasonable steps to ensure that individuals who are under 19 years old are not permitted to participate in an online game.”— Nova Scotia - Atlantic Lottery Regulations (Gaming Control Act) [14]
“Loto-Québec provides Québec residents aged 18 or older, with the opportunity to play various online games on its Website”— Loto-Québec - Specific Conditions of Use (lotoquebec.com) [18]

About the demos on this site

The slot demos on Demo Slots Canada are free to play: there are no deposits, no bets and no prizes. We found no rules aimed specifically at free demo sites where no money is involved; the rules above apply to real-money gambling.

Sources

  1. AGCO - Frequently Asked Questions: Internet Gaming
  2. Government of Alberta - Alberta's iGaming Strategy
  3. BCLC - eGaming FAQs
  4. Atlantic Lottery - Court bans illegal offshore gambling site in Manitoba
  5. Government of Saskatchewan - SIGA online exclusivity extended (Aug 2026)
  6. Government of Alberta - Alberta iGaming Fact Sheet
  7. Alberta Health Services - Addiction Helpline
  8. Gambling Support BC - Home
  9. PlayNow Manitoba - Help and FAQs
  10. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries - Finding Help
  11. Atlantic Lottery - Knowing the risks of buying tickets for minors
  12. New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation - Responsible Gaming
  13. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - Help Lines and Navigator
  14. Nova Scotia - Atlantic Lottery Regulations (Gaming Control Act)
  15. iGaming Ontario - Player FAQs
  16. ConnexOntario - Home
  17. Government of PEI - PEI Gambling Support Line
  18. Loto-Québec - Specific Conditions of Use (lotoquebec.com)
  19. Loto-Québec - 100% legal and local casino and sports betting website
  20. Loto-Québec - Jeu responsable
  21. Government of Saskatchewan - PlayNow.com launch news release (Nov 2022)
  22. Government of Saskatchewan - Problem Gambling Help Line
  23. Government of Saskatchewan - Beware of Fake Online Casinos and Other Illegal Operators
  24. iGaming Ontario - Regulated iGaming Market
  25. AGCO - Advertising and Marketing in Ontario's iGaming Market
  26. AGCO - Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming

This page summarises public information and is not legal advice.

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