The Canadian gambling landscape is changing. This is due to the growth of unlicensed online casinos operating in the local market. That is why many provinces are already developing new legislative standards to ensure the safety of users. You can learn more about legal casinos at Dealgamble.com, where the most complete information is provided. The Criminal Code of Canada completely prohibits any unauthorized gambling.
At the same time, the application of these rules and regulations depends entirely on the characteristics of a particular province. For example, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario have introduced a licensing system. It pays special attention to transparency and player safety. Some provinces are only exploring open market models, which leaves a problem.
Overview of Canada’s Gambling Regulatory Framework
The gambling legal framework in Canada is a complex interplay of general laws and provincial regulations. At the national level, gambling is regulated by Part VII of the Criminal Code, which generally prohibits all forms of gambling without a special permit. However, provinces have the right to regulate gambling activities within their jurisdiction. Each province has its own relevant authority that manages gambling licensing and control.
Ontario stands out as the only province that allows private operators to offer online gambling services within a regulated framework. Ontario’s open market was launched in 2022. Since then, there have been more than 70 active operators registered to conduct gambling activities. In the first year, such establishments placed bets worth more than $1.4 billion.
Rise of Non-Licensed Casinos in Canada
Despite the introduction of regulation, unlicensed online casinos in Canada are popular. Canadians wager more than $4 billion annually on offshore sites. They operate under license from Curacao, Malta or other reputable regulators. However, it is impossible to apply Canadian legislation to such sites.
Almost 30% of online players across the country use the services of unlicensed online casinos. This is due to greater access to games and flexible payment options. The main problems of unlicensed casinos, however, include the following:
- Lack of centralized supervision. There is no single body that could control offshore online casinos and ensure their reliability.
- Limited technical capabilities. Offshore sites are often blocked, so numerous mirror links are created. They pose a risk to security and the safety of personal data.
- Consumer awareness. Not all players are aware of the risks and their rights. This leads to unpleasant consequences in the process of gambling on unverified sites.
Unlicensed online casinos carry many risks and are at odds with Canada’s legal landscape, so they require strict oversight.
Regulatory Challenges and Enforcement Gaps
Decentralization in gambling regulation creates many controversial issues. Each province has its own regulatory body. They operate independently of each other and have different requirements for regulation. All this makes it difficult to create a safe gaming environment. Despite the ban on unauthorized gambling, offshore casinos continue to operate.
More than 48% of Canadian users believe that there is a large amount of gambling advertising in Canadian media, according to research. At the same time, 63% of users support stricter regulation of the gambling market and restrictions on its advertising.
Provincial Responses to Unlicensed Gambling
Провинции реагируют на рост азартных игр по-разному, так как не успевают учитывать все замечания. Так, в различных провинциях были проведены законодательные реформы и попытки блокировки нелицензионных сайтов. Провинции Канады поддерживают последовательный и ответственный подход к контролю азартных игр в стране.
Licensed vs. Non-Licensed Casinos
Licensed online casinos operate in accordance with all Canadian laws. These operators have been tested and have received the appropriate certificates. Unlicensed casinos have licenses from external regulators (Curacao, Malta, and others). Such gaming sites cannot provide sufficient reliability and security of gambling for their users. The table below shows the main characteristics of licensed and unlicensed sites.
| Feature | Licensed Casinos (Canada) | Non-Licensed Casinos (Offshore) |
| Regulatory Oversight | Provincial authorities | None or foreign jurisdictions |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Mandatory | Optional or absent |
| Data Protection Standards | Enforced | Varies widely |
| Legal Status | Fully legal | Legally ambiguous |
| Consumer Recourse | Available | Limited or none |
Licensed casinos are responsible for their activities. If a dispute arises, players can file a complaint with the regulatory authorities.
Future Outlook for Canadian Gambling Regulation
The Canadian gambling industry is evolving. Regulations and reforms are emerging to control the market. Future innovations include:
- personalization of content with artificial intelligence to players’ preferences;
- use of Blockchain technology to secure all payments;
- augmented reality to create a fully immersive gaming environment;
- use of cryptocurrencies to make fast and secure payments;
- implementation of centralized systems for responsible gaming in Canada.
The Canadian government is actively working to ensure that players can enjoy safe and secure gambling services in casinos.
To summarize, Canadian legislation is strict regarding gambling issues. There is already a restriction at the national level. Provinces also set their own standards to ensure a reliable gaming environment with minimal risks for users.
