Online Gambling in Canada by Province

Canada’s Criminal Code sets national ground rules but delegates the licensing and operation of gambling to the provinces and territories. That’s why there is no single ‘Canadian’ online gambling market — instead, each province runs its own platform and, increasingly, its own regulated market. Single-event sports betting became legal nationwide in June 2021 under Bill C-218, but how it’s offered still depends on your province. For the legal background, see our guide to whether online gambling is legal in Canada.

Ontario launched Canada’s first fully regulated private-operator market in April 2022, run by iGaming Ontario and the AGCO. It’s the most developed market in the country. Legal age: 19. Read our guides to Ontario casinos and Ontario sports betting.

Alberta runs PlayAlberta through the AGLC and is moving toward a broader regulated iGaming market. Legal age: 18. Read our guides to Alberta casinos and Alberta sports betting.

British Columbia has offered regulated online gambling through PlayNow (BCLC) since 2004; legal age 19. See our BC guide. Quebec runs Espacejeux through Loto-Québec, in French and English; legal age 18. See our Quebec guide.

Manitoba offers PlayNow through Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries; legal age 18. See our Manitoba guide. Saskatchewan launched its own regulated PlayNow platform in partnership with SIGA; legal age 19. See our Saskatchewan guide. Other provinces and the Atlantic region operate through their provincial lottery corporations, and many players also use internationally licensed sites.

The minimum age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, the Atlantic provinces and the territories. Always confirm the age for your province before you play — licensed operators verify age at sign-up.

Wherever you are in Canada, the advice is the same: prefer your province’s regulated market where one exists, or a respected international licence; meet the legal age; and use the responsible-gambling tools every reputable site provides. Ready to play? Compare our best online casinos and best sportsbooks, and see our guide to gambling taxes in Canada.