According to some very recent statistics, around 60% of Canadians enjoy gambling activities each month. The good news for Canadians is that there are no taxes on gambling winnings (unless you’re a professional gambler). For many years, land-based casinos were the go-to for gambling activities, but nowadays, more and more people are turning to online casinos to place wagers. In this article, we’ll tell you a brief history of casinos in Canada—from the early days to what the future may hold for Canadians who like to gamble.
The Early Days of Gambling in Canada
Gambling and games of chance have been activities enjoyed for thousands of years. There’s evidence of gambling dating back to 3,000 B.C.—in China, not Canada, however. Though it’s not possible to precisely pinpoint when these activities first arrived in Canada, from the animal bones found, it is believed to have been something the Indigenous people enjoyed.
In the 14th century, Richard III banned dice games because he thought his archers were spending too much time playing, and when John Cabot claimed the Canadian territory for England, it became under British rule—and therefore, British rules. Cabot found native populations playing card games before the ban.
In 1767, Quebec City hosted a horse race, which was the first official gambling event. However, in 1892, gambling was outlawed completely, and all types of gambling games were banned and added to the Canadian Criminal Code. All this did was encourage underground gambling networks with illegal gambling dens. The Government soon realized that there was money to be made from these activities, and in 1900, raffles and bingo were allowed if they were for charity. By 1925, exhibitions and fairs were also allowed to host gambling events.
The Rise of Brick-and-mortar Casinos
The 1970s saw a shift in the Government’s views on gambling. At the start of the decade, all provinces had the right to license and regulate gambling as they saw fit. However, after many years of amendments to legislation, gambling officially became legal in the country in 1985. Single-game wagering wasn’t officially legalized until 2021.
The first land-based casino, Crystal Casino in Winnipeg, Manitoba, opened its doors in 1989. It was a government-owned establishment that ended up closing in 1997. At this time, there were only two other land-based casinos; now, there are several iconic casinos in the country, including Casino Niagara and Casino Rama in Ontario, and Casino de Montréal in Quebec.
The Introduction of Online Casinos in Canada
Although they were technically illegal, the Government turned a blind eye to Canadians accessing online casinos. These were offshore betting platforms accessed through dial-up Internet. These emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s and were the first, basic online casinos—they were nothing like those of today.
The laws around online casinos in Canada are still developing, but some provinces have recently begun allowing the activity. Wherever you are in Canada, it’s important to know your local laws and it’s also important to use regulated sites. Platforms like Talksport Canada have independent reviews and recommendations to help, which can save you a good chunk of time and risk if you’re looking for a trusted site to play on.
Modern Trends in Canadian Casinos
There is no central regulation for laws on gambling in Canada, but the whole industry is overseen by the Canadian Gaming Association. Some provinces still only allow land-based establishments and sports betting facilities.
Ontario, however, does have laws for online gambling and licensing and regulation. These activities are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Ontario is embracing online gaming and, since it was legalized in 2022, there have been more than 70 license issues. iGaming Ontario oversees all the sites and works with AGCO and the Government to protect consumers.
Other provinces have similar set ups but they’re all heavily regulated. For example, in Alberta, the only official online gambling site allowed is PlayAlberta, while in British Columbia, it’s PlayNow.
The Future of Casinos in Canada
Given the changes seen in just the last few years, especially in Ontario, it’s likely that other provinces and wider Canada will begin to embrace online casinos and gambling much more. Improvements to technology, including blockchain and decentralized platforms, are helping shape the safety and privacy of such activities. It’s hard to imagine a future without online casinos in it.
In terms of land-based casinos, these likely still have a future too—especially because of the contribution they bring to Canada’s economy through tourism, jobs, and taxes. Casinos are becoming resorts and entertainment hubs, with restaurants, theaters, and events. We’ll likely see more of these appear in the coming years, perhaps more as destination spots cater to an in-person experience.
Conclusion
The history of gambling in Canada is rich and dynamic. From the traditional games of change played by Indigenous peoples to the glitzy landmarks of land-based casino resorts and now, the convenience of online platforms, it’s clear that Canadian gambling has grown and expanded its reach. While the introduction of online casinos is exciting, it will also be important to preserve the legacy of physical casinos. We’ll likely see a rise in the number of provinces allowing gambling, and so, an increase in casinos, meaning we’ll also likely see an increase in the number of regulatory and licensing bodies.