The legal status of sports betting in Canada

Canada was against gambling until the 1970s, when the government amended the Criminal Code, which legalized certain activities. In 1985, the provinces and territories decided whether gambling became legal or remained prohibited. It is however questionable, if this includes the right to operate online gaming sites.

Unlike the United States, people can deposit on online gaming sites, depending on the province in which they live. Betting on professional sports is legal. In addition, almost all EU-based sports betting accepts players from Canada.

Canada's sports betting legislation is quite specific since there is no single law on gambling. However, it is not possible for a private actor to operate its own sports betting site or to set up its own poker room with the exception of people who reside in the territories of the First Nations and who are under the jurisdiction of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC).

Is it legal to bet on sports?

The Canadian system is quite unique. Indeed, the different provinces of the country have the freedom to regulate and organize as they wish the practice of gambling. Since 1970, casinos have had the freedom to set up in various regions such as Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and even in Ontario.

Before 2011, online bettors only had the right to bet on a combination of sports results. While this practice was no longer in line with players' expectations, the government passed a law authorizing some land or online establishments to offer bets on sporting events. By obtaining a license that resembles that offered by ARJEL in France, certain bookmakers are entitled to offer their services in Canada.

Opening to foreign bookies

Compared to foreign bookmakers, local offers are very unattractive and limited in terms of coast and choice of sporting events.

Fortunately for Canadian bettors, it was in 2011 that the government opened its doors to online sports betting sites on the only condition that they obtain an approved license from the province in question.

It was at this time that the phenomenon of sports betting began to take hold in Canada.

Unlike other countries, such as France, Belgium, or the United Kingdom, Canada allows foreign sites to operate on the Canadian web. 파워볼배팅 A Canadian citizen is free to register and play on an operator on the other side of the planet. The only condition is to have reached the legal age to bet, which is 18 years in Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba and 19 years everywhere else.