Features of the online casino world in Canada: Laws and rules
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Online games are in demand among Canadians. There are over 19 million active players in the country. The online gaming industry is lucrative. For this reason, some provinces of the country have developed their gambling sites to make a profit. Among them are Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and others. As for the law, in Canada, this issue is quite complicated. The fact is that it is illegal to operate an online casino without a license. But all players have every right to play in any offshore casino legally. The numbers confirm the popularity of offshore casinos. In 2021, the gross turnover of games in such gambling establishments amounted to more than 600 million dollars. Experts predict an increase in these numbers in 2022. In this article, we will look at the features of online casinos in Canada so that potential players understand what to expect.
How to play online casinos legal in Canada
Under Canadian law, you cannot operate casino sites from Canada unless the company has obtained a license. However, this does not apply to offshore gambling sites. There are no specific laws in the country that apply to gaming sites located abroad. Canada is a "gray" market, where games on virtual casino sites are neither prohibited nor legalized at the same time.
Players who do not want to break the law should only trust licensed sites. In Canada, the particular gambling regulatory body is the Kahnawake Gambling Commission. It has the power to regulate online entertainment platforms and issue licenses. Only those casinos that meet the established criteria receive a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. The list of such sites includes the Canadian world-class online casino Jackpot City. In addition, the casino is licensed by AGCO (Canadian province of Ontario). This is worth talking about separately.
Who regulates gaming in the Canadian provinces
The provincial governments of Canada are both regulators and operators of gambling. The legislation of each province regarding online gaming has several similar aspects. For example, responsible gaming, types of games, financial control, site monitoring, and location of gambling establishments. By the way, there are opportunities for casino tourism in the country, during which you can visit several amazing sights and get acquainted with the features of a land-based casino.
As for the regulation of games, some provinces set up lottery commissions. For example, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. In others, the governing body is the Commission on Alcohol and Gambling. In some, this responsibility belongs to law enforcement.
In many provinces, lottery corporations agree with casino operators to provide specific services. Each province has its conditions for issuing permits and signing agreements.
What online casino games are allowed to play in Canada
If we talk specifically about gambling products that include lottery schemes, the following are available to players: bets, poker, slot machines, bingo, lotteries, and game terminals. In offshore casinos, the gaming range of sites is more diverse and exciting.
Taxation of winnings
A player's winnings while playing at an online casino is not taxed. However, this is only true if a person gambles only for pleasure. If gaming is seen as employment-based on expected payoffs, then the situation is different. In this case, the amount of taxes will depend on the provincial tax code.
Legal online casino market Ontario
One of the latest relevant changes on this topic concerns the province of Ontario. In April 2022, the province launched a legal and regulated online casino market. It has set its standards for online gaming and betting. The rules include a ban on auto games and a minimum slot rotation speed of 2.5 seconds. The AGCO, the Ontario Gaming and Alcohol Commission, will be responsible for regulating the new market.
Before the launch, the province granted operating permits to significant game providers. Among them are High 5 Games, Play'n Go, and Inspired Entertainment. The license was also obtained by 888, one of the few companies that offer live casino in canada.
What lies ahead for Canada's gambling industry
The gambling business in Canada has been developing for many years. The market volume is constantly increasing, as Canadians are particularly interested in gambling entertainment. Residents of Canada spend large amounts in offshore casinos, so the country's authorities are trying to modernize their gambling systems to attract players. It appears that the government has no plans to ban Canadian citizens from visiting offshore sites and playing casinos in general. Time will show what changes gambling fans will have to face in the future.
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