The only legal operator in Quebec is the state-owned company Loto-Québec (Montreal, Canada). The list of online casinos with a license issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission is on the official website (http://www.gamingcommission.ca/interactiveURL.htm) of the regulator.
Legalized online casinos in Canada
In Canada, there is no federal base for regulating online casinos. Articles 197 through 212 of the Criminal Code contains permitted games and liability for illegal gambling.
Gambling in which a player needs to show special skills and abilities to win is allowed. They called «games with a mixed chance of winning».
Legal Basics of Canada Online Casinos
License | Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) adjusts horse racing bets Local regulators or Kahnawà: ke Gaming Commission licenses the online casino operation (after this referred to as the Commission) |
Laws | Canadian Penal Code and Local Provincial (Territory) Laws |
Taxes | A separate tax regime for online gambling establishments not provided. CPMA receives 0.8% of the federal fee for each registered horse racing bet. |
Player Taxes | Canada Online Casino Winnings Not Taxed |
Responsibility for gambling without a license | Deprivation of liberty:
As punishment confiscation is applied:
|
Canada: regulation of online casinos and bets
There is no generally accepted definition for online casinos, mobile, electronic or digital games in Canada. The provincial government independently authorizes or prohibits the activities of digital game organizers.
By Article 204 of the Code, the following are considered legal:
- horse racing bets (up to 10 people).
- private rates between individuals.
- bets on a legalized racetrack.
In Canada, bets on individual sporting or casual events prohibited (Code Article 207, paragraph 4).
The law does not regulate the activities of online casinos with cross-licenses. Access to resources with international permits issued by regulators of other jurisdictions is not prohibited.
The Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission operates in the country. It issues licenses for online casinos legally. The commission is guided by Kahnawà: ke Gaming Law.
According to the Regulations Concerning Interactive Gaming , there are five types of licenses:
License | Activities |
---|---|
Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL) | The license allows you to open a hosting center in Kanavak. Since 1999, the only licensed hosting is Mohawk Internet Technologies. |
Client Provider Authorization (CPA) | It allows organizations to provide gambling services through Kahnawake hosting. License holders called Authorized Client Providers (APCs) to open an online casino, bingo, or poker room. |
Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization (IJA) | Provided to enterprises licensed for interactive games in Canada's provinces and wishing to offer gambling services on IGL hosting Kahnawake. The right to regulate the institution remains with the relevant authority of the original jurisdiction. |
Key Person Licence (KPL) | Allows individuals on behalf of CPA licensed entities to carry out operational or managerial functions |
Casino Software Provider Authorization (CSPA) | It allows you to register a software provider. An entity owning CSPA has the right to provide software for online casinos at the sites of CPA license holders and to license software for third-party casinos. Players are not allowed to provide interactive entertainment. |
It allows you to register a software provider. An entity owning CSPA has the right to provide software for online casinos at the sites of CPA license holders and to license software for third-party casinos. Players are not allowed to provide interactive entertainment.
In 2016, the local government of Quebec attempted to restrict provincial access to online establishments. But in 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada declared such actions illegal.
Helping people with gambling addiction
You can find an anti-gambling facility in Canada on the official government website.
Local Canadian authorities are taking action to combat gambling addiction. In Nova Scotia, players can request a suspension from playing in provincial institutions for six months, one year, three years, or forever. You can download the form on the regulator's website and submit it in electronic form.
In Alberta, under the auspices of the gambling regulator, a psychological support service has been created. You can contact around the clock and daily by phone: 1-866-332-2322. A list of persons who have expressed their desire to stop playing has created. On the GameSence website, a player can apply for inclusion in the list for six months to 5 years.
Technical Support for Players in Canada
Yes. The law does not allow the operation of online casinos based on international licenses. But federal and provincial governments do not limit the activities of such operators in Canada.
Yes. Banks do not limit the receipt on the player’s card.
The validity of licenses issued by local governments is limited to the territory of Quebec only formally. Canadians from other provinces are not forbidden to play in Quebec online casino.