Gambling Laws of Canada and the Meaning of Licenses for Online Casinos
The question: “Is online gambling legal in Canada?” might seem rhetorical while it requires some deeper explanation. Understanding the meaning of the regulation of the particular industry gives an idea about the way it functions.
Who Regulates Online Casinos?
Canada’s platforms have to apply for it to special commissions to obtain a gambling license. These official bodies have the right to provide certificates and licenses to internet casinos. The latter have to meet certain requirements.
Viable for Canadian internet casinos commissions:
Government of the Country
It is only possible to provide online gambling services in a particular country if it does not break its laws. The government plays a crucial role in the regulation of this entertainment industry too. In Canada, every state has its regulation policy for online gambling. Therefore, aspects like the legal age of the punters and permitted casino activities do vary across the country. For instance, the legal age in Alberta is 18, while it is 19 in Ontario.
All gambling platforms must obey these and other rules. Thus, the website must necessarily have a license and information that the online casino supports and adheres to the principles of responsible gaming. These conditions can be found in every safe online casino from the list compiled by reliable Canadian gambling experts. They also must supply the necessary information to gamblers about all aspects of online gambling, including game rules and client support.
Testing Agencies
To prove that the services the company provides are legal and safe, they have to withstand some tests. Whether it is the quality of the software or the stability of encryption, the platforms have to prove their viability.
Why Are Some Online Casinos Licensed Overseas?
The main obstacle that separates some platforms for getting a license in a particular country is its laws. Just like gambling laws in Canada are quite mild and fair, as many as 39 countries prohibit any form of online wagering.
Another issue is the price of getting the document. For instance, it is usually much more expensive to get a license in the counties of Northern Europe than even in the United Kingdom.
The Types of Online Casino Licenses
There are 3 main options to obtain a gambling license Canada platforms can go with. The main difference lies in the commission that provides the document:
- 1️⃣ Malta Gaming. Operates for more than 20 years but certifies Canadian casinos only since 2007. Almost 400 platforms obtain a license from the company.
- 2️⃣ Kahnawake Gaming. Makes it possible to get one of 5 types of licenses that give certain permissions.
- 3️⃣ Curacao Gaming. Casinos that apply to get a document from this commission can obtain either Sublicense or Masters Certificate.
Gambling Laws in Canada
Online gambling in Canada is legal, but there are a couple of nuances to consider. The major one is that the platform’s headquarters have to be located in another country. It still does not save them from following the local regulations of Canada.
The main concern with the reviewed country is that the legislation nuances differ depending on province laws. It is possible still to summarize some of the most important points:
- 1️⃣ Gambling is legal only for those of 18 years old (19 in some provinces);
- 2️⃣ 250 CAD is the limit for sports betting in any internet casino;
- 3️⃣ Laws of provinces allow using the services of a limited number of platforms based overseas.
Legalizing Online Gambling in Canada
There are definitely no problems with gambling laws in Canada. If the platform of your choice is in the list of those allowed by the legislation of the province, you are lucky.