It is unlikely that these licenses will ever be granted, which is why it is effectively illegal to run an online casino in Canada.
This is because online gambling in Canada falls into a gray area – it technically isn’t illegal, but casinos in Canada need a license from their respective provincial governments to open online gambling sites. However, even today, casinos aren’t allowed to open online gambling sites in Canada. This en masse approach to legalization can be credited for the today’s thriving gambling industry in Canada that makes around C$14 billion a year. Unlike in other countries, there was no gradual legalization of gambling after this – provinces were instead given the authority to legalize and regulate all forms of gambling from the get go. Until 1985, all forms of gambling were illegal in Canada. The Legality of Gambling in Canada: The Case for Physical Casinos But first, let’s look into exactly what forms of gambling are legal in Canada and why visiting a casino may be the best option for most gamblers. If you’re wondering about where and how to start your gambling journey in Canada, look no further than our list of all casinos in Canada. Canada is home to at least four casinos which span greater than 100,000 square feet.