Things to Know About Gambling in Canada
Casino gambling in Canada has been subject to governmental control since the late 1800s, but only for the purpose of initial regulation.
On the one hand, citizens demanded the right to play freely and laws on the subject progressed accordingly.
In fact, in 1970, the Government left betting decisions to the individual provinces.
This measure led Canadians to frequent traditional gambling establishments at will.
Currently, through the evolution of the country and its provinces, Canada has favored a more flexible approach to citizens.
And this has led to the growth of online wagering with government-sponsored web portals.
In this guide we will introduce some relevant information to know about gambling in Canada, from legislation to available options and tax obligations.
The current situation
For the most part, the Government allows citizens freedom in wagering, for responsible use and for their own entertainment.
Indeed, most of the current provincial laws serve to control the revenues of this industry.
In addition, a further objective is to allow the monitoring of government-sponsored online gaming to assess its contribution in general.
The Canadian Gaming Commission monitors the industry as a whole, offering information and support and responding to any questions and problems.
This body maintains direct contact with the public, the Government and the media to ensure transparency and understanding.
In contrast, if we consider the laws to be followed, these are enacted and enforced independently by each individual province.
Given the type of regulations on a provincial basis, some areas of the country allow players to begin wagering at the age of 18; while others do not allow betting activities until the age of 19.
Canadians are able to play in international online casinos as there are no specific laws prohibiting this.
These are offshore companies that target Canadians because of fast-growing market.
Many bettors enjoy online Poker, Baccarat and Blackjack, but also Craps, Videopoker and Roulette.
How many people gamble in Canada?
Data from a study conducted in 2000 revealed that over 70% of Canadian citizens placed some form of bet at least once a year.
A 2002 report revealed that as many as 18.9 million Canadians gambled, mostly on the Lottery or other casino games on an occasional basis.
More recently, statistics report that between 75% and 85% of Canadians bet in some form: we are talking about betting for charity, but also online Poker, Roulette and slot machines.
In addition, an interesting fact is that in some provinces people gamble more than in others, as in the case of Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
Deposits and Withdrawals in Canadian Online Casinos
Thanks to the openness of most provincial governments towards online gaming, the options for making deposits and withdrawals in Canada are varied.
In addition to the advantageous online payment services offered by third-party companies, even the major Canadian banks allow direct fund transfers.
There are several online portals that offer C$ deposit and withdrawal options.
This means that users do not have to fear fees or exchange rates when withdrawing money from their bank or depositing their winnings.
In addition, the largest international sites - and all those run by provincial governments - offer the casino service in C$, so there is no need for translation in the financial part of the site.
One of the most efficient payment methods is PayPal, an e-wallet that enjoys a good reputation.
There are many online Canadian casinos accepting PayPal.
Taxes on winnings
The taxes that Canadians have to pay on winnings depend on the residence of the winner.
In other words, they are based on whether or not players declare Canada as their main residence and on the type of game: professional or recreational.
In any case, for any doubt, it is best to check with legal advice as each province has specific tax codes to apply.
Commonly, the winner has to pay tax, but the amount may vary.
eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA)
eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance is an integral part of monitoring international online betting operations.
Established in 2003 in the UK, eCOGRA is an independent regulator for the online casino industry.
Its objectives are fair bookmaking, player protection and responsible behaviour of operators.
The eCOGRA logo visible on a site is something that operators, affiliates and software providers around the world display with pride.
The eCOGRA team regularly checks companies to make sure they are operating in a fair and legal manner.
If a player suspects that a site is not behaving appropriately, they can contact this body in addition to the Canadian Gaming Association and local governments.
Responsible betting
The body in charge for facilitating right bookmaking practices and protecting players is the Responsible Gambling Council.
The official website offers a number of resources for responsible gambling.
Plus, the Gamblers Anonymous association also offers practical help through meetings and contact possibilities on various channels in several Canadian provinces to ask for help for oneself or for friends and relatives.
We always remind you to use your brain when placing bets and to stop if you do not feel comfortable with this form of entertainment.
