Here we will look through the most important Canadian organizations that regulate online casinos and online gambling in Canada:
- Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB)
- Canadian Criminal Code
- Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) is the regulatory body tasked with overseeing all gambling activities in British Columbia, including both land-based and online gambling venues. They ensure that all gambling activities, including those taking place at legal online casino sites in Canada, are conducted with integrity and in accordance with provincial laws.
The Canadian Criminal Code is an important document that outlines the gambling laws for all of Canada, including legal and illegal gambling activities, and the legal age to gamble. Canada's criminal code does not specifically regulate online gambling, so it is up to individual provinces to decide whether or not to allow it within their borders.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is responsible for regulating all gaming activities in the province of Alberta, including online casino sites. The AGLC ensures that all legal online casinos in Alberta provide a secure environment for players by enforcing strict regulations on age verification and responsible gaming practices.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates all forms of gaming in Ontario, including online casino sites. It also oversees the licensing process for legal online casinos in the province and helps ensure that they are operating in accordance with Ontario's gaming laws.
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is a sovereign nation located within Canada, and it has its own set of regulations for licensing online casino sites. It is important to note that the Kahnawake Gaming Commission only regulates those casinos which are available to Canadian players – not those specifically targeting US players.
Online Gambling Laws and Taxes
Gambling activities in Canada are regulated by the Criminal Code, sections 201 through 206. The Criminal Code states that one activity fully allowed is horse racing; all other gambling entertainments are prohibited unless licensed, certified, and approved by the province authority.
The main regulatory body that controls the niche is the Commission on Alcohol and Gambling. However, every separate province has the power to establish its own regulations.
Taking part in the national lottery is allowed for people 18 years old and older. Casino gambling and all other forms of betting are allowed for people 19 years old and older.
Casino and other winnings are not taxable in North Country. There are only two cases when tax is paid on winnings. The first case is winning the national lottery; the tax is withheld at the source, though. The second case is if parlor wins are the main source of income for the person (if you are a professional poker player, for example). If so, the person has to pay the income tax.
Online Casino Laws by Provinces
Generally, all provinces allow online gambling for their residents in a similar manner. Canadians are legally not prohibited from gambling online under the following conditions - the site is operated from offshore, that is, the site is not run by a Canadian company directly from the territory of Canada.
Next, it would be best for this platform to hold a license proper for offering their services to Canadians, but an international license is usually also okay. However, it is the gambler’s responsibility to check whether there is a license and whether the site is legal and safe. The point is, that the government of Canada will not be able to protect the gambler’s right in the case of any problem or complaint. Plus, players take care of their own taxes.