When it comes to online gambling in Canada, things are pretty much a grey area. The country has a federal criminal code that regulates gambling, but it gives provinces full reign to decide how they want to handle the industry. In fact, since 1985, all but one Canadian province (Ontario) has created its own regulations around iGaming.
While the government doesn’t allow international casino operators to host their servers in the country, there are no laws stopping Canadians from playing at internationally regulated websites. This is because the provincial governments aren’t required to license operators and can choose not to do so.
This is great news for casino players, as it means there are plenty of options available to them. In addition to the numerous casinos that have launched in the province, there are also a number of sportsbooks and online poker sites.
With the exception of horse race betting, which is the responsibility of the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA), Ontario’s iGaming market is open to all providers who have been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The AGCO has already started handing out licenses in the run up to the launch of the iGaming market, with major brands such as BetVictor Casino being among the first to hit the virtual waves. The brand’s casino offering is bolstered by top software developers like IGT, NetEnt, Microgaming, NYX, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil and more.
The site offers an extremely comprehensive selection of games and has a sportsbook that can be used in conjunction with the casino if desired. Players can place bets on all of the top Canadian teams and events, with the odds being displayed at a glance. In addition, the BetVictor Casino website features a live chat feature and a dedicated team of customer support representatives.
Outside of Ontario, there are still a few major brands that operate iGaming platforms in Canada. These include 888, FanDuel and Betano. As more provinces begin to launch their digital markets, expect more of these operators to secure a licence and offer their services throughout the country. With sports betting already legal in many areas, the iGaming market will soon become a real option for gamblers across the country. In the meantime, the grey market remains a viable option for most of those hoping to get their hands on some action. This will likely continue until a majority of the Canadian population is ready to embrace online casino gambling. Then, the iGaming revolution in the nation will truly be underway.