What is the Legal Gambling Age in Canada? Age Limits By Province
As online gambling has grown fast in Canada recently, it's important to make sure everyone is aware of the rules to prevent underage gambling. When we understand these laws and the facts, we can help ensure that gambling is done responsibly across the country.
Canadian gambling laws vary by province, so the legal age to gamble in Canada changes depending on where you are and what type of gambling you're doing. This could mean anything from playing poker and betting on sports to trying your luck at slot machines, whether in physical casinos or online.
In this guide, you will find a complete list of all the Canadian provinces and territories and the legal gambling age that is defined by the province itself.
đź’ˇ In Canada, the legal age to gamble is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. In all other provinces and territories, it's 19.
The age requirement covers all types of gambling, such as casinos, lotteries, and online gambling sites, whether they are located within Canada or based abroad.
Find your own province or territory in the list below.
Legal Gambling Age in Canada by Province and Territory
| Province/Territory | Legal Gambling Age | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 18 | Includes casinos, online gambling, and lotteries. |
| British Columbia | 19 | Different ages for casino gambling and lotteries. |
| Manitoba | 18 | Includes casino entry and lottery ticket purchases. |
| New Brunswick | 19 | General gambling age with regional specifics. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 19 | Covers all permitted types of gambling. |
| Northwest Territories | 19 | Includes all legal gambling options. |
| Nova Scotia | 19 | Applicable to various types of gambling. |
| Nunavut | 19 | Pertains to all sanctioned gambling activities. |
| Ontario | 19 | Extensive gambling options including lotteries. |
| Prince Edward Island | 19 | Standard legal gambling age. |
| Quebec | 18 | Varies between different gambling forms. |
| Saskatchewan | 19 | Applies to casino access and other gambling forms. |
| Yukon | 19 | Encompasses all legal gambling activities. |
How Online Casinos Prevent Underage Gambling?
Online casinos take underage gambling very seriously, and they implement strict measures to ensure that all players are of legal age.
The consequences of underage gambling are significant, not only for the minors involved but also for the casinos, which can face hefty fines and damage to their reputations.
Here’s a closer look at how online casinos work to prevent minors from gambling on their platforms.
-
KYC Checks
One of the primary methods online casinos use to prevent underage gambling is through KYC (Know Your Customer) checks.
KYC requires players to provide valid identification that confirms their age and identity. This process is the only way to help verify that the information provided while signing up is accurate and that the individual is legally allowed to gamble.
-
Collaboration with Payment Providers
Most Canadian payment methods require that users be of legal age to create an account. By incorporating these services, online casinos verify that the funds used for gambling are sourced from accounts that have already undergone specific age verification processes.
-
Phone Verification
In cases where there might be a suspicion of fake information, such as a minor using a parent's details, online casinos freeze the account immediately and sometimes use phone verification as an additional safeguard if the KYC check is not enough.
In this step, the online casino calls the number provided during registration to confirm its legitimacy and the identity of the account holder. If the person doesn't answer and the account details can not be verified, the account will remain frozen.
Even though minors are trying to bypass these security measures, all fraudulent attempts to gamble underage are usually caught quickly. The top online casinos in Canada use high-tech software that monitors player information and activity. Any suspicious behaviour alerts immediate further checks and can lead to the blocking of accounts and further investigation.
By maintaining these strict protocols, online casinos not only comply with legal requirements but also promote responsible gambling. It’s in their best interest to take care of these rules and protect young individuals from the potential harms of gambling before they reach the appropriate legal age.
Factors Influencing Different Age Limits in Canadian Provinces
Why do provinces set different gambling age limits? The reasons vary, influenced by a combination of social and economic factors. Below, we've outlined some of the key factors.
-
Social Factors
Attitudes towards gambling vary by province and impact age restrictions. In places like Quebec and Alberta, where gambling is more widely accepted, the legal age is 18. Conversely, in Ontario and British Columbia, where there are greater concerns about the impact of gambling on youth, the legal age is set at 19.
-
Economic Factors
Provinces dependent on tourism, like British Columbia and Nova Scotia, may set higher age limits to match the legal drinking age, making regulations easier for tourists who engage in both activities. Additionally, provinces that generate substantial revenue from gambling might lower the legal age to increase participation and boost economic gains.
Legal Consequences of Underage Gambling
Gambling in Canada before reaching the legal age is against the law. Like other gambling laws in Canada, also penalties for underage gambling vary across provinces and territories.
Commonly, young gamblers and the venues that let them gamble might have to pay fines. If it happens often, there might be stricter consequences like community service or required attendance at educational programs about gambling’s risks.
For casino businesses that break these rules, the consequences are severe. They could face large fines, lose their operating licenses, or damage their reputation.
Overall, the rules against underage gambling help keep the gambling industry fair and safe. It’s important for both individuals and operators to follow these laws to ensure a responsible gambling environment in Canada.
Helpful Answers to Common Questions
What is legal gambling age in Las Vegas?
Can you gamble at 18 in Canada?
Can you bet at 18 in Ontario?
Can you bet at 18 in BC?
Can you gamble at 18 in Quebec?
What age can you go to casino in Canada?
Where to Turn for Underage Gambling Concerns
For Canadian parents concerned about underage gambling, there are excellent resources available to provide support and guidance.
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) offers a wealth of information on safer gambling practices and prevention strategies. Additionally, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) features research and practical tools aimed at preventing gambling issues in youth.
Both organizations provide educational materials that can help parents identify signs of problem gambling and learn effective ways to discuss gambling risks with their children.
For more information, you can visit their websites:
Responsible Gambling Council: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: https://www.ccsa.ca/
The content on BettingGuide is intended for informational and entertainment purposes. We do not assure its accuracy or completeness. Users are responsible for adhering to their local online betting laws. BettingGuide does not support illegal or underage gambling.
More Guides
Thomas is responsible for all content on BettingGuide Canada. With his extensive knowledge of the gambling industry and college degree in law, he knows what you should look out for when choosing the best casino or sportsbook.