Most countries regulate online slots and gambling activities in general via a single authority. This is not the case in Canada. While the federal government has a law governing gambling activities, provincial gaming authorities bear most of the responsibility. They handle virtually every aspect of regulation, from licensing operators to collecting revenue and more.
Interestingly, online slots Ontario laws are serving as a blueprint for other provinces. However, laws and regulations differ between different provinces. So, which roles exactly do provincial authorities play in regulating online slots in Canada?
Licensing
Licensing online slot sites is the main role of provincial gaming authorities. They vet operators and decide which ones to issue licenses.
Every province has its own regulatory authority that handles licensing. Notably, some provinces have more elaborate licensing and regulatory frameworks. The provinces and regulatory authorities leading the way include the following:
- Ontario: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- British Columbia: British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)
- Alberta: Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC)
- Quebec: Loto-Quebec
Every province has a different approach to online slot licensing in Canada. For example, Ontario has licensed many private online slot and casino operators. In contrast, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec operate their own online gambling platforms.
Oversight & Player Protection
Besides licensing slot operators, provincial gaming authorities also set rules that slot sites must adhere to. For example, AGCO restricts operators from making misleading statements in their adverts. It also limits the mentioning of bonuses as a way to lure more people into gambling. For example, it fined DraftKings $100,000 in 2023 for making misleading promotions.
Provinces also conduct continuous oversight to ensure that operators comply with the law. For example, they conduct or review the following audits and checks:
- Random Number Generation (RNG) audits to ensure that games have fair outcomes.
- Financial audits to check whether operators can pay out winnings.
- Security testing to verify that platforms are not vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Responsible gambling audits to ensure that players have access to tools and resources that can help them play responsibly or manage gambling addiction.
Notably, oversight is also a way for provincial authorities to protect players. For example, RNG audits ensure that players have a fair chance at winning when playing slots. Moreover, authorities also intervene in disputes between players and operators. Players with issues against slot operators can file complaints with their respective provincial authorities.
Cracking Down on Unregulated Online Slots Sites
Provincial gaming authorities also help enforce restrictions against offshore, unregulated slot platforms. Different provinces have varying ways to do this. Most work with internet service providers (ISP) to block access to offshore casino websites. Some also get banks and other payment platforms to restrict payments to offshore sites.
However, Canadians can still access offshore slot sites with relative ease. In this case, provincial authorities urge individual players to consider their safety when betting at unregulated sites.
Operating Online Gambling Platforms
Provinces in Canada can either license private slot operators or run gambling sites themselves. For example, Ontario opts to license private online casinos and sportsbooks, including the following:
- Captain Cooks Casino
- Casino Classic
- Golden Tiger Casino
- Zodiac Casino
In contrast, Alberta, BC, and Quebec only have government-run gambling sites. Notably, while players in these provinces have limited options, the sites are quite good and rival private sites in every way. It is also worth noting that more provinces are considering opening the doors to private slot operators. Players can check their respective provinces’ databases to verify the legitimacy of online slots sites if they wish to play only at verified platforms.
Collecting & Distributing Revenue
Notably, money is a big motivation behind many provinces’ move to regulate online gambling. Individual provinces collect taxes from operators and players. For example, Ontario collected approximately $63.5 billion in the financial year 2023-2024. While this amount covers all gambling activities, taxes from online slots were considerable. The money goes towards various uses across the board, such as funding schools and hospitals.
It is worth noting that the Canadian iGaming industry shows great potential. For example, the iGaming market in industry grew by over 70% within the first two years. To this end, it could be a big boost to the provincial economies and the general economy.
An Evolving Legal Landscape
The iGaming industry in Canada is still relatively new. Moreover, different provincial gaming authorities have slightly or considerably different approaches to the regulation of online slots sites. As such, the legal landscape is always evolving as different provinces expand or change their laws and regulations. Nevertheless, it is important for operators as well as players to keep up with all changes and developments.
