Contrary to popular belief, gambling in one form or another is legal everywhere across Canada. However, due to the sheer size of the country and its administrative division, gambling is regulated differently in each of the country’s ten provinces and three territories.
Whether we are talking about lotteries, racetracks or casinos, all gambling organizations must follow state’s laws. Therefore, factors such as how you gamble, what you play, as well as the minimum age are entirely dependant on where you are. Here is what you need to know about gambling in Canada.
Types of Gambling in Canada
Canada offers a wide range of gambling options and opportunities across the country, from commercial casino operations, racetracks, small bingo halls, to slot machines, ticket lotteries, and Video Lottery Terminals (also known as VLTs). Further on, if you want to get a clearer picture of what Canada has to offer in terms online gambling, video slots, casino bonuses and the like, you can see more about this subject on Casino Bonus Canada. Suffice to say, when it comes to gambling, Canada is nothing short of generous.
As we have stated in the introduction of this article, all types of gambling are regulated on a state level. For example, the largest gambling city in Canada is arguably Edmonton, state of Alberta, with 15 gambling facilities, 201 tables games, and about 5,000 gaming, slot and video poker machines. Furthermore, the largest Casino is located in Montreal, Quebec. Speaking of which…
Gambling Casinos in Canada
Casino gambling is the form of gambling that appeals the most to visitors and locals, right after online slots and poker. Naturally, Canada has a lot to offer in terms of gambling facilities. There are more than 100 casinos operating as we speak across the country, except three provinces – Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
But surprisingly, gambling is not the only thing that some of Canada’s casinos have to offer. Several gambling operations, such as the Mont-Tremblant and Manoir Richelieu (both are located in the province of Quebec), for example, are sumptuous, picturesque facilities that have become local landmarks, attracting tourists from across the country and the world.
However, visitors who want a Vegas-style gambling experience can get it at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Sand Hills Casino in Manitoba or the Montreal Casino or Caesars in Windsor, Ontario. These facilities offer live shows, restaurants as well as various stores and boutiques.
Resort Casinos in Canada
In terms of numbers, Ontario has the most casinos (25), with four of them being resorts:
- Casino Rama in Orillia
- Caesars in Windsor, right across the border from Detroit
- Casino Niagara
Other worthy casino resorts are located in the province of British Columbia:
- River Rock Casino Resort – a huge complex that will satisfy all gambling aficionados.
- St Eugene Golf Resort & Casino – located in the Rocky Mountains.
- Lake City Casino – a gorgeous resort located right in the Okanagan Valley, near golf courses and wineries.
Age Requirements
The age requirement for entering casinos in Canada generally corresponds to the drinking age, which varies depending on the province and territory. For example, people as young as 19 can enter a casino in Canada, except Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba, where the minimum age is 18. These age restrictions apply to the restaurants and theatres within casinos as well.
Conclusion
In terms of gambling destinations, most people will think about Las Vegas and Atlantic City, rather than Quebec or Alberta. But Canada has a lot of good things to offer when it comes to quality gambling and casino resorts, a fact which many visitors will confirm. If you are planning a visit to the country or you are simply looking for a novel destination to play a round of BlackJack, then Canada’s resorts might be right up your alley.
