In recent years, there has been a significant shift in Canada’s online gambling market. Several provinces have launched open online gambling markets, allowing operators to apply for licenses to offer online gambling services to Canadian residents. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Canadian provinces that have already launched open online gambling markets.
- British Columbia
British Columbia was the first province in Canada to launch an open online gambling market back in 2010. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is the sole operator of online gambling in the province, and they offer a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and poker. The BCLC also operates PlayNow.com, a website that allows players to purchase lottery tickets and play online casino games.
- Ontario
In 2021, Ontario launched an open online gambling market, allowing private operators to offer online gambling services to Ontario residents. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) oversees the market and has issued licenses to several operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bet365. The OLG also operates its own online gambling platform, PlayOLG.
- Quebec
Quebec launched its online gambling market in 2010, but it operates as a closed market, meaning that only the provincial government can offer online gambling services. Loto-Québec is the sole operator of online gambling in the province and offers a variety of games, including slots, table games, and sports betting.
- Manitoba
Manitoba launched its online gambling market in 2013, allowing private operators to offer online gambling services to Manitoba residents. The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation oversees the market and has issued licenses to several operators, including PlayNow.com.
- Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan launched its online gambling market in 2015, allowing private operators to offer online gambling services to Saskatchewan residents. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority oversees the market and has issued licenses to several operators, including PlayNow.com.
- Atlantic Provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island)
The Atlantic Provinces have a joint online gambling market, allowing private operators to offer online gambling services to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation oversees the market and has issued licenses to several operators, including PlayNow.com.
In conclusion, several Canadian provinces have launched open online gambling markets, allowing private operators to offer online gambling services to Canadian residents. British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have fully opened their markets to private operators, while Quebec operates a closed market, and the Atlantic Provinces have a joint market. As the popularity of online gambling continues to grow, it’s likely that more Canadian provinces will follow suit and launch their own online gambling markets.
