Gambling regulation in Canada
Provinces run or license gambling. Ontario opened a competitive licensed market in April 2022 and Alberta followed on 13 July 2026.
Status at a glance
Licences are granted by states or provinces, so the answer depends on where the player is.
Licences are granted by states or provinces, so the answer depends on where the player is.
Licences are granted by states or provinces, so the answer depends on where the player is.
Licences are granted by states or provinces, so the answer depends on where the player is.
Regulator and law
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario
- Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC)
- Main law: Criminal Code of Canada; provinces conduct and manage gaming
Key points
- Single-event sports betting has been legal since August 2021.
- Alberta's market is run by the Alberta iGaming Corporation, with AGLC as regulator; 22 operator sites went live on launch day.
- Other provinces offer online gambling through their provincial lottery corporations.
Gambling tax
| Product | Rate | Tax base | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online casino and betting (revenue share with iGaming Ontario) | 20% | GGR |
A share of revenue kept by iGaming Ontario, which remits 80% of gaming revenue to operators under the operating agreement; not a tax in the strict sense.
Source: track360.io, igamingontario.ca. Gambling tax rates in other markets
Licence fees
AGCO and iGaming Ontario: Internet gaming operator registration.
| Operator regulatory fee | C$100,000 a year per gaming site |
| Supplier of gaming services and equipment | C$3,000 a year |
| Manufacturer of gaming equipment | C$15,000 a year |
Source: agco.ca. Licence costs in other jurisdictions
Advertising on iGaming Terminal
Consumer gambling advertising on this site is shown to visitors from this market only for operators licensed here, and only for online casino, sports betting, online poker. Because licences are granted by states or provinces, it also needs the visitor's region; without it, no consumer gambling advertising is shown. Our advertising policy
Sources
Nearby markets
Latest from the regulator
- End to end action on Play Alberta as puck drops on Stanley Cup Final
- Play Alberta, Edmonton Elks connect on new partnership
- New era begins on Play Alberta
- Play Alberta Sportsbook; now on Apple and Android
Working in the industry here
iGaming jobs in Canada: 72 open roles at 15 gambling industry companies, from their own career sites.
Reviewed on . Gambling law changes often: this overview is for orientation and is not legal advice. Check with the regulator before acting. Market: Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in Canada?
It depends on the product. Online casino is licensed by states or provinces, so it depends on where the player is. Sports betting is licensed by states or provinces, so it depends on where the player is. Online poker is licensed by states or provinces, so it depends on where the player is. Lottery is licensed by states or provinces, so it depends on where the player is.
Who regulates gambling in Canada?
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). The main law is: Criminal Code of Canada; provinces conduct and manage gaming.
How much gambling tax do online operators pay in Canada?
Online casino and betting (revenue share with iGaming Ontario): 20%, charged on GGR. Other taxes and fees may apply.
How much does an online gambling licence cost in Ontario?
AGCO and iGaming Ontario, Internet gaming operator registration: Operator regulatory fee: C$100,000 a year per gaming site; Supplier of gaming services and equipment: C$3,000 a year; Manufacturer of gaming equipment: C$15,000 a year. Taxes and other costs come on top.
What are the key dates for gambling regulation in Canada?
2026-07-13: Alberta's regulated iGaming market launches.
Updated: