Find the #1 Canadian Online Casino for you in January

Our team's top picks – why these casinos are worth your time

Based on insights from our experts, genuine player reviews, and our lively forum, here are our top online casinos for players in Canada.

BigClash – unique theme, 80 trusted providers, and free spins

BigClash is the top heavyweight online casino Canada offers. And its unique MMA theme sets it apart from other sites. BigClash's library of 37,200+ games dwarfs those at most casinos. For instance, it's over six times the size of Lemon Casino's. The collection of 80 software providers includes big names like Amusnet, Betsoft, and Playson. They offer you industry-leading experiences and variety.

The Anjouan Gaming Board (AGB) licenses BigClash. It offers 15 payment methods, which is almost double the average of eight in CA. Deposits start at $10 with Interac. You can also use proven providers like Mastercard, MiFinity, and MuchBetter. BigClash earned a Very High Safety Index rating from our reviewers, putting it among the top online casinos worldwide.

You can effectively double your initial bankroll at BigClash by claiming a 100% deposit bonus of up to $750. We've seen much larger deposit matches at other casinos in Canada. But you'll get $20 worth of free spins over your first 10 days of play, too. You can also collect bonus money, free spins, and real cash if your virtual fighter is successful in the digital arena.

What we like:

• Stand out – The casino's MMA-inspired theme is fresher than the dated designs found at Spin Casino.
• Exclusives – Larger collection of unique titles than Jackpot City, with 520+ games you won't find elsewhere.
• Upfront T&Cs – Much easier to see important info about bonuses and promotions than at JustCasino.
• Provider visibility – Simpler to see software developers and locate their games than at Slots Gallery.
• Safeguarding – The casino takes KYC checks and underage play more seriously than other Canadian casinos.

What we don't like:

• Lack of categories – Unlike at Spinrise, table games aren't split into categories, so you must go looking for your favourites.
• Big names missing – Premium games from Playtech, Pragmatic, and Evolution are unavailable, unlike at Tooniebet.

Wyns – 37,200+ games, safe payments, and bonuses galore

Wing your way to Las Vegas with Wyns casino. The site boasts 37,200+ games. That's over 30 times more than Spin's 1,000+ titles and less than 1,600 short of Legiano's market-leading library. Wyns hosts games from an above-average 81 software providers. Among them are big names like Microgaming, Relax, and Yggdrasil.

Wyns holds a licence from the New Brunswick-based Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC). Like BigClash, our review team gave it a Very High Safety Index rating, meaning it's comfortably in the top 5% of online casinos. Wyns' payment partners include trusted brands, such as Interac, Mastercard, and CashtoCode. You can deposit via 12 methods, seven of which are also available for withdrawals.

Just like at BigClash, you can claim a 100% deposit bonus of up to $750 here. You'll also receive 20 free spins on each of your first 10 days playing if you deposit at least $30 when you first load your bankroll. Wyns keeps the promotions coming, with cashback and reloads for existing players. Plus, the VIP program gives high rollers the chance to earn rewards as they level up.

What we like:

• Game variety – The casino offers more games (37,200+) than Tooniebet, Lemon, Spin, and Jackpot City combined (18,900+ games total).
• Providers aplenty – Try out online casino games from 80+ providers compared to just a handful at Jackpot City.
• Crypto convenience – Unlike at Wildz, you can deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Litecoin here.
• Test games – Other sites, like JustCasino, make you sign up to play free versions of slots and table games.
• Viva Las Vegas – Wyns takes you to the world's most famous gambling hotspot from wherever you are in Canada.

What we don't like:

• Withdrawal limits – Sites like JustCasino set higher crypto withdrawal limits than Wyns (equivalent to $10,000).
• Responsible gambling measures – Other casinos, such as LuckyWins, do a better job of putting account limit tools in players' hands.

Slots Gallery – big game range and strong live dealer lobby

Slots Gallery offers plenty of options when it comes to games. Take your pick from 10,000+ options from an above-average 114 software providers. These include slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, baccarat, scratch cards, crash titles, and keno. The casino offers 700+ live dealer games. That's well above the 200-300 you often see at online casinos in Canada.

Slot Gallery carries a Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) licence. The casino offers an average-beating nine payment methods. Cryptocurrencies dominate, with Interac the only fiat option. Overall, the site provides a less diverse mix than competitors like Gizbo and WinSpirit. It does, though, hold a High Safety Index rating and Good feedback from players.

After entering the promo code 'SLOTS', you can get a 100% first deposit bonus of up to $777, plus 100 extra spins. The 40x wagering sits a bit above the 35x norm but aligns with those at Spinrise and LuckyWins. You can use up to 50 free spins per day on BGaming's Elvis Frog TRUEWAYS. Both bonus types expire after five days, which is a little shorter than some. But it's still longer than the one-day expiration at BigClash.

What we like:

• Welcome package – The $9,750 welcome package for high rollers exceeds most in Canada. Sites like BigClash and Wyns only offer new players one deposit match.
• Games galore – Slots Gallery offers 10,000+ games. That mix supports different play styles and matches the scale you get at platforms like Gizbo and JustCasino.
• Standout live casino lobby – With 700+ live casino games, the section goes far beyond the 200 to 300 tables you often see at online casinos in Canada.
• Crypto first – Canadians who prefer to play with crypto have eight options, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Other sites, like Jackpot City, stick to traditional payment methods.
• Strong rewards for regulars – You get a five-level VIP Club, daily cashback up to 12.5% by loyalty level, and a Daily Crypto Bonus that adds 10% or 25% on crypto deposits.

What we don't like:

• Welcome bonus limits – The first deposit offer has a 10x bonus winnings cap. This is stricter than welcome deals at casinos like Spinsy and Supabet, which don't cap winnings.
• Fiat banking feels limited – Interac is the only fiat option. Banking leans heavily toward crypto and lacks a stronger mix of common fiat options seen at competitors.

Fresh casinos we've reviewed in January

We update our database with the latest casinos every week. Our experts reviewed the sites featured below and picked out a highlight from each one.

Casino	Launched	Great for
Beef	October 2025	Bonus Buy games
Wyns	September 2025	New slots
EgoGames	September 2025	Mini games
Millioner	September 2025	Tournaments
Jokery	August 2025	Welcome bonuses

Canada's most legitimate online casinos – proven by real-time data, not just hype

Our database features 8,000+ real bonuses (with clear rules), more than 21,000 free games, and detailed guides to help you play smarter. Our complaint resolution service has helped players recover over $50m. Here are the stats to back us up.

• Each casino review factors in 200+ data points to determine a site's Safety Index rating
• We review 40+ new casinos available to Canadians on average each month
• Safety Index ratings update every Wednesday after fresh checks from our team
• Our complaint specialists assist as many as 1,000+ players each month

What's new at Casino Guru in January?

There's plenty to be excited about at Casino Guru this month. Alongside updating our database to bring you the freshest insights and data, we've rolled out some new features:

• New guides developed specifically for CA players
• Detailed Canadian online casino reviews
• New intuitive design for casino listing pages

My editorial pledge

Expert view: Why you can trust Casino Guru

Whether they're established or new, top casinos make it clear they take responsible gambling seriously. We asked the Responsible Gambling Council's (RGC) Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Tracy Parker, about the key signs to look out for at casinos. She provided the following advice:

Can't decide where to play? What to consider before you sign up

With 800+ recommendations in our database, you've got plenty of safe, fun, and reliable casinos to choose from. Consider these factors to help identify your ideal online casino in Canada.

Real bonuses with fair rules

We've reviewed and verified more than 8,000 promotions so you can make informed decisions. These include no deposit bonuses, deposit match offers, cashback deals, reloads, and more. Cactus Casino's no deposit bonus is our top pick. New players get 100 free spins, worth $40, to use on their pick of a range of online slots. Any winnings you make come with 15x wagering requirements, which is lower than the Canadian industry average of 35x.

If you'd like to make a deposit when you register with a new online casino, we rate Wyn's welcome offer highly. The site matches your first deposit of up to $750 at a 100% rate. Plus, you'll receive 200 bonus spins to use on a wide variety of slots and one free Bonus Crab. Wyns then offers you reload bonuses and opportunities to claim cashback.

Top-tier games you can trust

At Canadian online casinos, you should expect to see a minimum of 500 games. To ensure you've got enough variety to pick from, though, select sites with 1,000+ games from trustworthy providers. These include the likes of Evolution, Hacksaw Gaming, Microgaming, and NetEnt. Games range from classic slots, through live table titles, to crypto-first options like Spribe's Aviator.

Our recommended offshore casinos boast much larger libraries than provincially-run sites such as PlayAlberta. Legiano, for example, offers 37,600+ games in comparison to PlayAlberta's 699. Its catalogue features titles from 75+ providers, as well as exclusive games developed in-house.

If that's too many games to pick from, you'll also find smaller sites outside of Ontario, like Lemon Casino and Tooniebet. They bring you 5,400+ and 10,200+ games apiece. As always, quality always outweighs quantity. But when a casino delivers both, it's a big plus.

Casinos in the regulated Ontario market generally have smaller libraries than those available in the rest of Canada. However, the respected Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) must approve any software provider for it to enter the province. This leaves you at a lower risk of finding games from lesser-known brands that may engage in unfair practices.

Deposit and withdraw your way

Depositing and withdrawing in ways that suit you is crucial. On average, real money online casinos allow eight payment methods. You'll find as many as 20+ at some sites. These range from favourites like Interac and Visa, through e-wallets such as Skrill and MiFinity, to newer crypto options including Bitcoin and Tether.

Wildz, for example, offers eight methods. We liked the fact deposits start as low as $10 and hit instantly. You must withdraw at least $20 to cash out. But you can freely withdraw larger amounts, as long as you break them down into a maximum of $4,000 per transaction.

If you're looking for fast casino withdrawals, consider using crypto. These transactions often process nigh-on instantly, giving you faster access to your winnings than debit cards or bank transfers allow. Just bear in mind any crypto network fees that may apply.

Phone-friendly sites

Since over 75% of you are on phones and tablets, it makes sense to focus on gambling sites built for them. The best mobile casinos load in seconds and are stable on browsers like Safari and Google Chrome. You must find them easy to get around, with clear designs and responsive buttons.

Top mobile casinos offer you at least 90% of the games available via their desktop version. Sites like Wyns rarely crash, allow smooth gameplay, and have crystal clear streams for live dealer games. You also have easy access to bonuses, customer support, and payment methods. The last of these can include mobile-first options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

In ON, apps are often available for the casinos' iGaming Ontario licences. Bally Bet and Jackpot City offer two of the best-rated options here. If you're playing outside of Ontario, you'll find fewer mobile casino apps via the Apple and Google Play stores. Casinos, though, sometimes offer Android versions as APK files you download and install on your device to access their app.

Licensed and legitimate

Canadian gambling laws mean each province has the power to run its own market. Ontario welcomed external operators into a regulated online system in April 2022. The likes of Yukon Gold and Zodiac Casino now offer a licensed alternative to the province's longstanding OLG.ca site. Look out for the iGO badge to be sure you're on a legit casino in ON.

Alberta is poised to follow Ontario by launching its own regulated market in 2026. For now, though, you can play legally via PlayAlberta or on offshore casinos such as Spinrise. Offshore casinos are also legitimate alternatives to the likes of PlayNow, Loto-Quebec, and ALC.ca in other provinces.

Offshore sites usually hold licences from reputable international bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). You'll find others with accreditation from the TGC and Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) of Quebec. You can ensure an offshore casino's legitimacy by double-checking its licence number against the register of the commission that approves it.

Help when you need it

Speedy answers with simple steps to take are vital if you face any issues. Our experts test casinos' ability to communicate and fix problems, as well as their response times, to ensure they hit the mark.

You should expect access to live chat, email support, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at the very least. Tooniebet goes a step further, providing a phone line for Canadian players. Supabet and WinSpirit, respectively, offer more help via Telegram and WhatsApp.

We rate customer support on a scale. It ranges from unprofessional and very bad, to fast and professional. We regularly revisit and reevaluate casinos to ensure our ratings remain accurate.

The steps we take to help protect online casino players

We designed our unique Safety Index to help ensure you only play at safe real money online casinos. More than 25 experts put in 300 hours of research each week and review casino sites using real-world data. We also factor in complaints from players like you. Here are the factors we consider while reviewing casinos to decide their safety ratings and help ensure your safety.

1. Size of the casino (revenues and player base)

More established casinos are usually safer to play at thanks to their higher revenues and broader player bases. This makes it easier for them to pay out winnings, including multi-million-dollar jackpots. We assess a casino's revenue information when it's available. If not, we use a fine-tuned formula to estimate it based on data like the number of visitors and player bases.

2. Player complaints

We factor in the validity and severity of complaints we receive, as well as those on other sites. We then consider how the online casino deals with them directly, through us, or via another resolution service. A casino's licensing and regulatory authority comes in here, too. Stronger bodies are more likely to help resolve disputes if the casino doesn't do so directly or via mediation.

3. Unfair practices and restrictions

Our experts assess casinos to ensure they aren't doing anything that negatively impacts players' experiences. We've given lower Safety Index ratings to sites that:

• Impose low withdrawal or win limits
• Include hidden or unfair rules in their T&Cs
• Provide poor customer support
• Offer fake games
• Appear on blacklists, fake licensing, or fail to hold a licence

4. Positive qualities

Casinos can earn points for improving their players' experiences. We've given better Safety Index ratings to sites that:

• Pay out winnings if it's clear a player's raised a complaint after mistakenly breaking the casino's terms and conditions
• Have land-based offices, which indicate they're stable and trustworthy

5. Relationships with other casinos

Many online casinos are part of groups that share aspects of their ownership, management, and affiliate program with other sites. We consider how they're connected, factoring in the positive and negative implications of revenues, complaints, and actions. This ensures our Safety Index ratings for individual casinos are more holistic.

Boosting your bankroll with casino bonuses

Here's a rundown of the main casino welcome bonuses you'll find at Canadian casinos online.

Rewards for registering

No deposit bonuses reward you just for signing up with a casino. You'll usually get a small amount of bonus funds or free spins on the house.

Cactus' offer tops our list of no deposit bonuses. New players receive 100 free spins without needing to make a deposit. Plus, the 15x wagering requirements are far lower than the up to 70x we've seen at other online casinos.

Get your deposit matched

Most casinos welcome you with a deposit match. They'll usually match your first deposit at a 100% rate. But you'll see offers for 50–500% matches.

Wyns' 100% up to $750 bonus is relatively low for the Canadian market. But it doubles your first deposit up to a maximum of $750. That would give you a potential total bankroll of $1,500 to play with.

Spin slots for free

Free spins let you try a specific slot or selection of titles without wagering your own cash. You'll get them as a standalone bonus or attached to a deposit match.

As part of its welcome bonus, Spinrise casino gives you 111 free chances to win real money on BGaming's Elvis Frog TRUEWAYS slot. As with most free spins bonuses, you'll need to satisfy higher-than-average wagering requirements (40x) to withdraw your winnings.

Claim some cashback

Cashback bonuses give you a fresh chance to play if you record net losses. Usually, you can reclaim 5-50%, up to a specified amount, depending on the games you've played in a set period.

Gamblezen lets you claim back up to 30% of your net losses, up to an unlimited amount, each week. The percentage increases by 5% as you progress through the casino's VIP levels. Remember, though, you must wager your cashback credits 20 times before being able to withdraw winnings.

2026's most popular casino games

Every online casino in Canada that we recommend offers plenty of games. Below are five of the hottest real money casino games available in 2026. We've also put together quick guides on the most popular game types.

Top 5 online casino games in CA:

• Wanted: Dead or a Wild (Hacksaw Gaming)
• Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play)
• Sugar Rush (Pragmatic Play)
• Break da Bank (Games Global)
• Razor Returns (Push Gaming)

Slots of options

From simple three-reel games to progressive jackpots, slots remain the #1 choice for online casino players. You'll find thousands at the largest sites, with fun themes and thrilling features to discover. Hacksaw Gaming, Spinomenal, and Thunderkick are among the most popular slot providers in Canada.

Wyns is home to one of Canada's biggest collections of real money online slots. You can pick from 32,000+ options. Mid-size casinos, like Tooniebet, give you a choice of more than 8,900 slots. If you're looking for a more curated experience, Spin Casino provides just over 1,000 slots. All three sites feature one of my favourite slots, Microgaming's Fire and Roses Joker.

A wheel of a time

Often found in the table games category, real money roulette is among Canadian casino players' top picks. There are plenty of different roulette games to try, from classic European to mini roulette. The simple goal always remains the same: correctly guess where the ball will land and place your bet.

The number of individual titles varies across casinos, but larger sites like Legiano provide more than 270 options. This range includes standard games powered by Random Number Generators (RNG) and live dealer versions with HD graphics. Yggdrasil's Golden Chip Roulette is one of my go-to games thanks to its classic styling and Golden Chip Multiplier feature.

Blackjack that hits

Relatively simple and offering advantageous odds, blackjack is a staple at online casinos. Whether you're playing 21 against the RNG or a live dealer, you'll have plenty of options to pick from. I prefer to keep it simple, but online games can feature up to eight decks. Whichever variant you go for, following a basic strategy is a must.

Cashed provides the broadest range of real money blackjack games I've seen in Canada. Its collection of 800+ blows Lemon Casino's 17 out of the water. Tooniebet offers a middle ground between the two, with 354 options at the tap of a button. These include many games from Evolution, a leader in the live casino space.

Play video poker like a pro

First introduced in the 1970s, video poker is a firm favourite among Canadians. It combines poker strategy with the entertainment value of slots. You won't see as many variants as you do with other casino table games like roulette and blackjack. But casinos cater to online video poker fans with ever-popular options like Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better.

I recommend comparing the range of real money video poker games available at casinos that you like the look of. If you find one with more than 15, you've done well. Of our top recommended online casinos, Spinrise provides the best selection of video poker options. You'll find more than 25 games here, including Nucleus Gaming's multi-hand Deuces Wild.

Bring the casino to you

Looking to experience real table games without visiting a land-based casino? That's where live dealer games come in. Enjoy blackjack, roulette, poker, and more wherever you are. Take in the sounds of the casino and chat with the dealer. You can even interact with other players at the table.

Smaller casinos offer limited live casino experiences. But larger sites like MafiaCasino bring you 1,000+ options. If you fancy playing something new, live casinos feature game shows like Winfinity's Agent Spinity and Microgaming's Cash Wheel Carnival. These titles put a gambling spin on popular TV entertainment formats.

Fresh fun at your fingertips

As more real money online casinos embrace newer technology, we're seeing an increasing number of crypto-first games pop up at hybrid currency sites. These include crash titles, where you place your bets and predict when the game will end. Games like TurboGames' CrashX put you in control, with multipliers increasing your payouts if your timing's right.

Online casinos now offer games such as Plinko, scratch 'n win, and Slingo, too. These mix casual gaming with casino-style payouts. The niche options don't stop there, though. Baccarat, craps, keno, and sic bo are widely available across Canada. MafiaCasino stands out for me, with its mix of slots, table games, and next-generation titles.

The casino developers delivering the goods

New software providers pop up at online casinos in Canada every month. Some brands stand out, though, thanks to the quality of the games they produce. Here are the most respected casino software providers based on safety and performance:

Microgaming – the jackpot pioneer

Microgaming pioneered progressive jackpot slots, with games like Mega Moolah offering players in Canada substantial payouts. With more than 30 years of experience in online gambling, it's one of the industry's most trusted providers. You'll find big Microgaming jackpots at sites like Spin Casino.

Evolution – the live dealer leader

Evolution is the biggest name in live casino games, bringing you authentic experiences with professional dealers. Since launching in 2006, Evolution has refined its titles, making it a mainstay at Canadian online casinos. You'll find 130+ of the developer's live dealer games at Tooniebet.

Playtech – the themed slot powerhouse

Specializing in slots with rich themes and story-driven gameplay, Playtech is a familiar favourite in Canada. It's partnered with major production studios over the past 25+ years to develop games inspired by Rocky, Gladiator, and Breaking Bad. You'll find Playtech slots and live dealer games at Spinrise.

NetEnt – master of innovative slots

NetEnt's slots are mainly available at casinos licensed in Canada. Smooth gameplay and innovative bonus features have cemented the company's reputation since it launched in 1996. NetEnt classics like Gonzo's Quest and Starburst are among the most popular at Ontario casinos like Tooniebet.

IGT – bringing land-based classics online

Like NetEnt, IGT generally partners with casinos holding licences from within Canada. If you're looking to play its iconic land-based casino games online, you're in luck. Caesars Palace Ontario plays host to the likes of Cleopatra, Double Diamond, and Wolf Run from IGT, which was founded in 1980.

Safe and familiar casino banking methods

You'll have plenty of options when it comes to making deposits and withdrawals at casinos in Canada. Here are five of the main casino payment methods you can expect to see.

Credit and debit cards

Casinos often allow credit card deposits. Mastercard is the most common brand available, with limits ranging from $20 to $4,000 for instant deposits. Very few issuers and sites, though, allow credit card casino withdrawals. You must usually opt for a bank transfer, with withdrawals of up to $5,000 a time processed in 3–5 business days. Standalone debit card casino transactions are less common, with Interac mainly used to facilitate debit deposits and withdrawals.

Interac

Toronto's own Interac is available at many casinos that host Canadian players. You can usually use the Interac e-Transfer service with your bank account for deposits and withdrawals. Instant deposits can start as low as $10 and generally go up to $3,000. The same limits often apply for Interac withdrawals, but they may take 1–3 business days to process.

E-wallets

E-wallets like MuchBetter, MiFinity, and Skrill are popular among players who don't want to hand over their financial details. Casino deposits usually range from $20 up to around $7,500 and process instantly. Withdrawals generally follow the same limits. You'll usually receive withdrawals within 48 hours. Some PayPal casinos licensed within Canada are also available.

Prepaid cards and vouchers

Many Canadians fund their bankroll using prepaid cards and vouchers from the likes of PaysafeCard, Visa, and Flexepin. Prepaying is a great way to responsibly manage your deposits, which can start as low as $1. Maximum purchases top out at $500 to $4,000, depending on the issuer. Note, though, at casinos with PaysafeCard and other prepaid deposit options, you must make withdrawals via a different method.

Cryptocurrencies

You'll usually find at least three crypto options at hybrid sites that also accept fiat currencies. These include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Deposit limits range from the equivalent of $20 to $10,000, depending on the coin, at crypto and Bitcoin casinos. Withdrawal limits can be up to double those of deposits. Crypto transactions process almost instantly, but small network fees apply.

Can you play at online casinos in Canada?

Online casinos are legal in Canada. In fact, 14.5 million people across the country were expected to play online casino games in 2025. However, gambling laws vary, as does the availability of sites across all 10 provinces. Below are quick summaries of what's legal where you are.

• Alberta – You can enjoy slots, table games, and more via the province-backed PlayAlberta, as well as at offshore sites in AB.
• British Columbia – Casino games are available in BC via PlayNow. You can also gamble online with offshore casinos here.
• Manitoba – PlayNow also operates as the official online casino in MB. You can gamble with offshore sites here as well.
• New Brunswick – NB law allows you to gamble online via the province-backed ALC.ca site. You can also play at offshore casinos.
• Newfoundland and Labrador – ALC.ca offers you casino games in NL. You can also gamble online via offshore sites with international licences.
• Nova Scotia – You can play online via the province-backed ALC.ca casino in NS. You can enjoy games at offshore casinos, too.
• Ontario – OLG.ca and private casinos with iGO licences are available for players in ON. You cannot, however, play at offshore sites.
• Prince Edward Island – PEI offers you casino games via the official ALC.ca site. You can also gamble via offshore casinos.
• Quebec – Espace-Jeux is QC's official online casino. You can enjoy online slots and other games via offshore sites, too.
• Saskatchewan – PlayNow is available online in SK. Offshore casinos are legal, as well, if you'd like to play a wider variety of games.

Can you gamble at 18 in Canada?

You can play at online casinos from the age of 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. However, you must be at least 19 to gamble in all other Canadian provinces.

A history of gambling in Canada

Canada's stance on gambling has shifted over the past 130+ years. Below is a quick timeline of key events.

• 1892 – The Criminal Code of Canada outlaws "games of chance" and other gambling.
• 1900 – Parliament allows bingo and raffles to raise funds for charities.
• 1910 – Amendments to the Criminal Code allow bets on horse racing.
• 1925 – Fairs and exhibitions get permission to hold gambling events.
• 1969 – Parliament lets provinces create and run lottery schemes.
• 1970 – Provincial lotteries launch to help raise funds for community projects.
• 1985 – The non-profit Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) forms to represent gambling interests.
• 1989 – Canada's first legal commercial casino opens in Winnipeg, MB.
• 1996 – The KGC becomes the country's first regulatory body for online gambling.
• 2005 – Provincial governments get permission to operate online gambling sites.
• 2018 – The Supreme Court rules provinces can regulate sports betting.
• 2021 – The federal government legalizes single-event sports betting.
• 2022 – Ontario launches the country's first fully-regulated online gambling market.
• 2025 – Alberta takes steps to follow ON by welcoming external operators into a regulated market.

Are casino winnings taxable in Canada?

Most players won't pay tax on gambling winnings in Canada. However, you must pay tax on them if you're deemed to be a professional gambler. Likewise, you'll pay tax on interest or earnings you make from saving or investing your winnings. Tax rates vary by province.

Canadian gambling in numbers

• 36.1% of adults in Canada were expected play online casino games in 2025
• Canadian players were expected to generate $13.3bn in revenue in 2025
• There are now 48 operators with 82 gambling websites in Ontario

Final checklist: How to start playing

1. Use Casino Guru's filters to compare sites
2. Check the Safety Index rating for a casino you like the look of
3. Read the T&Cs to ensure you can follow them
4. Check the casino has your preferred payment options
5. Ensure there's a secure mobile app or a fully-optimized site
6. Look for fair, transparent bonuses that suit you
7. Verify fair games you'll enjoy are available
8. Sign up with the casino

Responsible gambling matters at Casino Guru

Staying in control is crucial when you're wagering real money online. We've created responsible gambling guides as part of our commitment to helping Canadians enjoy safer, fairer experiences.

You'll find articles on how to gamble safely, symptoms of problem play, how to get support when you need it, and more. Our database of help centres lists reliable support organizations where you are. You can also share your experiences and find support via our responsible gambling forum.

We have also launched the Global Self-exclusion Initiative to foster protection for players across the industry. As part of the initiative, we initiated a project focused on online self-exclusion best practices and tool to help players request self-exclusion at different operators. We've subsequently partnered with BetBlocker and other responsible gambling bodies as part of this initiative.

We've developed the Casino Guru Academy, too, to help educate iGaming professionals on helping aid safer gambling practices. It features free educational courses on topics from player verification and customer support to handling player complaints.

If you're in need of support, local help is available via the following numbers:

• Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission: 866-332-2322
• British Columbia – Problem Gambling Information and Referral Service: 888-795-6111
• Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 855-662-6605
• New Brunswick Problem Gamblers Hotline: 800-461-1234
• Newfoundland and Labrador Helpline: 888-899-4357
• Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line: 888-429-8167
• Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline: 800-265-3333
• Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 888-230-3505
• Prince Edward Island Gambling Addiction Treatment Program: 888-299-8399
• Quebec Gambling Help and Referral: 514-527-0140
• Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline: 800-306-6789

Sources

• Statista report – Casinos and casino games (September 2025)
• iGaming Ontario register of licensed gambling operators (January 2025)

About author and fact-checker