A Closer Look At Online Gambling In Canada
October 19, 2024
If you think back a bit, back like a tad over two decades to the mid 1990s, you may well recall that is about the time when the very first online gambling venues began showing up in various locations around the world. Since that time, you must have noticed that the legal status of online gambling sites is literally all over the map. Some countries embrace online gambling with open arms, some countries are staunchly opposed to anything that looks like online casino action whilst other countries cannot seem to come to a decision one way or the other.
And yes, the fact of the matter is that Canada falls into that last category. Actually, the status of online gambling sites in Canada is a bit more confusing. You may well remember that it was during the 1980’s that the individual provinces and territories were authorized to determine whether or not to allow so-called gambling establishments to operate within their borders. That prompted some to start their very own lottery companies whereas others setup their own casinos. That being said, pay attention to the fact that those ancient laws are still on the books, so to speak despite the availability of online casino action.
To get a sense of exactly how convoluted the existing gambling laws are take a look at the following. As it stands now, Canadians are free to place wagers on sports. Yet the really odd thing about sports betting in Canada is that wagers on individual events are disallowed. That is to say, that current gambling laws specify that only parlay bets on three or more matches are allowed. Here’s another one for you, this one is about the game of online poker. It turns out that Canadians are free to enjoy online poker play at online gambling sites hosted within Canada.
But then there is online casino action, or the lack thereof. Get this: current law stipulates that only the lottery corporations in each Canadian province has the authority to offer online casino action to Canadians. In addition, offshore online gambling site operators are prohibited to promote online casino action to Canadians.
All of that being said, take note that there is nothing in the Canadian Criminal Code to ban Canadians from visiting offshore online casinos. Which you must have noticed is exactly what is going on with those who enjoy online casino action.
The as yet unanswered question is when or perhaps even if elected officials will take the time to understand what is really going on and take steps to provide Canadians with the online casino action they quite obviously desire.
