Do you know anything about online casino licences in Canada? Do you know anything about online casino licences anywhere, or do you just play the games? If you only play console or PC games, you definitely won’t understand Canadian licensing laws.
Below, we’ll tell you about online casino licences in Canada and what you should be aware of as a player. We won’t go into too much detail about the specific licences – it’s confusing.
Canadian Online Casino Licensing
Licensing for Canadian online casinos is complex and varies significantly depending on the location. In Canada, there’s not one rule book (and that can be a problem). Instead, the authority to regulate gambling activities, including online casinos, goes to each province. That’s why you’ll see different rules depending on where you are in Canada.
Some think it’s a good approach; some think it’s too difficult to understand. It’s easier to just Google the province and the individual licensing rules before you play. Rules will govern depositing, withdrawals, age restrictions, etc.
Provincial Regulatory Bodies
That’s where it gets confusing. There are many provincial regulatory bodies for Canadian players to learn about. And not all of them are easy to understand.
One example is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). They regulate the province’s gambling industry. They ensure operators follow strict standards that protect players. Or, Quebec’s Loto-Québec and British Columbia’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch license casinos within their jurisdictions – Google for more information.
International Authorities and Canadian Casinos
Most Canadian online casinos want licences from esteemed international regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. It’s not as easy, but they can get it. These licences aren’t just pieces of paper. They show the casino’s commitment to upholding international fairness and player protection standards. Many international players will play in international casinos – they basically go where the bonuses are.
Getting an international licence makes sense for casinos that want more money. It’s as simple as that.
Spotting a Licensed Casino
How can you tell if a Canadian online casino is licensed? It’s easy. All legit casinos should (and do) display their licensing information at the bottom of their websites. You’ll typically also see the licensing authority’s logo. You can visit the regulator’s website and verify the casino’s licence status – just search the regulator and the casino, and you should be able to see it.
Beware, some casinos will outright lie about this.
Certifications and Endorsements
Licensing isn’t the only indicator of credibility. Many reputable Canadian online casinos go the extra mile. They have certifications from independent auditors like eCOGRA. They assess the fairness of games and the security of transactions. Definitely something that players should be looking out for – do you know if a casino is ripping you off?
Endorsements from industry associations and adherence to responsible gambling practices are also admirable.
Still, these aren’t essential. They’re just some things players can look out for if they want to feel a bit safer.
Licences are essential; we promise you that. As a consumer and a player, you should be looking out for the casinos with the correct licences. There’s more of a risk that they’re not legitimate, not as safe, and they’ll just disappear off the face of the planet one day. You can check what licence a casino has by Googling it to check. All certifications should be registered online. Figures aren’t out for unlicensed online casinos, but for licenced (and safe) ones, there are over 21000 to pick from. Out of all those, don’t instead go for the one without a licence.
