Legal age to gamble in Ontario
Do you want to know what is the legal age to gamble in Ontario? Today we will address this topic based on the laws that regulate online casinos.
What is the legal age to gamble in Ontario?
In the following lines we will indicate the legal age of gambling in Ontario according to the AGCO and IGO regulations.
| Casino | The minimum age to play at the best online casinos in Ontario or visit land-based establishments is 19 years old. |
| Poker | To play in physical rooms or online casinos you must be 19 years of age or older. |
| Bingo | People 18 years of age and older can play on land-based bingo sites in Ontario. When it comes to virtual environments, an age of 19 is required. |
| Lottery | You can only participate in lotteries if you are 18 years of age or older. |
| Sports betting | Ontario residents who are 19 years of age or older are authorized to place sports bets in physical stores or online. |
| Horse betting | It is illegal to place such bets if you are under 19 years of age. |
Ontario Gaming License
Also, since 2021, there is the iGaming Ontario (IGO) agency. This autonomous agency manages everything related to online gaming operated by private operators. It should be noted that the IGO is supervised by the AGCO and reports to the Ontario Attorney General’s Office.
It is worth mentioning that the mission of these agencies is to monitor compliance with the integrity of gambling, prevent money laundering and responsible gambling. In addition, to restrict access to gambling to minors under 19 years of age and to ensure that the information of individuals is protected.
Age for online and offline play
In order to know the minimum gambling age in Ontario, we must consult the province’s legislation. This legal framework is based on the Gaming Control Act (1992) and the Lotteries and Gaming Corporation Act (1999).
Ontario Gaming Laws
In the province of Ontario, gaming is regulated by the following laws that ensure a transparent, fair and safe environment:
- Gaming Control Law (1999).
- Ontario Lotteries and Gaming Corporation Act (1999).
- Federal Criminal Code.
- Sports Betting Law, Safe and Regulated (2021).
With respect to licenses, the AGCO issues authorizations to operate the following activities.
- Physical casinos: Slots and table games.
- Lotteries: Organization and conduct of lotteries.
- Betting: Aimed at bookmakers and establishments that accept sports bets and other events.
- Online gaming: Regulates online casino sites.
In addition, only persons who are 19 years of age and residents of Ontario may register at online casinos and gambling houses. This legal gambling age regulation promotes a safe and responsible environment. Therefore, online sites are required to verify the identity of individuals and request documents to prove age.
On the other hand, the regulation of online gambling in Ontario through the AGCO and the IGO has benefited the region’s economy. In view of the fact that, operators contribute taxes on gambling profits in Ontario.
The age of play in Canada
The legal framework on gambling in Canada is different from that of many countries. The Federal Criminal Code determines all general rules on illegal gambling. However, each province is autonomous with respect to regulations on land-based and online casinos.
This table shows the legal age of play required in the different provinces of Canada.
