Gambling Laws in Ontario

Early Beginnings

Gambling in Ontario, like many places, began as informal and unregulated activities. Early settlers engaged in various forms of gambling as a form of entertainment and social interaction.

20th Century Developments

• In the early 1900s, gambling was largely prohibited in Canada, including Ontario. However, exceptions started to emerge by mid-century, particularly with charitable bingo and raffles.
• The 1969 amendment to the Canadian Criminal Code was a pivotal moment. It allowed provincial governments to operate lotteries, which Ontario quickly embraced.

The Rise of Casinos

• The late 20th century saw significant changes. Ontario inaugurated its first commercial casino in Windsor in 1994. This marked the beginning of a new era in gambling for the province.
• Following Windsor, more casinos began to open across the province, becoming major entertainment and tourist attractions.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary aim of the Gaming Control Act is to regulate the conduct, management, and operation of gaming and related activities.

It ensures that gambling is conducted honestly, with integrity, and in the public interest, particularly in preventing criminal involvement and ensuring consumer protection.

Key Provisions

• Licensing Requirements: The Act mandates that all operators, suppliers, and individuals involved in the gaming industry must be licensed.
• Regulatory Authority: The Act established the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) as the regulatory body overseeing gambling in the province. The AGCO is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act, licensing, and regulating all gaming activities.
• Compliance and Enforcement: It provides mechanisms for inspection, monitoring, and enforcement to ensure adherence to the law and regulations.

Regulations on Types of Gambling

The Act outlines specific regulations for different types of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, charitable gaming, and, more recently, online gambling.

Casinos and Gaming Establishments

The legal age to enter and gamble in casinos and other gaming establishments in Ontario is 19 years old. This age requirement is strictly enforced, and identification is often required for entry.

This age restriction applies to all forms of gambling in these establishments, including slot machines, table games, and electronic gaming.

Lottery Tickets

For purchasing lottery tickets, the legal age is also 19 years old. This includes all lottery games offered by the OLG, such as Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and daily draw games.

Retailers are required to check ID if the purchaser appears to be under the age of 25, ensuring that minors do not buy lottery tickets.

Licensing for Operators

To legally offer online gambling services in Ontario, operators must obtain a license from the AGCO. This requirement ensures that all online casinos and sportsbooks meet strict regulatory standards.

The licensing process includes thorough background checks, financial audits, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

The RGC is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to preventing problem gambling. It offers various programs, resources, and services aimed at promoting responsible gambling and providing help to those affected by gambling problems.

PlaySmart Centers

PlaySmart Centers, located in casinos and slot facilities across Ontario, provide players with information about safe gambling practices, game odds, and risk factors associated with gambling. Trained staff are available to offer support and answer questions.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) Initiatives

The OLG has implemented several responsible gambling programs, including self-exclusion options for individuals who want to take a break from gambling. It also provides educational materials and tools for setting personal limits on time and money spent gambling.