The History of Games of Chance in Canada

Gambling, whether it be for fun or competitive, has been present in Canada for centuries. Let’s go through the timeline highlights.

Early Days of Gambling in Canada

The earliest known form of gambling in Canada was the game Slahal, also known as the bone game, stick game, and hand game. It’s a two-player or team-based game with pieces that operate like dice. The game once used animal bones or sticks, although other objects have since replaced these pieces.

During the late 1400s, dice games were banned in England, which also meant they were prohibited on Canadian land when the English claimed it. By the 1600s, European settlers had brought casino games like poker, roulette, and blackjack, although the general attitude towards gambling remained strongly opposed to it.

Introduction of Horse Racing

Formal, organized horse racing arrived in Canada in the 1760s, with one of the first racing events taking place in 1767 near Quebec City at the Plains of Abraham. The race was run to win a purse worth $40, equaling approximately $1,500 today. Since then, horse racing has been one of the few socially accepted and legally permitted forms of gambling in Canada. Racing events became common at county fairs and racing clubs across the country. However, racing was restricted in some locations, such as in Halifax in the late 1700s. 

The Criminal Code Bans Gambling

In 1892, Canada’s Criminal Code was updated to incorporate all forms of gambling and regulate where and when gambling could take place in Canada. This update made most forms of gambling illegal and regulated them at the federal level. The enactment of this Criminal Code provision is believed to have been aimed at gaining public approval, reflecting widespread views of gambling as a heretical and harmful social activity.

However, in 1910, an exception was made for pari-mutuel betting, which splits the losses between the winners and the house. The term comes from a Parisian betting style that France legalized in 1894. Around the same time that pari-mutuel betting was legalized, bingo, raffles, and other forms of gambling for charity were legalized. By 1925, legalization extended to agricultural fairs and town exhibitions. 

Legalization of Lotteries

In 1969, the federal government legalized government-run lotteries after it realized their potential to raise funds for various needs. Since the lotteries had to be run with specific projects in mind, the first national lottery was formed to help fund the Montreal Olympic Games in 1974. It also benefited amateur sports in all participating provinces. In total, $230 million was raised for the games and $25 million for the provinces. Winners also enjoyed a total of $120 million in prize money. 

Provinces Get Control of Gambling Regulations

In 1970, provinces gained control of licensing and regulating legal gambling activities within their borders, though the federal government still determines which gambling activities are allowed to be regulated. This was a change from gambling rules being made at the federal level and taking effect country-wide. From this time on, the laws surrounding gambling in Canada have varied from region to region. It’s also important to note that while the federal government may allow certain activities, an individual province does not have to license or regulate them, making them illegal in that province.

Legalization of Casinos

In 1985, the federal government made a monumental change: It legalized most forms of gambling, giving provinces free reign to license and regulate gaming, including establishments like casinos. By 1989, the country’s first casino, the Crystal Casino, opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Sports Betting & Online Gambling

For years, legal sports betting didn’t include single-game sports betting, and online gambling in Canada restricted Canadians to playing on offshore sites. However, in 2021, this all changed. The government estimated that Canadians were spending billions through illegal or offshore sites and that legalizing the activities would protect players and benefit Canada’s economy. Now, these forms of gambling are regulated from province to province, many of which have embraced them and built lucrative online gambling marketplaces. 

On April 4, 2022, Ontario became the first province to open an online market to the public. Since then, other provinces have begun regulating online gambling as well, making it possible for many Canadians to access real money slot options at SlotsOnlineCanada.com and other regulated and legal platforms.

Current State of Gambling in Canada

Canada’s gambling industry is thriving today. Nearly 19 million Canadians gamble yearly, making up nearly two-thirds of the country’s population. Online gambling is also thriving within the industry and is estimated to generate $4 billion in profit, with $2.6 billion of this attributed to online casinos. These numbers are only anticipated to grow in the coming years.

While the gambling industry brings in a great deal of revenue that benefits Canada and its economy, it also comes with concerns relating to mental health. It’s estimated that 300,000 Canadians are at risk of problem gambling, and the legalization of online gaming has exacerbated the issue; resources like problem gambling help lines have seen a marked increase in calls since online gambling became available. These facts have been met with calls for stricter regulation and have already seen laws restricting the use of gaming ads. It’s not certain how or if these calls will be met or what the proper steps will be to implement changes.

Wrap Up

Canada and its people have long been connected to gambling, which has evolved from casual games to regulated and lucrative markets across the nation. The history of gambling in Canada is still unfolding, with significant milestones occurring in recent years, and from the sounds of it, there’s far more to come. It will be fascinating to see how Canada’s gambling history unfolds in the years and decades ahead.