In case you are asking “Is gambling legal in Canada?” Well, the answer is both yes and no. As for land-based casinos, they are legally allowed to operate only if they are regulated and licensed. However, Canadians are not allowed to gamble at online casinos based in the country. That is why punters from the Great White North rely on offshore online casinos. These casinos operate from other countries and are regulated by recognized authorities.
Various gambling authorities in different jurisdictions provide casino licenses to online casinos in Canada. Some of the popular ones include Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, the UK Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom, the Curacao eGaming in Curacao, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) in Malta, and the Estonian Tax and Customs Board in Estonia. Of course, gambling authorities are not limited to the ones already mentioned. Other gambling authorities provide gaming licenses to online casinos in different countries. However, for Canadians, the most trusted gaming authorities are the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
What is a Casino License?
So, why are online casinos required to have licenses? Well, online casinos cannot operate without a license. These establishments need a valid gaming license to buy legal gaming content, open bank accounts, and work with electronic payment system providers. Licenses are issued by gambling authorities. These gambling authorities impose a couple of requirements to ensure casinos follow ethical practices. Casinos with licenses from gambling authorities such as the U.K Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority are regarded as the most trusted and safest casinos. These gambling authorities have the strictest requirements.
Best Licensed Canadian Casinos
Although online casinos in Canada operate offshore and are licensed by foreign jurisdictions, a good number of them are trustworthy and safe to play at. The best online casinos in Canada are licensed by reputable regulatory bodies with a track record of dependability. Here are some of the best online casinos in Canada.
- Jackpot City Casino.
- Spin Casino.
- Energy Casino.
- Rich Casino.
- Casumo Casino.
- Lucky Nugget Casino.
Why it is Important to Play at a Licensed Online Casino
There are various factors that determine if a casino is reliable. The most important is a valid license from a reputable gambling authority. So, why should you only play at licensed casinos?
Online gambling involves depositing real money to online casinos. Therefore, it is only safe to entrust your money with a licensed casino. Licenses improve the trustworthiness and safety of online casinos. Before issuing a license, gambling regulators confirm that casinos have taken care of all of the necessary things. If casinos don’t meet the requirements, no reliable license will be granted to them.
Since no international legal body or Commission regulates online gambling in every single country and jurisdiction, gaming authorities take up the responsibility to look after players’ safety. Gambling authorities are extra cautious about casinos they grant licenses to, as they do not want to be penalized. Also, licensed casinos are required to maintain their standards. In the event of a decline in quality and fairness, gambling authorities will withdraw their licenses.
Licenses play a huge role in online gambling. It is the only way to know if the casino is operating legally and can be trusted. We recommend that our readers only play at licensed casinos. The casinos listed above hold valid licenses from reputable bodies, hence they are safe for Canadian players.