How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble?

Gambling has been a favourite pastime for many over several centuries. Millions of enthusiasts like the idea of running risks in the hope of winning big. Be it traditional casinos or the best online casinos, the industry that’s created around gambling provides a gamut of games and betting options. With all the excitement of gambling, one should come with responsibility enough to know and abide by the legal requirements regarding the legal age to gamble.

Introduction to Gambling Age Requirements

The legal age for gambling is perhaps one of the most important regulations set in place to help safeguard young people from some of the potential dangers associated with gambling. In Canada, this varies according to the province or the region you are in, along with the kind of gambling you wish to have a Casino Rewards bonus for and play in a casino or do online. You need to be aware of these age limits so that you are playing within the law and can enjoy your gambling experience safely. Here, in the article, we will outline the legal gambling age for each province and territory in Canada, outlining exceptions and giving some tips on how to verify your legal gambling age. Besides, we answer the most frequently asked questions to clarify any doubts that one could have. By the end of this article, you will understand very well the requirements of the legal gambling age in Canada to ensure that you are acting responsibly while gambling—be it playing at a CASINO locally situated or taking advantage of Casino Rewards bonuses online.

Canada is a very diverse country, and the legal regulation varies widely from one province and territory to another. Even the laws that prescribe the legal gambling age vary from one province and territory to another. Every province and territory is free to set its laws on the minimum age one should attain to participate in gambling activities. Such legislation is tailored to be in good harmony with the wider legal and cultural norms of any particular region, whereby its citizens would be mature enough to handle possible pitfalls that gambling might offer. The legal gambling age in Canada is usually between 18 and 19, depending on one’s province or territory. Of course, this extends to casinos, lotteries, sports betting events, and any other forms of online gambling. Now, let us look deeper at the various places across Canada where different ages are considered legal to gamble and how this will affect your gaming, be it taking part in a local game or indulging in it at the best online casino.

British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon

In the regions listed above, the governing body has set the legal gambling age at 19 years old. This age requirement covers a wide range of gambling activities, including:

  • Casinos

You need to be 19 years or older to step foot on the premises of a real casino or even consider playing on online casinos. This is the minimum age everyone has to be to play any of the games in a casino right from slot machines to table games like blackjack and roulette. Many of the casinos in such regions offer casino bonuses and Casino Rewards that you would like to consider, but by making sure you meet the minimum age.

  • Lottery Tickets

In case you have developed a flair for purchasing lottery tickets, then in these provinces and territories you need to be 19 years or older to buy lottery tickets or scratch cards. Online lottery games also follow these conditions because through the ease of the internet, the number of accessing people them has increased, and certainly, many of them will find easy gambling options.

  • Online Gambling

With the advent of online casinos, gambling is easier. That, of course, doesn’t mean that anyone could ever gamble online with any of these sites without being at least 19 years old. That would mean signing up for an account, depositing money, and cashing in any casino rewards bonuses or any other types of offers online.

Setting the legal gambling age at 19 years in these provinces and territories is also part of a wider approach by society toward taming certain activities that involve risks. Incidentally, this is also the legal drinking age in most of these regions, where a person is considered mature enough to make decisions about gambling as well as alcohol intake. Casinos and online gambling sites must legally verify your age before you gamble. This is usually done with a government-issued ID, meaning a driver’s license, passport, or provincial ID card. If you’re heading to a casino or making an account on an online casino, be sure that your identification is handy so it can be proven that you are of the legal age for gambling.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut

In regions such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, the gambling authorities have set the legal gambling age to be 18 years old or above. A slightly lower age requirement compared to the regions we just discussed earlier. However, this means that as soon as you hit your 18th birthday, you can start enjoying gambling activities earlier in these regions than the other parts of Canada. Here’s what you can do once you turn 18 in these regions:

  • Casinos

By the time you reach 18 years, you are legally permitted to walk into a casino and play slots, poker, roulette, or any other game according to your choice. Whether you like playing games in an atmospheric casino based on land or an online casino, all gambling activities will be waiting for you with open arms, including casino rewards and casino bonuses.

  • Sports Betting

You can bet on the outcome of sports events. You are permitted, in these states, to place your bets on your favourite sports, such as hockey, football, or basketball, either at a sportsbook in person or through online betting platforms. The majority of online casinos and sports betting sites have casino rewards programs you can join when you turn 18 years old.

  • Lottery Tickets

Lotteries are another popular kind of gambling, and in such provinces and states, you are permitted to purchase lottery tickets and scratch cards the moment you turn 18. This age minimum also applies to online lotteries that offer a convenient way to play right from the comfort of your home.


The reason why the legally accepted gambling age is 18 in these areas is based on the legal age of the majority, which is the age at which a person comes of age. At 18 years old, individuals are considered responsible enough to make their own decisions apart from gambling. This is the reason that the legal gambling age has been fashioned to be the same as the legal drinking age in such regions, simply because the person should be of an age that enables him or her to take care of the risks and problems associated with gambling and drinking.

Keep in mind, even when gambling in these areas, you will still be required to show a valid form of identification which proves you are of legal age. This becomes quite imperative, especially when you look younger than 18; casinos, whether land-based or online, are required to check one’s age before one can have access to gambling facilities. Always carry your ID with you, whether you go to a casino in person or log on to open an account at an online casino. That way, you can use casino bonuses and other gambling opportunities quite legally.

Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia

In Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, the legal gambling age is set at 19 years old. This age requirement applies to all forms of gambling, including:

  • Casinos

Whether you’re visiting a local casino or playing at an online casino, you must be 19 years old to participate. This age requirement covers all types of casino games, including slot machines, poker, and roulette. Many casinos in these provinces offer casino bonuses and Casino Rewards programs that you can take advantage of once you meet the age requirement.

  • Lottery Tickets

If you enjoy playing the lottery, you’ll need to be 19 years old to purchase lottery tickets or scratch cards in these provinces. This age requirement also applies to online lottery games, which are becoming increasingly popular as more players look to the Internet for convenient gambling options.

  • Online Gambling

The rise of online casinos has made gambling more accessible than ever before. However, you still need to be 19 years old to legally participate in online gambling in these regions. This includes signing up for accounts, depositing funds, and claiming any Casino Rewards bonuses or other offers available through online platforms.


The decision to set the legal gambling age at 19 in these provinces shows that society is taking a more cautious approach to regulating activities that involve risk. The age of 19 is also the legal drinking age in these regions, which means that individuals are considered mature enough to make informed decisions about both gambling and alcohol consumption at this age. If you want to gamble at a casino or online, the law says you have to prove you’re old enough. They usually check your ID, like a driving licence, passport or provincial ID card. So, if you’re planning to visit a casino or sign up for an online casino account, make sure you have your ID ready to prove you’re old enough.

Ontario Exception: Charitable Gaming and Horse Racing

Ontario is unique in that it has an exception to its general legal gambling age of 19 when it comes to specific activities. In Ontario, you can participate in certain forms of charitable gaming and horse racing at the age of 18. These exceptions are designed to allow younger individuals to participate in these activities, which are often seen as less risky than other forms of gambling.

  • Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming includes activities like bingo, raffles, and some types of lotteries where the proceeds go to charity. The lower age requirement for charitable gaming is designed to allow younger individuals to participate in these activities, which are often organized by community groups or non-profit organizations. This could include using Casino Rewards linked to charitable events or taking advantage of special casino bonuses that support charitable causes.

Participating in charitable gaming at 18 allows individuals to contribute to their communities while enjoying a fun and relatively low-risk gambling activity. However, it’s important to remember that this exception only applies to specific types of gaming activities. For most other forms of gambling, including playing at a casino or accessing online casino platforms, the legal age in Ontario remains 19.

  • Horse Racing

Horse racing is another area where Ontario allows individuals who are 18 to participate. You can place bets at racetracks or through authorized online platforms that offer horse racing betting. Horse racing has a long history in Ontario, and it remains a popular form of entertainment and gambling. While the age for other gambling activities, including most casino games and online casino platforms, remains 19, this exception reflects the cultural significance of horse racing in Ontario.

If you’re under 19 but over 18 in Ontario and are interested in horse racing, you’ll be able to enjoy this activity legally. Just like with other forms of gambling, you’ll need to present a valid ID to prove your age, whether you’re betting at a racetrack or through an online platform. This ensures that only those who meet the legal age requirement can participate in horse racing and any associated casino bonuses.

Ensuring that you meet the legal gambling age requirements is essential before you start playing at any online casino or physical casino. Gambling operators are required by law to verify the age of their players to prevent underage gambling. Failing to meet the legal age requirements can result in penalties, such as being banned from gambling venues or online platforms, and can also lead to legal issues. Here’s how to verify your legal gambling age:

Check Official Websites

The most reliable source for accurate information about the legal gambling age in your province or territory is the official government or gaming authority website. These sites will provide up-to-date information on the age requirements for various types of gambling activities. For example, if you’re planning to take advantage of Casino Rewards bonuses or other offers, it’s important to verify your eligibility by checking the legal age requirements on these websites. Most provincial gaming authorities have dedicated sections on their websites that outline the legal gambling age for various activities, including casinos, online casinos, lottery tickets, and sports betting. These websites are regularly updated to reflect any changes in the law, ensuring that you have the most accurate and current information.

Ask at the Venue

If you’re planning to visit a casino or participate in casino bonus activities and are unsure about the legal age requirements, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at the venue. Casino employees are trained to enforce age restrictions and can provide you with accurate information about the legal gambling age. They may also ask to see your ID before allowing you to participate in any gambling activities, so it’s a good idea to have your ID ready.

If you’re visiting a casino in person, you’ll likely be asked to present your ID at the entrance. This is a standard procedure to ensure that all patrons meet the legal age requirements before entering the gambling area. Some casinos also have age verification systems in place, such as electronic ID scanners, to speed up the process and ensure compliance with the law.

Use ID Verification Tools

Many online casinos require you to verify your age using an ID before you can start playing. This is a mandatory step for most reputable online gambling platforms, and it helps ensure that all players meet the legal age requirements for their region. The verification process typically involves uploading a copy of a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, which the platform will then verify. Once your ID is verified, you’ll be able to access the platform’s gambling activities, including casino bonuses and Casino Rewards programs. This step is crucial for online gambling, as platforms are required by law to ensure that all players meet the legal age requirements. Using ID verification tools helps protect both the player and the platform from legal issues related to underage gambling.

If you’re still uncertain about the legal gambling age, especially in cases involving exceptions or complex regulations, it may be worth consulting a legal advisor who specializes in gaming laws. Legal advisors can provide you with detailed guidance on the legal gambling age requirements in your province or territory and can help you navigate any legal nuances specific to your region. This can be particularly helpful if you’re planning to participate in gambling activities that fall under special exceptions, such as charitable gaming or horse racing in Ontario. A legal advisor can also provide advice on how to legally access Casino Rewards bonuses or other offers while ensuring that you remain compliant with the law.

FAQ

What is the legal gambling age in Canada?

The legal gambling age in Canada varies by province and territory, typically ranging from 18 to 19 years old.

Does the legal gambling age vary by province?

Yes, gambling legal ages vary from province to province. Some, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, establish their legal gambling age at 18, while others such as Ontario and British Columbia require a person to be 19 before they may legally gamble.

Are there exceptions to the legal gambling age in certain areas?

Yes, some jurisdictions have a few exceptions to the legal gambling age limits. For instance, in Ontario, you can play charitable gaming and horse racing if you are 18, although the general legal gambling age is 19 years.

How can I find out the legal gambling age for my province?

To find out the legal gambling age for your province, visit your province or territory’s official government or gaming authority website.

What should I do if I am unsure about the gambling age requirements?

If you are feeling less than confident about the age requirements for gambling, especially in terms of being able to claim some casino rewards bonus, it is always best to check on official things o