History of Casinos in Canada
Gambling has long been part of human history, and Canada is no exception. Indigenous communities played games of chance for cultural, spiritual, and social reasons long before European settlers arrived. One of the most well-known traditional games is Slahal, a guessing game involving bones and sticks, which remains part of Indigenous ceremonies today.
The first modern casino in the world was the Ridotto, established in Venice in 1638. Created by the Great Council of Venice, it was a regulated venue designed to oversee gambling activity during the carnival season. Though it closed in 1770, it set the tone for what casinos could become—structured, social spaces where people wagered in an organized fashion.
In the 1800s and early 1900s, gambling became popular in American saloons, especially in cities like New Orleans and San Francisco. These informal venues laid the groundwork for modern casinos. However, gambling was mostly outlawed across the U.S. by the early 20th century, pushing it underground. In contrast, Europe developed structured games like Roulette and Blackjack, which remain casino staples.
Canada's gambling history is marked by legal and cultural shifts. The 1892 Criminal Code initially banned most forms of gambling. But over the next century, attitudes began to change. By 1969, lotteries were legalized, and in 1985, the federal government gave provinces the authority to regulate gambling. This led to the opening of Canada’s first commercial casino in Winnipeg in 1989.
The 1990s saw a boom in casino development. Casino de Montréal opened in 1993 and quickly became Canada’s largest. Ontario introduced Casino Windsor in 1994, further cementing the role of casinos in regional economies. Casinos became not just entertainment hubs but also significant contributors to tourism and employment.
Online gambling added a new layer to the industry. Microgaming launched the first online casino platform in 1994. Just two years later, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established in Quebec, becoming one of the world’s earliest online gaming regulators. In 2010, British Columbia launched PlayNow.com, making it Canada’s first legal, government-operated online casino.
Technology and accessibility have since reshaped how Canadians gamble. Today, players can access thousands of casino games, from classic slots to live dealer tables, directly from their smartphones. Secure payment systems, real-time support, and immersive graphics have made online gambling not just a convenience but a full entertainment experience.
Canada's gambling landscape continues to evolve. Provinces expand their digital offerings, new technologies like VR and blockchain emerge, and responsible gambling initiatives grow stronger. What started as ceremonial bone games has become a multibillion-dollar industry, bridging ancient traditions with future-forward innovation.
Now, Canadian players enjoy access to a wide array of legal, safe, and regulated online casinos. These platforms offer tailored experiences, generous bonuses, and games developed by top-tier software providers. Whether you’re playing in a bustling venue or on a quiet evening from your mobile device, the history of gambling in Canada is part of every spin and deal.