Canada’s gambling roots run deep, stretching back centuries to the days of early trading posts, colonial lotteries, and riverboat gaming on the country’s great waterways. Today, Canadians enjoy access to a modern, regulated landscape of land-based casinos and online gaming platforms like CanPlay Casino. But how did we get here?
This article traces the evolution of gambling in Canada—from the paddlewheel decks of riverboats to the digital reels of your smartphone.
Early Days: Games of Chance and First Nations Traditions
Before colonial settlement, Indigenous communities across Canada practised their own forms of ceremonial and recreational games involving elements of chance. These traditional games, some of which used sticks, bones, or stones, laid the foundation for communal wagering as a cultural norm long before any European lotteries arrived.
Lotteries and Colonial Regulation
In the 19th century, public lotteries were introduced as a fundraising tool for infrastructure projects, such as roads, canals, and bridges. Over time, the government began to regulate gambling more formally, restricting games of chance while allowing state-controlled lotteries.
Riverboats and the Rise of Informal Gambling
During the 1800s, riverboats travelled the St. Lawrence River and other major waterways, often doubling as entertainment venues. While gambling aboard these boats was often unregulated and informal, it became an enduring part of the Canadian imagination—a symbol of risk, reward, and adventure on the frontier.
Legalization and the Casino Boom
Gambling laws began to loosen in the second half of the 20th century. In 1969, Canada passed legislation allowing provinces to operate lotteries. By the 1990s, this had expanded to include full-fledged casinos. Provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta established their own casino networks, bringing legal, regulated gaming to the masses.
The Digital Shift: Online Casinos and Sports Betting
The early 2000s saw the introduction of online casinos operated by provincial lottery corporations. Today, provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec have formal online gambling portals. In 2021, the federal government amended the Criminal Code to allow single-event sports betting, opening new markets and revenue streams.
CanPlay Casino: A New Era of Real-Money Gaming
Alongside government-run sites, real-money platforms like CanPlay Casino now offer a broad selection of slots, table games, and live dealer experiences to Canadian players. CanPlay is designed specifically for Canada’s market, offering secure transactions, Canadian-friendly payment methods, and a local approach to promotions and player support.
From Past to Present
What began as informal games and lottery tickets has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry, blending tradition with innovation. Canadian gambling has moved from riverboats and bingo halls to mobile apps and interactive online platforms—and CanPlay Casino is proud to be part of that modern legacy.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love spinning the reels, it’s clear that gambling has always had a place in Canadian culture—and it’s not slowing down any time soon.
