Canada’s online gambling landscape is unique because the Criminal Code leaves gambling oversight to the provinces. Instead of one national license, each province decides whether and how private online casinos can operate.
This structure means that legality depends on where a player is located. In some provinces, the only lawful option is a government-run site. In others—most notably Ontario—private operators can legally join the market. Despite this, many Canadians still play on offshore casinos because local options can be limited or restrictive.
Ontario’s Regulated iGaming Market
Ontario is the standout example of a fully regulated private online gaming market in Canada. In April 2022, the province launched a new system overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO). Operators must register with the AGCO and sign agreements with iGO to serve players inside the province.
Ontario’s framework includes consumer-protection standards, responsible gaming obligations, and regular auditing of games. It has quickly become one of North America’s most dynamic online gambling markets and is projected to generate around CAD 1.5 billion in annual revenue by 2026. Any casino that advertises itself as legal for Ontarians must appear on the official AGCO/iGO list of registered operators.
Tobique Licensing: A New First Nations Regime
Beyond provincial regulation, a new option has appeared inside Canada itself: the Tobique Gaming Commission in New Brunswick. Formed in 2023, the Tobique system allows remote operators to obtain an all-in-one gaming license covering casino, table games, and sports betting.
Its appeal lies in fast processing, relatively low fees, and the absence of gaming taxes payable to the Commission. Tobique does not require a physical office in the territory, making it easier for international operators to use. Supporters claim it offers a uniquely Canadian framework for global online gambling, though its enforcement track record is still short.
If a casino were to hold a Tobique license, it could argue that it operates under Canadian Indigenous jurisdiction. However, no province has yet confirmed whether such a license equals provincial authorization, so the legal standing remains partly untested.
Kahnawake (Often Mistaken as “Lahnwhake”)
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) is another Indigenous regulator with a long history in online gambling. Based in the Mohawk territory of Kahnawake, near Montréal, it has issued interactive gaming licenses since 1999 and currently oversees more than 50 operators running hundreds of sites.
Kahnawake licenses are respected for their stability and clear rules, and the Commission insists that its authority is grounded in Aboriginal rights. Yet Kahnawake is not a substitute for a provincial license in Ontario or elsewhere. A casino might hold a Kahnawake license
and still operate legally in many grey markets, but it would need separate provincial approval to reach Ontarians directly.
Anjouan Gaming Board: Offshore and Global
Some casinos catering to Canadians prefer to license offshore. One fast-growing option is Anjouan, part of the Comoros Islands. The Anjouan Gaming Board offers relatively low fees, quick approval, and minimal local presence requirements. This appeals to operators seeking flexibility and access to multiple countries without heavy taxation.
Anjouan is not yet as well-known as Malta or Gibraltar, but its straightforward process and competitive costs have drawn attention—especially as traditional hubs like Curaçao tighten their rules. For any operator aiming at a worldwide audience, including Canadian players, an Anjouan license signals international reach but does not provide official Canadian recognition.
Onlyspins Casino in the Canadian Mix
The variety of licensing choices becomes more concrete when looking at an actual brand such as Onlyspins casino. A player considering this site should first determine whether it holds a provincial registration like Ontario’s AGCO/iGO certificate. If not, the next step is to examine which alternative license it claims—Tobique, Kahnawake, or Anjouan—and whether that license offers credible consumer protection.
A Tobique or Kahnawake license suggests at least some Indigenous oversight, while an Anjouan license places the operation firmly offshore. None of these replace provincial approval where it is mandatory, but each provides a level of structure compared to unlicensed operators.
Interesting Facts & Statistics About Offshore Gaming in Canada
Despite the growth of provincial markets, offshore casinos remain highly popular with Canadian players. A few striking points stand out:
- Market size: Before Ontario opened to private operators, Canadians were estimated to spend almost CAD 1 billion a year on offshore gambling.
- Ontario growth: Ontario alone is on track to generate CAD 1.5 billion annually by 2026, showing how much activity was previously leaving Canada.
- Kahnawake scale: The KGC continues to license more than 50 operators and 250+ gambling sites, serving players worldwide.
- Shifting preferences: As Curaçao reforms, operators increasingly choose Tobique, Kahnawake, and Anjouan to reach Canadian customers.
- Legal grey areas: In provinces without regulated private markets, offshore casinos still accept Canadian players, creating an ongoing enforcement challenge.
This single list highlights how large the offshore market remains, even as regulation expands.
Evaluating Casino Safety
Given these overlapping jurisdictions, Canadian players should verify any casino before signing up. In Ontario, the crucial step is checking the official AGCO/iGaming Ontario registry. Elsewhere, the focus should be on license credibility and operational transparency.
Independent audits, clear terms for deposits and withdrawals, and a track record of timely payouts all add confidence. Even with a familiar name like Onlyspins casino, careful due diligence remains essential.
