Cryptocurrency Betting in Canada: Provincial Rules Trump Federal Law
Canada's online gambling market is complex due to its federal and provincial regulatory system. While the federal government has legalized sports betting nationwide, each province regulates online casinos differently.
The provinces have different rules for private operators, with some allowing them while others maintain a monopoly. For example, Ontario allows private operators, but Alberta has only recently opened up to them.
However, when it comes to cryptocurrency-based online casinos, the situation is more straightforward. Currently, no Canadian province licenses such operations, and regulated domestic operators do not accept crypto deposits.
This means that Canadians betting with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies are likely using offshore sites, which account for around 61% of Canada's online gambling market volume.