Gambling has been a part of Canadian culture for centuries. From Indigenous gambling games to modern-day casinos, gambling has evolved and transformed over time in Canada. In this article, we will take a journey through the history of gambling in Canada and explore how it has changed throughout the ages.
The Beginnings of Gambling in Canada
The Indigenous people of Canada have a long history of gambling. They played games like “slahal” which involved guessing the position of bones hidden in a bag. They also played “waltes” which was a dice game. The arrival of Europeans in Canada brought new gambling games, including playing cards and horse racing.
The 19th Century
During the 19th century, gambling was seen as a vice and was illegal in many parts of Canada. However, this did not stop people from gambling, and illegal gambling establishments began to emerge. Horse racing was a popular form of gambling during this time, and it was often associated with organized crime. The government began to regulate gambling in the late 1800s, and horse racing was one of the first forms of gambling to be legalized.
The 20th Century
The 20th century saw significant changes in the gambling industry in Canada. In 1969, the Canadian government passed the Criminal Code, which legalized certain forms of gambling, including horse racing and charitable gaming. In the 1980s, the government began to allow provinces to operate their own lotteries. This led to the rise of lottery games like Lotto 6/49, which is still popular today.
The Rise of Casinos in Canada
The 1990s saw the emergence of casinos in Canada. In 1993, the government of Ontario opened the first modern casino in Canada, Casino Niagara. This was followed by the opening of other casinos in Ontario and other provinces. Today, there are over 100 casinos in Canada offering a wide range of gambling options, including slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
Online Gambling in Canada
The rise of online gambling has had a significant impact on the gambling industry in Canada, as it has made gambling more accessible than ever before. With the best real money online casinos Canada and sports betting sites, people can now gamble from the comfort of their own homes, without having to leave the house. Although the government of Canada has been slow to regulate online gambling, it is legal for Canadians to gamble online with offshore operators. As a result, the market size of the gambling industry in Canada has grown significantly, reaching up to US$12.5 Billion in 2022, making it a major contributor to the Canadian economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gambling has a rich history in Canada, from Indigenous gambling games to modern-day casinos. While gambling was once seen as a vice and was illegal in many parts of the country, it has evolved and transformed over time, becoming a popular form of entertainment. The legalization of certain forms of gambling in Canada has led to the rise of casinos and lottery games, and the advent of the internet has opened up new opportunities for online gambling. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how gambling in Canada continues to change and adapt to new technologies and social norms.