All operators in the province have a gambling licence and work according to the Newfoundland and Labrador gambling laws. The local regulative authorities make sure that all legal games follow the fair play rules and deliver fun and excitement every time. Below, you will see the main sections of this blog post, and at the end, we answered some of the most interesting questions on the topic.
Gambling Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the most eastern province in Canada. Just like the rest of the provinces, it can choose the gambling policy and laws as long as they do not contradict the gambling laws in Canada. There are no special Newfoundland and Labrador gambling laws; instead of that, the province relies on the main Canadian Criminal Code legislation:
| 📅 Year | ⚖️ Canadian Criminal Code Amendments |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 1892 | The Canadian Criminal Code is enacted and holds the first gambling regulations |
| ✔️ 1910 | Legalises pari-mutuel betting (on horse races) and various games of chance for charitable purposes |
| ✔️ 1970 | All Canadian provinces can individually create gambling laws and regulations |
| ✔️ 1985 | Allows multi-game sports betting |
| ✔️ 2010 | Adjustments regarding illegal gambling and gambling offences |
| ✔️ 2020 | Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act allows single bets |
| ✔️ 2022 | First online casinos are introduced in Canada (in Ontario) |
As you can see, the Canadian laws on gambling are the only ones you need to know. The online gambling laws in Newfoundland and Labrador state that playing at the top online casinos in Canada for 2023 is completely legal for players in this province. Furthermore, the local authorities and provincial government have specific regulations, which we will mention further down in this article.
Legal Gambling Age in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
If you have had the chance to read the gambling laws in Canada, you have noticed the special attention paid to players’ age. In this province, gamblers must be 19 to play at a casino and 18 to play lottery, bingo, or wager on horse races, and other gambling games. According to the NL laws on gambling, the limitation also applies to all forms of Newfoundland online gambling.
Winners’ Tax
We have great news for all players in Newfoundland and Labrador – gambling and betting prizes are not taxable income. This means that whatever you win from the lottery, sports betting, horse wagering, or any other gambling or betting game is for you. Knowing this, our recommendation is only to spend your money wisely and have fun!
Gambling Crimes and Misbehaviour at Wagering Locations
The Newfoundland and Labrador gambling laws have definitions of legal gambling, and everything that does not match it is considered illegal. The Criminal Code and the supportive regulations deal with all cheating, fraud, theft, and illegal gambling matters. It is recommended to play by the rules and avoid any illegal gaming and gambling activities to avoid legal trouble, fines, or jail time.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Digital Government & Service NL
The Consumer Affairs Division of Digital Government and Service NL is the gambling regulator in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The operators need a licence to offer gambling, betting, or games of chance. You can find the list of certifications and their requirements on the Digital Government and Service NL website.
Anyone who intends to offer casino gambling games needs a Monte Carlo licence from the Consumer Affairs Division of Digital Government and Service NL. This permission is granted under the conditions that besides poker, the operator will also offer roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and other gambling games for the duration of the licence.
The operators who intend to offer horse races and wagering on horse competitions need a licence from the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) and should comply with the Lottery Licensing Regulations.
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation looks after the requirements of the Newfoundland lottery license according to the Lottery Licensing Regulations under the Criminal Code. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation delivers all draw and instant win games in Newfoundland and Labrador province.
Land-Based and Online Casinos in NL, Canada
The Newfoundland and Labrador gambling laws are clear about the casino status and all other wagering locations in the province. In this section, you will read about the effects of the gambling laws Canada has over the brick-and-mortar wagering locations and how the operators apply the Canadian online gambling laws to deliver fun and games to every player.
Land-Based Gambling Locations in NL
The Newfoundland and Labrador laws on gambling allow the construction of land-based casinos, but to this day, there are no brick-and-mortar casinos. Suppose you are a fan of the First Nation casinos in Canada, visit them in another province or go for a non-tribal casino. To gamble in NL, you need to go to Casino St John’s, Newfoundland, CA or any of the following options:
- 🎰 Casinos: there have been no permanent land-based casinos in Newfoundland since 1996. A temporary Monte Carlo licence is issued upon request and for charity functions
- 🃏 VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals): Newfoundland and Labrador VLTs have been legal since 1991 and can be found at liquor-licensed establishments
- ♠️ Poker: Bella Vista, Dooly’s, and St. John’s Racing & Entertainment Center hold regular cash poker games and tournaments
- 🏇 Horse Races: St. John’s Racing & Entertainment Center is the only land-based gambling location in Newfoundland. Players can bet on simulcast horse races and play poker
- 🏒 Sports Betting: at the betting locations, you can bet on sports competitions, fantasy sports, and more
- 🎱 Lottery: Newfoundland lottery is the most popular gambling option and offers various draw and instant-type games
- 🎱 Bingo: there are several bingo rooms in the province
- 🎗️ Charity: all forms of casino nights, fundraising raffles, and ticket lotteries are legal but require a temporary licence
Almost all of these wagering spots operate under the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, so everything is legal and up to fair game standards. We are certain that when the first Newfoundland casino opens, it will be an instant hit, but until then, fans of casino entertainment should try the best online slots sites in Canada, or other licensed gambling sites we recommend.
Online Gambling Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador
There are no online gambling laws in Newfoundland and Labrador, so the operators apply Canadian online gambling laws. In this province, online gambling is not regulated, but it’s not illegal, and players are not prosecuted. Players registered at the best Newfoundland and Labrador online casino sites can enjoy the following games:
- 🎰 Casino Games
- 🎲 Live Dealer Games
- 🃏 Poker
- 🏒 Sports Betting
- 🏇 Horse Racing
- 🎱 Online Lottery
- 🎱 Online Bingo
- 🤖 DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports)
We are certain that once the province creates Newfoundland and Labrador laws on gambling regulating online gambling, even more, Canadian safe and trusted online casinos will be available to the locals. Until then, the province’s residents can enjoy Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s online gambling services. Worthy alternatives for any Newfoundland and Labrador online casino are offshore gambling and poker sites.
Responsible Gambling & Gambling Addiction Help
Even though gambling in Newfoundland is mostly lottery and instant win games, there are still cases of gambling addiction. That is why the Canadian government and the authorities in every province provide multiple options for dealing with this issue. Here are some of the Newfoundland and Labrador self-help options and regional health authorities:
- 🚑 Gamblers Anonymous (self-help)
- 🚑 Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- 🚑 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- 🚑 Eastern Health
- 🚑 Central Health
- 🚑 Western Health
- 🚑 Labrador-Grenfell Health
Furthermore, all operators must assist layers in their battle against addiction. Excellent examples are the new online casino sites in Canada with responsible gambling policies and help information freely given to their players. We also recommend you take the gambling addiction self-assessment test and take action if needed. This is the way to keep having fun while gambling.
Newfoundland and Labrador Laws on Gambling FAQ
Being familiar with the Newfoundland and Labrador laws on gambling can only be beneficial because you will know how to recognise the legal gambling locations and top online wagering sites. Besides the useful information, we also answered a few popular questions. If you need to know more, follow the links in the answers.