Guide
Canada's casino age, province by province
Last revised · facts verified
Canada leaves the casino age to the provinces. Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick set it at 19; Alberta, Manitoba and Québec at 18. It always applies to the gaming floor, and some resorts extend it to bars, venues or the entire building. The details below are worth reading before you book.
| Province | Age | Regulator | Helpline | Self-exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 19+ | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (around the clock; you can also text CONNEX to 247247) | OLG My PlayBreak — pick 3 months up to 5 years; applies at all Ontario casinos |
| Québec | 18+ | Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) | Gambling: Help and Referral 1-800-461-0140 (free, confidential, day or night) | Loto-Québec self-exclusion — 3 months up to 5 years; can't be undone once signed |
| British Columbia | 19+ | Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) | Gambling Support BC 1-888-795-6111 (no charge, open 24/7) | BCLC Game Break — choose between 6 months and 3 years |
| Alberta | 18+ | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) | Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322 (open 24/7) | AGLC Self-Exclusion — 6 months up to 3 years; every Alberta casino plus PlayAlberta.ca |
| Manitoba | 18+ | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) | Gambling Helpline 1-800-463-1554 (day and night) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion — Casinos of Winnipeg, Shark Club and/or PlayNow.com |
| New Brunswick | 19+ | Gaming Control Branch, Department of Justice and Public Safety | Gambling Information Line 1-800-461-1234 (free and confidential; TTY available) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion, handled through Great Canadian Entertainment |
Carry photo ID
Government-issued photo ID should travel with you to every casino. British Columbia has asked all guests for it since June 2023 and runs it against the restricted-entry list. Québec staff may check anyone who looks younger than 25. Some venues go further — at Ontario's Great Blue Heron, the entry rules list an original, valid government photo ID plus a second photo ID.
Hotel-specific rules
- Hard Rock Ottawa: 19+ for every part of the property — hotel and restaurants as well as casino.
- Great Canadian Toronto and Casino New Brunswick: the person making the booking has to be 19+; kids can stay but can't go into 19+ areas.
- River Rock: only guests aged 19 or over can check in.
- River Cree: minors with an adult may use all non-gaming areas, a rule in place since July 29, 2024.
- Fallsview: kids are welcome on the property, but strollers and babies in arms aren't allowed on the gaming floor.
Banning yourself
Each province offers voluntary self-exclusion: you choose a period and you're barred from its casinos for that long, and some programmes can't be cut short. Thinking about it? Phone your province's helpline from the table above. It's free and confidential.