By Adam Lumb
February 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The legal gambling age in Canada is determined by province. This means how old you need to be to gamble depends on where you live. However, it can also depend on what type of gambling you are partaking in. For example, there might be different minimum ages based on if you’re playing a casino game of chance or buying a lottery ticket.
In Ontario, the rules are strictly applied based on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporate Act, 1999. This law has made the legal gambling age for Ontario residents clear for different gambling types. Let’s take a look.
Casino age in Ontario
You must be 19 years of age or older to play casino games of chance in Ontario. This includes slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and other game types. In fact, you must be 19 years of age or older to even go to a gaming premises like a casino, unless you are there for employment.
Playing slots on line can be fun – exciting. Just know your limit
Upon entering a casino in Ontario, you may be asked for a government-issued identification document featuring a photo to verify how old you are. This is a common practice at gambling premises across the province. If you are 21 years of age or younger, two identification documents may be needed.
Of course, there are a few other entry requirements that you need to satisfy as well. For example, you cannot appear intoxicated, nor can you be self-excluded from playing at the premises.
How old to play casino online in Ontario?
You must be 19 years of age or older to play at online casinos in Ontario. In recent years, playing online has become more and more popular across the country. There are lots of new Canadian online casinos launching that provide a fun and new experience.
However, the age requirement for Ontario players remains the same.
You will need to create a new account at these sites using your personal information. Make sure that what you provide is accurate.
Your account needs to be verified which will often require an identification document featuring a photo and your age to be uploaded.
If you are lucky enough to win, you may be asked for further verification documents when you request a withdrawal. Online casinos must follow strict anti-money laundering policies and other rules to comply with their licence obligations. Therefore, submitting the correct personal information when you sign up is very important.
Age to buy lottery tickets in Ontario
You must be 18 years of age or older to buy lottery tickets in Ontario. There’s a variety of different lotteries that are drawn over a week. You must buy your tickets before the deadline to be eligible.
Lottery retailers may ask for a government-issued identification document featuring a photo to verify how old you are. Any retailer caught selling lottery tickets to underage people can face significant fines.
You can claim lottery prizes lower than $1,000 at a retailer. Prizes under $50,000 must be claimed via mail, while anything from $50,000 or above must be claimed at the OLG Prize Centre in person.
Make sure to check your tickets to see if you have won. There have been several occasions when a winning ticket totalling millions of dollars has not been produced. However, many lottery tickets remain valid for several months after the draw so the prizes can be claimed.
Keep gambling fun
No matter how old you are, gambling is meant to be fun. Never gamble what you cannot afford to lose and be mindful of your activity.
If you think you are starting to lose control, ConnexOntario can help. There’s a variety of resources that they can help you to find and access in Ontario.
