Rules
Minimum gambling age: the provincial file
File date · sources re-read
Casino age is a provincial matter. Three provinces in this guide use 19 (Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick); three use 18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec). The limit always covers the floor, and at some resorts it extends to bars, venues or the whole property. Before you book, check the following.
| Province | Min. age | Self-ban scheme | Free line | Regulated by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 19 | OLG's My PlayBreak — terms of three months to five years, all Ontario gaming sites | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 staffed day and night; text line CONNEX at 247247 | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario |
| Québec | 18 | Loto-Québec contract — three months to five years; once signed it cannot be revoked | Gambling: Help and Referral 1-800-461-0140 confidential, free of charge, at any hour | Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux |
| British Columbia | 19 | BCLC's Game Break — terms of six months to three years | Gambling Support BC 1-888-795-6111 free line, round the clock | Independent Gambling Control Office |
| Alberta | 18 | AGLC scheme: half a year minimum, three years maximum; covers PlayAlberta.ca and all casinos in Alberta | Addiction Helpline of Alberta Health Services 1-866-332-2322 round the clock | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis |
| Manitoba | 18 | Voluntary Self-Exclusion — signer chooses the Winnipeg casinos, Shark Club, PlayNow.com, or several | Gambling Helpline 1-800-463-1554 round the clock | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba |
| New Brunswick | 19 | Voluntary Self-Exclusion, handled by Great Canadian Entertainment | Gambling Information Line 1-800-461-1234 free and confidential; TTY | Gaming Control Branch of the provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety |
Bring photo ID
Carry government-issued photo ID, full stop. Since June 2023, B.C. casinos ask everyone for it and run it against the restricted-entry list; Québec casinos may ask anyone who looks under 25. A few want two pieces — Great Blue Heron in Ontario lists a valid original government photo ID plus a second photo ID at the entrance.
Resort-specific age rules
- Hard Rock Ottawa — 19+ everywhere, including hotel and restaurants.
- Great Canadian Toronto, Casino New Brunswick — the booking guest must be 19+; kids can stay, but 19+ zones are off-limits.
- River Rock — the guest checking in must be 19 or older.
- River Cree — since July 29, 2024, minors with an adult can use all non-gaming areas.
- Fallsview — children may be on site, but the gaming floor bars strollers and infants carried in arms.
Self-exclusion
All provinces run voluntary self-exclusion: you choose a period and are barred from the province's casinos for it. Some programmes cannot be ended ahead of time. If you are weighing it, Phone your province's helpline (table above) — the call is free and confidential.