Guide
Casino age in Canada by province
Updated · facts checked
The minimum age for a Canadian casino is set by each province: 19 in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick, 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec. The age applies to the gaming floor — and, at some resorts, to bars, venues or even the whole property. Here is what you need to know before you book.
| Province | Age | Regulator | Helpline | Self-exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 19+ | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, or text CONNEX to 247247) | OLG My PlayBreak — 3 months to 5 years, covers every Ontario casino |
| Québec | 18+ | Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) | Gambling: Help and Referral 1-800-461-0140 (24/7, free and confidential) | Loto-Québec self-exclusion — 3 months to 5 years, irrevocable once signed |
| British Columbia | 19+ | Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) | Gambling Support BC 1-888-795-6111 (free, 24/7) | BCLC Game Break — 6 months to 3 years |
| Alberta | 18+ | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) | Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322 (24/7) | AGLC Self-Exclusion — 6 months to 3 years, all Alberta casinos and PlayAlberta.ca |
| Manitoba | 18+ | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) | Gambling Helpline 1-800-463-1554 (24/7) | 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, confidential, TTY) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion through Great Canadian Entertainment |
ID: what to bring
Bring government-issued photo ID wherever you go. In British Columbia, casinos have asked every guest for it since June 2023 and check it against the restricted-entry list. In Québec, anyone who appears under 25 may be asked for ID. Some casinos ask for more: Great Blue Heron in Ontario, for example, lists a valid original government photo ID plus a second photo ID at entry.
Hotels with their own age rules
- Hard Rock Ottawa — 19+ for the entire property, including the hotel and restaurants.
- Great Canadian Toronto and Casino New Brunswick — the person booking must be 19+; children may stay but not enter 19+ areas.
- River Rock — you must be 19 to check in.
- River Cree — minors are allowed in all non-gaming areas with an adult (since July 29, 2024).
- Fallsview — children welcome on the property; babies in arms and strollers are not allowed on the gaming floor.
Self-exclusion programmes
Every province runs a voluntary self-exclusion programme that bars you from its casinos for a period you choose. Some cannot be cancelled early. If you are thinking about it, call the helpline for your province in the table above — it is free and confidential.