Guide
Canada's casino age, province by province
Last revised · facts verified
There's no national casino age in Canada — each province picks its own. It's 19 in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick, and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec. The limit always covers the gaming floor; some resorts stretch it to bars and venues, and one applies it to the entire building. Check these before you book the weekend.
| Province | Age | Regulator | Helpline | Self-exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 19+ | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (any hour, or text CONNEX to 247247) | OLG My PlayBreak: from 3 months up to 5 years, valid 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, 24/7) | Loto-Québec self-exclusion: 3 months to 5 years, cannot be undone once signed |
| British Columbia | 19+ | Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) | Gambling Support BC 1-888-795-6111 (24/7, no charge) | BCLC Game Break: anywhere from 6 months to 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 to 3 years, covering every Alberta casino plus PlayAlberta.ca |
| Manitoba | 18+ | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) | Gambling Helpline 1-800-463-1554 (open 24/7) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion covering 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) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion, arranged through Great Canadian Entertainment |
The ID question
Carry government-issued photo ID to any Canadian casino. In British Columbia it's checked for every guest — against the restricted-entry list — and has been since June 2023. In Québec, expect to be asked if you look younger than 25. A few places go further: Great Blue Heron in Ontario lists two pieces of photo ID at the door, a valid original government one plus a second.
Resorts with their own twist on the age rule
- Hard Rock Ottawa: 19+ in every part of the property, rooms and restaurants included.
- Great Canadian Toronto and Casino New Brunswick: the booker has to be 19+; kids may stay but are kept out of 19+ areas.
- River Rock: 19 is the minimum age to check in.
- River Cree: minors with an adult may use all non-gaming areas, a rule in place since July 29, 2024.
- Fallsview: children are welcome on the property, but strollers and babes in arms aren't allowed on the gaming floor.
Self-exclusion
Each province offers voluntary self-exclusion: you choose a period, and its casinos refuse you entry for that long. Some programmes can't be cancelled before the end date. Thinking about it? The provincial helpline in the table above is free and confidential, and a good first call.