Online gambling in Saskatchewan is a complex issue. While some forms of online gambling are permitted, others remain prohibited. Understanding what is legal versus illegal requires looking at both federal and provincial laws that regulate gambling in the province.
Is online gambling legal in Saskatchewan?
The short answer is: it depends. Certain forms of online gambling are permitted in Saskatchewan, while others are still considered illegal. The province takes a restrictive stance toward online gambling but has opened up to some regulated options in recent years.
At the federal level, the Criminal Code of Canada was amended in 2021 to legalize single-event sports betting across the country. As a result, sportsbooks operated by provincial lottery corporations can now offer legal online sports betting to Saskatchewan residents.
Saskatchewan has also opened up to regulated online casinos owned and operated by provincial crown corporations. Casinos operating under provincial jurisdiction are legal, while unlicensed offshore online casinos remain illegal in Saskatchewan.
Other forms of online gambling – such as online poker – continue to operate in legal grey areas. While individual players likely won’t face prosecution, companies offering unregulated online gambling in Saskatchewan are breaking the law.
Federal laws on online gambling in Canada
Gambling regulation in Canada is complex because responsibility is shared between federal and provincial governments. Under Canada’s Constitution, provinces have authority over gambling within provincial borders while the federal government regulates gambling that crosses provincial and international borders.
At the federal level, the Criminal Code bans certain types of gambling, with exceptions made for provincial lotteries, licensed casinos, and restricted gaming events. Sections 206 and 207 specifically prohibit online gambling operators from setting up shop in Canada unless authorized by the provinces.
The 2021 amendment to allow single-event sports betting created an exception in Section 207 that allows provincial governments to conduct and manage online sports betting. This paved the way for legal sports betting websites in provinces that choose to offer it.
Saskatchewan gambling laws
Saskatchewan regulates gambling through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) under The Criminal Code of Canada and The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997. SLGA is responsible for licensing and regulating land-based and online casinos, sportsbooks, and lottery ticket sales in the province.
Historically, Saskatchewan gambling laws heavily restricted online gaming. The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997 states:
No person shall:
(a) operate a common gaming house;
(b) act or employ a person to act as a dealer, banker, croupier or operator of a game in a common gaming house;
(c) receive, record or register a bet or act as a bookmaker;
(d) allow premises of which he or she is the owner, tenant or occupant to be kept or used as a common gaming house;
(e) advance or furnish money for the purpose of establishing or conducting the business of a common gaming house; or
(f) conduct, operate, maintain or keep any computer, electronic or other device for the purpose of providing gaming services within or outside the province.
This broadly prohibited online casinos and other forms of remote gambling. However, in 2020 amendments were passed to allow SLGA to conduct and manage online casinos. This opened the door for PlaySask.com – an online casino owned and regulated by the province of Saskatchewan.
Legal online gambling in Saskatchewan
Here are the regulated and legal forms of online gambling currently permitted in Saskatchewan:
Sports betting
Single-event sports betting is legal and regulated online in Saskatchewan. Sports Select is the provincial online sportsbook managed and operated by SLGA.
Saskatchewan residents can place online bets on sporting events through Sports Select from a computer or mobile device from anywhere within the province. Bet types including spreads, moneylines, totals (over/unders), props, futures, and parlays are offered.
Online casinos
Regulated online casinos owned by provincial gaming authorities are legal in Saskatchewan. PlaySask.com is the sole online casino authorized by SLGA.
PlaySask offers slots, table games like blackjack and roulette, and live dealer casino games to residents located physically within Saskatchewan. Players must be 19 years or older to participate.
Lottery tickets
Purchasing lottery tickets online through provincially-run lottery websites is legal in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Lotteries website and mobile app allows residents to buy tickets for national and provincial lotteries including LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 649, WESTERN MAX, WESTERN 649, DAILY GRAND and EXTRA.
Online gambling that remains illegal
While Saskatchewan has opened up to some regulated online gambling options, many forms remain prohibited under provincial law. This includes:
Unlicensed online casinos
International online casinos that accept players from Saskatchewan but are not provincially regulated are considered illegal. These include popular offshore gambling sites located in jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao and Costa Rica.
Saskatchewan residents who play at unapproved international online casinos are not breaking the law. However, these unlicensed casinos themselves are operating illegally under Saskatchewan’s gaming regulations.
Online poker
There are currently no regulated online poker sites specific to Saskatchewan. International online poker rooms that offer games to Saskatchewan residents are unlicensed and still technically illegal.
Poker is a unique case, as SK residents are often still able to play at offshore online poker rooms that operate in legal grey areas. But these sites are not provincially regulated and could potentially be blocked.
Other casino games
Apart from PlaySask.com, real money online casino gaming and table games on international sites remain prohibited in Saskatchewan. Offshore virtual casino sites besides PlaySask are operating illegally when offering games to Saskatchewan residents.
Is online gambling regulated in Saskatchewan?
Online gambling through provincially-run sites is regulated, but offshore gambling sites are not regulated. Here’s an overview of regulation in Saskatchewan:
Provincially operated sites
Online sportsbooks, casinos and lottery sites managed by SLGA are fully regulated and licensed by the province of Saskatchewan.
Regulation includes:
- Age verification (must be 19+ to participate)
- Responsible gambling features
- Auditing and oversight of games/betting
- Protections against fraud and criminal activity
- Mechanisms for handling complaints and disputes
Provincially operated gambling sites must adhere to strict standards outlined by SLGA.
International online gambling sites
Offshore online casinos, sportsbooks and poker sites that serve the Saskatchewan market are entirely unregulated by the province. They may be regulated in their host jurisdictions, but SLGA has no oversight or ability to enforce standards.
Unlicensed gambling sites don’t provide Saskatchewan-specific consumer protections. Players use them at their own risk.
Can I get in trouble for online gambling in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan residents are unlikely to face prosecution or penalties for participating in most forms of online gambling. But risks still exist, mainly related to using unregulated gambling sites.
Using legal sites
There is practically no risk for using provincially-run online sportsbooks, casinos and lottery services as a SK resident. These have the full approval of the government and are regulated for fairness and security.
The only caveat is you must be physically located within SK provincial borders when playing. These sites use geolocation tools to confirm your location.
Using offshore sites
While individual residents aren’t likely to get in trouble for using unapproved international gambling sites, there are some risks:
- Possible account suspension or seizure/forfeiture of winnings
- Lack of regulatory protections against unfair practices
- Fewer legal options if disputes arise
- Potential for site blocking by internet service providers
- Risk of identity theft or fraud on unsecure sites
Prosecution risks appear low, but residents should understand risks before using unregulated offshore gambling operators.
Future outlook on online gambling in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is likely to continue expanding regulated online gambling options in the coming years while cracking down on unapproved offshore sites accepting Saskatchewan players. Potential changes include:
- Additional legal sports betting operators – SLGA has suggested it may allow more sportsbooks beyond Sports Select in the future.
- Expanded online casino gaming through PlaySask with slots, table games and live dealer options.
- Regulated online poker – Poker could be a next step for Saskatchewan’s online gambling market.
- Increased enforcement against unregulated gaming sites that don’t hold a Saskatchewan license.
The provincial government seems committed to transitioning more gambling activity from illegal offshore sites to regulated Saskatchewan-based operators. This will likely mean expanded online gaming options for Saskatchewan residents who want to engage in legal internet gambling.
Conclusion
Online gambling remains a complex mix of legal and illegal gaming options in Saskatchewan. While offshore gambling sites continue operating in the province, SLGA has taken steps to regulate some internet gambling through provincial websites and apps.
Sports betting, online casinos and lottery ticket sales are now authorized forms of internet gambling in Saskatchewan when offered through government-run platforms. Other gaming, like online poker, continue to exist in legal grey areas.
Individual residents are unlikely to face prosecution for most forms of internet gambling. But unregulated sites come with risks around security, game fairness and lack of consumer protections.
As online gambling grows more popular globally, Saskatchewan appears to be responding by slowly opening up provincially regulated internet gaming options for residents. This gradual expansion seems poised to continue in coming years as the province balances expanding access to online gambling with efforts to curb unlawful gaming activities.
For Saskatchewan residents, it’s important to understand the nuances of what’s permitted versus prohibited, and to make informed decisions about which gaming operators to trust. When in doubt, sticking to provincially approved gambling websites is the safest bet.
After all restrictions around gambling online in Saskatchewan are considered, residents can feel confident placing bets and gaming at regulated Saskatchewan-based internet gambling sites that carry SLGA approval. While risks exist on unregulated gaming sites, staying within the bounds of approved online gambling operators means playing legally according to both federal and provincial laws.
As online gambling grows more popular globally, Saskatchewan appears to be responding by slowly opening up provincially regulated internet gaming options for residents. This gradual expansion seems poised to continue in coming years as the province balances expanding access to online gambling with efforts to curb unlawful gaming activities.
For Saskatchewan residents, it’s important to understand the nuances of what’s permitted versus prohibited, and to make informed decisions about which gaming operators to trust. When in doubt, sticking to provincially approved gambling websites is the safest bet.
After all restrictions around gambling online in Saskatchewan are considered, residents can feel confident placing bets and gaming at regulated Saskatchewan-based internet gambling sites that carry SLGA approval. While risks exist on unregulated gaming sites, staying within the bounds of approved online gambling operators means playing legally according to both federal and provincial laws.
As online gambling grows more popular globally, Saskatchewan appears to be responding by slowly opening up provincially regulated internet gaming options for residents. This gradual expansion seems poised to continue in coming years as the province balances expanding access to online gambling with efforts to curb unlawful gaming activities.
For Saskatchewan residents, it’s important to understand the nuances of what’s permitted versus prohibited, and to make informed decisions about which gaming operators to trust. When in doubt, sticking to provincially approved gambling websites is the safest bet.
After all restrictions around gambling online in Saskatchewan are considered, residents can feel confident placing bets and gaming at regulated Saskatchewan-based internet gambling sites that carry SLGA approval. While risks exist on unregulated gaming sites, staying within the bounds of approved online gambling operators means playing legally according to both federal and provincial laws.