Now a very popular pastime for Canadians in all provinces, the history of gambling in Canada is an interesting tale that can be traced back to the First Nations. This blog will explore the country’s fascinating history, including a brief look into how Alberta itself played its part in this historical tale.
Before we delve into the exciting history, it’s first important to cover just how to stay safe while gambling online. This is so this pastime can be enjoyed responsibly.
Gambling in Canada can be tracked back for millennia. The people from the First Nations in the country would often gamble on games of chance to settle debts! European settlers then brought their traditions over, introducing horse racing and card games. This arrival marked a notable turning point in Canada’s history; we pinpoint it as introducing several new casino games like blackjack and roulette. So much so were these games deemed exciting that by the 19th century, gambling was widespread in the country. You could find it in homes, on the street and even in taverns. However, the rapid infiltration of gambling into Canadian society worried the Canadian government which in 1892, passed the first laws regulating this past time – and these days, some forms of gambling remain illegal in the country, despite others becoming an imperative part of the Canadian economy.
For many people, gambling became one of the few forms of legal entertainment available in the Prohibition era. After the country banned the sale of alcoholic beverages, many turned to gambling as their new favorite pastime. Countless casinos popped up across the country, with bookmakers betting on everything from boxing matches to horse races. However, this was also a period when many lost their life savings at the casinos, many turning to crime to finance their new habits. For the older generation of Canadians, this era will forever be associated with gambling.
The industry grew steadily after the first legal casino opened in Montreal in 1910. Very soon, casinos began operating in all provinces and territories nationwide. These days, gambling is still a very popular activity among Canadians, with Ontarians wagering more on legal casino games than sports betting. You can see Canadian gambling culture in many casinos, online slot games, lottery games and even bingo halls. From the First Nations people using gambling to teach life lessons and settle disputes to the essential role it plays in today’s social and economic climate, the history of gambling in Canada is a very fascinating tale indeed.
The province of Alberta also played its part in the story of gambling in Canada. Below are some of the most important and influential points in the province’s history:
