When John Cabot came across the native inhabitants of Canada in 1497, they were already playing games of chance. These games were popular, in part because they were used to expand the spiritual, physical and mental growth of those who played them. During those, more simple, times, these games involved playing with sticks and pebbles.
Canada became a country, games of chance intact, in 1867. By 1892, though, the criminal code of the country placed a unilateral ban on all forms of gambling. In 1900, charities were able to use raffles and bingo as ways to raise much needed funds. Horse racing was added to the roster of acceptable forms of gambling by 1910. Exhibitions and fairs that wanted to hold gambling events were given that right in 1925.
The real turning point for gambling in Canada came during 1967. The Canadian government needed a way to raise money for the 1976 Olympics that were to be held in Montreal. In order to address this need, the criminal code of the country was changed to allow both the federal government and provincial governments to fund special projects by running lotteries. The country's very first lottery began in 1974 with funds earmarked for the Olympics.
Through the years, almost every province in Canada has become involved in some form of gambling. Whether they host lotteries, casinos, slot machines or horse races, the players have enjoyed a rich variety of entertaining and lucrative gambling options. There is not a blanket procedure that covers how each province handles their unique gambling options. Some provinces have government owned gambling oulets that are overseen and run by private entities. In other instances, the government both owns and oversees the gambling venues in that particular province.
Online casinos once again changed the landscape of gambling in Canada. These gambling outlets allow players to enjoy their favorite hobby right from the comfort of their living room, hotel room or bedroom. Loaded with features and offering real money jackpots, online casinos are easy to find and become part of. Those people who are just getting started with gambling at online casinos can play for free in order to get comfortable with the concept and discover if it is right for them. In order to get the most fun, and to begin winning, from an online casino, though, players need to fund their banks with a credit card.
