Regulation of Betting and Cannabis in Canada: Similarities and Differences

Canada has certain strict rules that strongly affect the operation of bookmakers and gambling websites like SlotsCity https://slotscity.com/sports in the country. One of the ways to get insight into these rules and regulations is to compare and contrast them with other regulations. In this article, we shall compare these bookmaker regulations with those guiding the use of cannabis in Canada.

Canadian Laws Guiding the Operation of Bookmakers

There are certain principles that casinos in Canada should follow. These laws can be summed up as follows:

1. Federal Criminal Code

The Federal Criminal Code is the overarching statute that governs gambling activity in Canada. Sections 201 through 206 of the Code address various forms of gambling, betting, and lotteries. These sections prohibit all types of gambling throughout Canada unless they are conducted by provincial authorities.

1. Provincial Regulation

In Canada, the federal government allows provinces to create their own rules for both online and land-based gambling. Each province has its own laws and regulations related to gambling. While some provinces take a more lenient approach, others have stricter controls.

1. Licensing and Oversight

Provincial governments give casino holders a license to run gambling establishments legally. These licenses subject operators to strict regulations, ensuring player protection and responsible gambling practices.

1. Online Gambling

As already mentioned, Canadian law allows provinces to create their own gambling regulations. The same applies to online gaming platforms. Each region enacts rules that oversee online casinos and sportsbooks within the jurisdiction. 

Canadian Laws Guiding the Usage of Cannabis

Recreational cannabis was legalized on October 17, 2018. This made Canada the second country to legalize the product. Here are some important rules guiding its usage in the country. 

• Age Restrictions and Possession Limits

A person must be 18 and older to buy, use, possess, and grow recreational cannabis. Canadians who are of legal age can have a maximum of 30 grams (about one ounce) of dried cannabis in public at any time.

• Growing Cannabis

Canadians may grow up to four cannabis plants per residence (not per person) if they meet certain conditions.

• Consumption Restrictions

You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in various public places. This includes enclosed workplaces, publicly owned sports fields, nearby spectator areas, or vehicles or boats that are being driven or will be driven.

• Medical Cannabis

The federal government regulates medical cannabis, which has different rules than recreational cannabis. It can only be purchased through licensed producers or grown with a Health Canada license.

• Workplace Safety

Consuming recreational cannabis in an enclosed workplace remains illegal. Employers and employees must adhere to specific rules to ensure workplace safety.

These regulations aim to keep cannabis out of the hands of children and youth, ensure road safety, and combat the illegal market.

Comparing the Laws Guiding the Operation of Bookmakers and the Use of Cannabis

The table below outlines the similarities and differences between both regulations as applicable in Canada.

Conclusion

Though the regulations governing these two categories appear similar, they are very different. In some cases, the laws governing bookmakers appear more rigid. Other times, it’s the other way around. Both sectors mirror Canada's cautious yet progressive attitude toward running businesses with major social ramifications.