Gambling in Ontario
Gambling is the intentional wagering on an unpredictable event with the intention of winning something of value. The objective of the game of gambling is to gain something by means of the wager or in other words, to win. The main characteristic of gambling is that it involves risk. In this regard, gambling involves three components: risk, consideration, and the possibility of winning.
Although the law of gambling is constantly changing, there are some aspects which remain constant. First, all gambling activities are performed in public places where the likelihood of a law violation is likely. For example, lottery games and casino gambling are usually conducted in state facilities or inside casinos. The second common feature of gambling across Canada is that it generally requires a resident of a province to have and maintain a valid business licence in order to engage in gambling activities. Although this requirement does not apply to all forms of gambling, it is a general characteristic of all gambling activities in Ontario.
The nature of gambling means that there are many different types of gambling in Ontario. With the exception of lotteries and card games, all other types of gambling take place in a separate jurisdiction. Examples of this are online gambling, sports betting, embezzlement of funds through gambling, lottery tickets, race horses and auto racing. There are many different kinds of cards and card games, with each having its own unique set of characteristics and particular issues. The most popular card games in Ontario include bingo (also referred to as “bingo” in some areas), keno, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Online gambling refers to the use of the internet to conduct gambling activities including bingo, video poker, progressive gambling, slots, online slots and bingo.
Most people who engage in gambling do so for the purpose of winning money. However, many people also win money from gambling activities, such as playing card games, keno, bingo and the like. Gambling income may be derived from many different gambling activities. While some activities require large sums of money to play (especially live poker and bingo), others only require a small amount of money to participate (e.g., pick six). In addition to the typical w-2g deductions discussed above, there are special types of gambling income that are not considered to be gambling income by the Canada Revenue Agency or Canada Lottery Corporation.
One of the most common types of gambling activity in Ontario is the “skill” or “lotto” game. Gambling activities that fall into this category include drawings, lotto, skill training (e.g., bodybuilding), horse racing and bingo. All of these involve chance, although the outcome of the game depends on the skill, luck, and effort of the players participating. For example, winning the lottery may require some luck, but skill, perseverance and work are needed to become a winner. Skill training, such as bodybuilding, can be done only with professional assistance, but some people do it themselves for fun and fitness.
The second most common type of gambling activity in Ontario is ticket or ticketing. This includes bingo, lotto and spinethalers. Unlike skill activities, ticketing requires an investment of money in order to gain access to tickets. In addition to being legal, this gambling activity is closely monitored by the Ontario Lottery Commission, which is responsible for regulating and ensuring fairness within the province’s lottery industry.