Gaming in Manitoba
The Criminal Code (Canada) establishes the legal framework for gambling in Canada by authorizing only the Canadian provinces and their appointed agents to regulate and sanction the conduct and management of gaming activities.
Each province has created its own unique regulatory and operating structures to reflect the scope of permitted gambling activities, to detail control and oversight functions and to define responsible gambling measures. While each province’s framework is different, most provinces offer the same kinds of gambling activities as are offered in Manitoba – casinos, VLTs, lottery tickets, bingo and raffle tickets.
In Manitoba, The Gaming Control Act and accompanying regulations, the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act, The Gaming Control Local Option (VLT) Act and various orders-in-council define the parameters of gaming in Manitoba.
Questions
What kinds of gaming activities are available in Manitoba?
What is the difference between the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) and the MGCC?
Are there any other bodies authorized to license gaming activities in Manitoba?
When was gambling first legalized in Manitoba?
Who can operate gaming activities in Manitoba?
What does "conduct and manage" gaming activities mean?
Answers
What kinds of gaming activities are available in Manitoba?
Gambling in Manitoba has evolved greatly since the first lottery was held in 1970. As in many other provinces, Manitoba now has casinos, VLTs in age controlled facilities, bingo, raffles, Texas Hold’em tournaments and lottery products. Horse racing is regulated through the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission.
What is the difference between the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) and the MGCC?
The MLC is the provincial operator of most gambling activities in Manitoba including the conduct and management of casinos, slot machines, VLTs and lottery ticket sales. MLC is established by its own legislation and governed by a Board of Directors. The MGCC regulates specific aspects of MLC operations including the registration of its games, employees and suppliers. The registration, honesty and integrity and inspections and investigations sections of this website provide detailed information about our regulatory responsibilities in this regard. 
Are there any other bodies authorized to license gaming activities in Manitoba?
Manitoba municipalities may issue licences for raffles with prizes valued under $3,000. The Provincial Government has given municipalities this authority under an Order-in-Council and in keeping with the Criminal Code (Canada).
As well, First Nations Gaming Commissions, also created via Provincial Orders-in-Council, may license specified events on reserve, including bingo, breakopen events and raffles. The MGCC works with interested First Nations to negotiate Gaming Commission Agreements with First Nation governments on behalf of the Province. Recognizing the important and unique role of First Nation operated gaming events, we have included a special section to describe the scope of gaming on reserve in Manitoba.
When was gaming first legalized in Manitoba?
The first raffle was held in 1970 in support of Manitoba's centennial celebrations. This followed changes to the Criminal Code of Canada 1969. Since that time gaming activities have changed significantly in Manitoba and in the rest of Canada. This website features a timeline that outlines the changes that have taken place in Manitoba, including lottery tickets, charitable gaming, casinos, VLTs, First Nations gaming, the establishment of the MGCC in 1997 and more recent events.
Who can operate gaming activities in Manitoba?
Under license from the MGCC, a First Nation Gaming Commission or a municipality, charitable and religious organizations may conduct specific events to generate revenue for community benefit.
From a commercial perspective, the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) is responsible for the conduct and management of casinos, the VLT network and lottery ticket sales. The MLC directly operates the two Winnipeg casinos. The VLT and lottery ticket networks and Manitoba’s two First Nation casinos operate based on formal agreements with the MLC and, in the case of the First Nation casinos, the Province.
What does “conduct and manage” gaming activities mean?
According to Section 207 of the Criminal Code (Canada) it is lawful:
(a) for the government of a province, either alone or in conjunction with the government of another province, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in that province, or in that and the other province, in accordance with any law enacted by the legislature of that province;
(b) for a charitable or religious organization, pursuant to a licence issued by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of a province or by such other person or authority in the province as may be specified by the Lieutenant Governor in Council thereof, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in that province if the proceeds from the lottery scheme are used for a charitable or religious object or purpose; …
Conduct and manage is defined as being the “operating mind” of the gaming activities. Courts and academics have interpreted this concept to include the selection and ownership of gaming equipment, oversight of security matters, budgeting, policy setting, determining prize payouts, gaming proceeds and compliance audits. The concept of conduct and manage is distinct from operational responsibilities that may include matters related to facility budgets, non-gaming equipment, food services, hospitality amenities and staff recruitment.
It is this distinction that establishes MLC’s responsibilities for casino and VLT gaming in Manitoba.
We encourage you to
contact us for further
information by
calling (204) 954-9400
or toll-free at
1-800-782-0363
or email us at information@mgcc.mb.ca
