Illegal Gambling
Legal versus Illegal
In Canada, the Criminal Code prohibits gambling that is not authorized through provincial legislation – in Manitoba’s case these are The Gaming Control Act and The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act. In combination, these Acts legalize many forms of gambling in Manitoba, including charitable bingo, raffles and Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, as well as VLT and casino operations.
The MGCC works with policing authorities, business operators, registrants and licence holders, the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC), First Nations and the public to uphold the Criminal Code (Canada) and the mandate of provincial legislation. Legal activities are conducted under laws, regulations, licences and terms and conditions which ensure the honesty and integrity of gaming events.
There is a consumer protection aspect to legal gambling that ensures avenues for complaints, dispute resolution, confirmation of technical integrity and monitoring for cheating and fraud. From a broader public interest perspective, legal gambling permits the community as a whole to benefit from gaming revenue, either through charitable fundraising or through government expenditures on programs and services.
Illegal events on the other hand, operate outside the Criminal Code (Canada); they are not monitored and there is no attempt to guarantee the honesty and integrity of these events. There is no avenue or concern for consumer protection or redress. Illegal gambling can compromise legitimate business operations and undermine sanctioned and regulated activities that operate for the benefit of the community – as opposed to the benefit of a few.
All MGCC licensed events are issued a licence number which must be published on public material including advertising and tickets. If you are concerned about an event, ask to see the licence. (The MGCC is not the only licensing authority in Manitoba. Municipalities may issue raffle licences and First Nations gaming commissions may issue licences for events on-reserve.)
To see a list of currently licensed events in your area click here.
To make
a gambling-related
complaint,
please call (204) 954-9413
or toll-free 1-800-782-0363
or email your complaint to
complaints@mgcc.mb.ca
