The concept of the Lottery is one that’s been around for hundreds of years, but numbered gameplay hasn’t always been so accessible in Canada. Despite being one of the first casino games to be accepted in the North American country, the Lottery has had to withstand many rules and regulations as it’s made its way throughout the history of the country.
However, in the modern day, Lottery games are more popular than ever. So, join us as we take a look back through the history of the Lottery in Canada, and discover why Canadians love the game so much today.
A brief history
In its earliest years, with no real means of income, Canada used lotteries as a way to fundraise for public works, such as bridges and roads. As the country became more settled, and gambling was no longer relied on to fund these works, it became less socially acceptable to play these games.
In 1875, the Canadian government decided to create laws to put a stop to all gambling activity. And then, in 1892, the Canadian Criminal Code was put in place to further govern taboo behavior, including gaming. However, this didn’t last very long as games of Bingo and raffles were soon allowed to help raise money for charities.
In 1969, the Criminal Code was amended, and Lotteries were permitted to run provincially and federally to fund special projects. A year after, in 1970, Quebec and Manitoba opened Lottery games. Loto-Quebec became the first Canadian corporation to administer lotto operations.
This inspired other provinces to do the same, boosting the income of their governments and creating a surge in popularity for Lottery games.
The first National Lottery in Canada
In 1974, the first Canadian National Lottery took place, known as the Canada Olympic Lottery. The game was created to raise money for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, and with tickets costing just $10 and the potential to bag the $1 million prize – the game was a hit. The grand prize was split between nine lucky women from Quebec City, and the Canada Olympic Lottery later became known as Lotto-Canada – continuing to fund future Olympic games and national works.
Loving the Lottery
In modern day Canada, there are two major nation-wide Lottery games, available to play in addition to the provincial games. It’s clear there are many reasons as to why Canadians love the Lottery, but let us take a closer look at just a few:
- Convenience
Playing Lottery games in Canada is more convenient than ever, with access to the popular games online, from the comfort of your own home. You’ll never miss another draw again!
There are many advantages of gaming at an online casino. You’ll have a guide on how to play your chosen game, as well as the time and date of the Lottery draw, right at the tip of your fingers.
Not only this, but you’ll have the security of knowing that your favourite online casino site has paired up with reputable internet banking services, and is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). This means that gameplay is safe and secured for your enjoyment.
- Variety
There’s also a variety of Lottery games available to Canadians, with Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max being the most major nation-wide lotteries. You can play Lotto 649 at Play Alberta, in a whole host of different ways, to not only explore the convenience of playing, but to see how the different Lotteries are played, and what they are raising funds for.
- Charitable
Speaking of raising funds, Lottery games in Canada are so popular because your money is always going to a good cause. Whether it’s raising money for bridges, roads, the Olympics or charities, every Lottery that’s available to play in Canada is for a good cause. So, no matter which ticket you buy, you can be rest assured that your money is helping the community – with the additional bonus of being in for a chance at bagging that prize.
