Gambling age in Nova Scotia
Under Nova Scotia's Casino Regulations, a casino operator may not let anyone under 19 enter or access a casino.1
Minimum age by activity
| Lottery | Atlantic Lottery says the sale of lottery products to minors is also prohibited by law in PEI and Nova Scotia.2 Atlantic Lottery tests retailers on its 19+ policy, which prohibits selling its lottery products to anyone under the age of majority.2 |
|---|---|
| Sports betting | You must be 19 or older to purchase, play or redeem Atlantic Lottery products (notice shown on the PRO•LINE sports betting page).3 |
| Online gambling | To register as a player on alc.ca you must be at least 19, a resident of Atlantic Canada and physically located in Atlantic Canada when registering.4 |
At the door
A video lottery licensee may require proof that a person is 19, and the person must provide it.5
Who runs gambling in Nova Scotia
Casino Nova Scotia, owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, manages the province's two casinos, in Halifax and Sydney.6 Atlantic Lottery operates ticket and video lottery for the four Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia.6
Who regulates it
The provincial regulator overseeing Nova Scotia Gaming is the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco (AGFT) Division of Service Nova Scotia.7 The Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia processes charitable gaming applications and grants licences.6
Is gambling legal in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is governed by the provincial Gaming Control Act.8
Gambling online in Nova Scotia
Atlantic Lottery's Live Casino on alc.ca is available in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.9
Video lottery terminals
No one under 19 may seek access to the area of premises where a video lottery is played, or play a video lottery.5
Self-exclusion
Voluntary Self-Exclusion lets people exclude themselves from both Nova Scotia casino properties, Halifax and Sydney, including the gaming floor, restaurants and entertainment venues (Centre 200 excluded).10 Voluntary self-exclusion is available at Casino Nova Scotia and through alc.ca.6
Tax on winnings
CRA Income Tax Folio S3-F9-C1 (effective July 3, 2020): a prize from a lottery scheme is generally not taxable as income or capital gain, unless the circumstances make it employment, business or property income or an achievement prize. Only the winnings; interest or investment income earned on them is a separate matter.11
Help with gambling
ALC's Get Support page lists a 24/7 helpline for each Atlantic province.12
Where to play in Nova Scotia
We list 15 places in Nova Scotia: 8 VLT lounges, 4 bingo halls, 2 casinos, 1 gaming venue. See all casinos in Nova Scotia.
Halifax · Hammonds Plains · Yarmouth
Other provinces: gambling age across Canada.