Smaller welcome offers and bonuses
Manitoba is one of only three Canadian provinces that offer regulated online casinos. The provincial system ensures fairness and player protection. Our guide covers everything you need to know, from laws and licensed operators to payment options, bonuses, and responsible gambling, to help you navigate Manitoba’s regulated online gaming landscape.
Manitoba has one locally licensed online gambling site, PlayNow MB. It provides residents with slots, poker, bingo, lottery, and sports options.
PlayNow MB falls under the management of the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) in partnership with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The regulator is the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA).
Manitoba’s online gaming platform has been live since 2013. There are no plans currently in place to extend to an open-market launch to include multiple private operators.
MBLL reported $74.9 million in online gaming revenue for 2023–24. Down 0.7% from $75.4 million the previous year, though still above pre-pandemic levels.
In 2023–24, online gaming contributed $45.2 million to the province’s income. This was a 14.9% decrease from $53.1 million in 2022–23.
Using our Ace Alliances team’s insights and collaborating with industry experts helps us determine the top Manitoba online casinos. We always take local regulatory oversight of online gambling in Canada into consideration. Here are our criteria for finding high-quality, licensed, fair, and trustworthy online casino platforms for Manitoban players.
Manitoba is one of only three provinces in Canada offering residents a locally licensed online casino. The LGCA is responsible for all gambling. This includes player safety, game fairness and responsible play under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act of 2013.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) operates PlayNow. It is the only provincially licensed online platform. Manitobans can legally access a variety of international online casinos, which are not locally regulated. Instead, they are managed by international bodies such as the MGA and the UKGC.
The Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) is the body responsible for promoting responsible gaming through the PlayNow GameSense program. These initiatives aim to help Manitobians play responsibly, with the following tools available to keep their gambling safe and within budget.
New online casinos for Manitoban players offer numerous benefits. Just like other new Canadian casinos, the newest Manitoba online casinos focus on improved experiences, including localised payment methods, alongside faster withdrawal processing. These are optimised for mobile-first gameplay, whether via an app or a mobile browser. Additionally, many offer instant verification, simplified KYC procedures, and granular responsible gambling controls.
Online casinos for Manitobans offer convenient access to diverse game selections on secure, regulated platforms. These ensure not only a safe but also an enjoyable online casino entertainment experience, along with these other benefits.
Reputable offshore online casinos for Manitoban players offer access from anywhere, anytime, on desktop or mobile devices. All are optimised for LTE/5G and Wi-Fi-supporting smartphones, tablets and laptops. Some also offer progressive web apps (PWAs), with push notifications and biometric logins for secure, seamless access.
The selection of games at both PlayNow and international online casinos covers a wide range of options from renowned studios like Pragmatic Play and Evolution. Categories include slots from three-reelers, Megaways and bonus buys. Others include lottery, instant-win and poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, in table and live dealer formats.
PlayNow offers its users regular promotions, whilst offshore sites feature larger welcome bonuses, reload offers, free spins and tournaments. While PlayNow offers provincial reliability, international options offer more variety. These all come with detailed bonus terms that outline wagering requirements and provide transparency into their bonus structures.
PlayNow meets LGCA and MBLL security standards. Leading offshore casinos also undergo independent audits and use encryption certifications to ensure user data protection. These include SSL encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA). They also partner with trusted Canadian payment gateways, like Interac, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Neteller.
Manitobans’ gaming culture is shaped by local interests, with popular options such as poker and sports betting. These activities blend cultural enthusiasm for favourite teams with competitive skill, shaping how players interact with online casinos and how they choose sites that offer sports betting, poker rooms, and traditional slots and table games. This mix supports a diverse and highly engaged player base.
When players from Manitoba are considering where to play – between PlayNow and internationally licensed casinos – they weigh key factors, including bonus variety and value, game selection, and payout speeds. Here are the key nuances between the two casino options for players in Manitoba.
Smaller welcome offers and bonuses
Larger bonuses and more frequent bonus reloads
Quality in-game selection, fewer poker formats and fewer tournaments
Larger gaming selections, more developers, and poker options
Payouts are secure and reliable, taking a few business days to receive
Typically faster, with some offering same-day payouts
A curated and smaller selection of live dealer tables which cover core games
Extensive live dealer lobbies from multiple studios, themed tables and more seats
Both PlayNow and international casinos accepting players from Manitoba offer bonus incentives to attract new players and to keep them returning. While the Canadian online casino bonus offers may be similar, their bonus terms, wagering requirements and player eligibility will vary between sites.
Players aged 18 and over can legally join both PlayNow and licensed offshore casino sites. When choosing a site, follow our quick four-step guide for secure, transparent and safe gameplay.
PlayNow and reputable international casinos offer a diverse range of slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, table games, and live dealer tables. The table and slots are available in both real money and demo modes, allowing Manitobians to test-play casino games before playing with real funds.
While PlayNow offers poker competitions, many dedicated poker players look beyond and focus on other online casinos, such as international ones with poker rooms, for a larger selection of poker games and larger prize pools.
Manitoban players can effortlessly play on their mobile devices if they prefer. While some sites offer Canadian mobile casino apps, others offer browser-based access. PlayNow and most licensed offshore casinos provide secure mobile access, offering SSL encryption, 2FA, and a detailed privacy policy.
When playing on mobile locally or internationally, responsible gaming should still be incorporated. PlayNow integrates GameSense into its platform. It offers player gambling addiction education, 24/7 support, and spending control. International casino apps often also feature similar budget and time-control tools. These include cool-off timers, deposit caps, and a voluntary self-exclusion programme.
Manitoban players have access to a comprehensive selection of reliable Canadian payment methods. These include flexible e-wallet services and innovative cryptocurrency solutions. Licensed and regulated online casinos facilitate efficient, secure transactions complying with Canadian financial and gaming regulations.
Withdrawing winnings securely and safely is key for Manitoba casino players. Each site has different player requirements for processing the first and subsequent withdrawals.
With strong local oversight, PlayNow is known for its convenience and reliability. Withdrawal options here include Interac, Mastercard, Visa and direct bank transfers, typically sent within 1 to 3 business days.
Before a reliable international casino processes a first withdrawal, the one-time KYC process must be completed to protect players. Some sites process payouts instantly, while others can take up to 3 days.
Always use the same withdrawal method as for casino deposits. This ensures regulation compliance and speeds up the payout process. Request a withdrawal after completing bonus wagering to incorporate responsible play into payouts.
If you’re cashing out from offshore casinos, consider e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller. They often process payouts for Manitoba players in under 24 hours, compared to 1-3 business days for bank transfers. Always check whether the site supports CAD withdrawals to avoid conversion fees.
Manitoba is home to five licensed land-based casinos. The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation manages these in partnership with First Nations. These establishments feature slot machines, various table games such as blackjack and poker, and live entertainment on their gaming floors. These include community events in Indigenous areas.
Two prominent casinos – Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino – are located in Winnipeg. Others cater to regional and First Nations visitors in areas like Carberry’s Sand Hills Casino and the South Beach Casino in Scanterbury.
| Casino | Slots | Table Games | Location & Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Regent Casino | 1,200 | 44 | Winnipeg - Operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) |
| McPhillips Station Casino | 1,200 | 29 | Winnipeg - Operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) |
| South Beach Casino & Resort | 570+ | 6 | Scanterbury - Owned by Brokenhead Ojibway Nation |
| Sand Hills Casino | 300 | 4 | Carberry - Owned by Swan Lake First Nation |
| Aseneskak Casino | 170+ | 7 | The Pas - Owned by Opaskwayak Cree Nation |
Players in Manitoba do not generally have to pay taxes on their gambling winnings. This is managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and there are instances in which a professional gambler may have to declare their winnings to the tax man.
The PlayNow casino in Manitoba is way ahead of many provinces in offering localised, secure gambling. It remains the only provincially licensed site regulated by the MBLL and the LGCA. Manitobans also choose to join and play at internationally regulated online casinos. These are licensed by reputable global authorities such as the MGA and the UKGC.
Our detailed guide has covered every aspect of playing in Manitoba. This includes mobile play, payment options, licensing, and player protections. This will help our readers make safe decisions when choosing online casinos in Manitoba.
Our mission at AceAlliance is to provide Canadian readers with accurate, up-to-date information. Our team is abreast of the iGaming landscape by monitoring regulatory changes, new casino operators, and responsible gaming standards. This ensures readers remain informed and protected as the gambling markets continue to evolve in Manitoba.
As long as they are legally licensed, yes, they are. Players can choose to play legally at PlayNow, the online local option, or at international sites regulated by global bodies like the MGA.
Players from Manitoba must be 18 to play legally. Online casinos conduct verification checks to help combat underage gambling.
Yes, they do. Mobile-first gameplay is the preferred way players access online casinos. They can be accessed via apps, PWA downloads, or mobile-optimised browsers.
Yes, there most certainly are. Both PlayNow and offshore online casinos welcome new players with deposit matches and often include free spins.
Yes, of course. Both PlayNow and international casinos offer a range of live dealer games, including classics like poker, roulette, and blackjack at Manitoba gambling sites.
Yes, it is, so long as they have adequate licensing. These should come from prominent bodies like the MGA or the UKGC, known for strong player protections.
Some Manitoba credit union cards work at offshore casinos, but approval varies by institution and payment processor. When a credit union blocks a transaction, many Manitobans switch to e-wallets or crypto for more reliable deposits.