Manitoba Casino and Card Room Gaming

The Criminal Code of Canada legalized gaming activities, including casinos throughout the country, in 1969. In 1982, the Manitoba Lotteries Foundation (MLF) was created and assumed the responsibility for operation of all casinos. The MLF also became the sole dispenser of lottery tickets in the province. In 1993, the MLF became a Crown Corporation and was renamed the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC). In 1993, two entertainment centers, the Club Regent and McPhillips Street Station, opened in Manitoba. MLC owns and manages both properties. Assiniboia Downs, the only racino in the province, offers VLTs and poker.

Smoking was banned in Manitoban businesses, including casinos, in 2004.

In August 2009, there were 32 First Nations VLT Siteholder Agreements with the MLC. A maximum of 60 VLTs are permitted per reserve. To be eligible to operate VLTs, First Nations must ensure that all the gaming on their reserve is regulated. This is achieved by establishing a First Nations Gaming Commission or through licenses issued by the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA).

In November 2018, Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative government announced it would temporarily halt any expansion of gambling in the province. Premier Brian Pallister said until a review of the province’s gaming strategy is complete there will be no new casinos or other gambling outlets.

In April 2019, International Game Technology announced it had launched a new bingo gaming platform with Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL). MBLL is a Canada-based lottery operator, and with the new platform, it offers over 500 different Class III games at its two casinos in Canada..

Although managed by the Manitoba Lotteries Commission, Casino City considers VLTs to be a casino and card room activity. VLTs on First Nation reservations are part of the VLT network regulated by the MLC; therefore, those VLTs are also considered casino and card room gaming activities.