Nunavut Gambling Guide – Where to Gamble in Nunavut
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Nunavut is the biggest province in Canada, and it used to be part of the Northwest Territories before it was split in 1999.
This split occurred after the introduction of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act – the first change to the map of Canada since Newfoundland became a province back in 1949.
Despite its size, Nunavut is the second least populated province in Canada. It is one of the most isolated regions in the world in terms of population density, with only around 36,000 people living in the province.
It’s no surprise that Nunavut’s gambling offering is not very generous seeing as the inhabitants’ demand for it is low.
The province’s Consumer Affairs department is in charge of the licensing of all gaming activities in Nunavut. A lottery license must be obtained by any party seeking to hold events like raffles, bingo, poker, or casino games.
The Consumer Affairs department is also tasked with ensuring that the Nunavut Lottery Act and Regulations are upheld.
Casinos
Presently, limited gaming opportunities exist for individuals residing in Nunavut. There are only two major lottery retail shops listed on the province’s websites. However, some restrictions still apply in other areas. Liquor is also forbidden throughout the region, which allows a lack of suitable places for video lottery terminals. This limits the region's gaming options more broadly. There is no online system providing casino games – the only method is to use an offshore web service, which is against the law.
Sports betting
There is a decent sports betting offering available in the province, and it’s offered by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC).
WCLC is a non-profit group that oversees various gaming and lottery schemes in many Canadian provinces. As per federal rules, all sports bets need to be in parlay form; single bets are prohibited.
There are several different sports betting markets available to Nunavut residents.
Pro Line
Pro Line allows you to place between three and six selections on the outcome of different sports events. If all of your selections are correct, you win. You need to place a bet of at least $2 and a maximum of $100.
Point Spread
This is where a given team receives a handicap for a specific match; the odds for both teams are then balanced. You can make between two and 12 selections, betting on different sports, such as pro and college football, baseball, hockey, and pro and college basketball.
Pro Picks Pools
Here, players choose what teams they think are going to win from a predetermined list of games. The Pro Pick card is provided by the WCLC. The player that correctly predicts the highest number of outcomes receives the prize pool consisting of the players’ entries.
A single Pro Pick card is $5, and if you win, you claim 60% of the entire pot. If there is a tie, the pool is split accordingly.
Pro Picks Props
In Pro Picks Props, you select props bets for given teams or players. For example, you can bet on which team you believe will score the first touchdown in a game. You can wager between $2 and $100 on this market.
These WCLC markets are offered through an online platform. Offshore sportsbooks are also popular as they feature more markets and usually offer more favorable odds.
Animal racing
Currently, Nunavut residents have no access to horse racing events or betting.
Poker
Poker is one of the most popular forms of gambling in Nunavut. Texas Hold Em tournaments are often held across the province in addition to Nunavut Hold Em poker events.
If you want to hold one of these events, you need to send an application form to the authorities and meet all of their outlined requirements.
Charitable gaming is also allowed in the state and covers poker games, among others.
Lottery
Nunavut has been running a lottery since 1978.
The lottery is provided by the Western Canada Lottery group and encompasses several provinces.
Various lottery products are available, including ticket-based and instant play games. Tickets can be purchased at several terminals located across the province.
Bingo
Charitable gaming, including bingo, is allowed in the province. Individuals wishing to host such events must complete the relevant application form and send it to the authorities. There are no bingo halls currently in operation in the province.
Conclusion
Overall, the gambling offering available to Nunavut residents is very limited. There are no casinos or establishments where casino games can be played. Poker events are not uncommon, but there is a lack of proper online platforms to play on.
The lottery is operated by the Western Canada Lottery group and offers decent options. The sports betting offering is also diverse, and bets can be placed online.
Overall, unless you are a sports betting fan, gambling options are sparse in the province of Nunavut.