Newfoundland and Labrador might be one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada, but it hardly has a thriving gambling scene, with a bingo hall and a few electronic machines the only notable exceptions to the rule.
This, however, does not rule out online play and if you have an internet connection you are able to play at online casinos and wager on sports and racing events from around the world.
Gambling in Newfoundland and Labrador is governed by Service NL, although most of the policy is dictated by other provinces’ stance on the topic – in fact, gambling pursuits barely rate a mention with local legislators.
Sports betting in Newfoundland
Betting online is the way to go if you are based in Newfoundland and Labrador with both Canadian-based sportsbooks and the offshore equivalent available.
Probably the best Canadian option is SportsInteraction, although there is the obvious pitfall that you are restricted in the types of bets you can place, in comparison to offshore bookmakers.
Some great options offshore include William Hill, Bet365 and BetOnline.ag.
You can also place bets on the Pro Lines that are run by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, either via its official website or at retail outlets.
Horse and harness racing on Newfoundland
The one racing track in this province of Canada is the St John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre in Goulds, and it is hardly thriving, with no meetings in recent times.
The last of the trainers who stabled horses at the track were evicted in 2016, and soon after the club shut down, with waning interest and a lack of horse numbers outlined in media reports.
While there is little racing action at the venue these days, there has been some chatter about possibly staging one-off meetings at the club, with people remembering the “good old days” at the picturesque venue.
Newfoundland & Labrador online casinos
Newfoundland and Labrador residents can play legally at casinos both licensed in Canada and those licensed offshore. This means you can access online games such as slots, blackjack, roulette and many other games you would find at land-based gaming venues.
If you are new to gambling on the internet, it’s actually easy to get started. Use websites such as this one to find a casino you like the sound of, then simply sign up.
There are plenty of options to add funds to your account, including using your credit or debit card, or payment processors you will be familiar with.
Poker: online and at land-based venues
If you are in Newfoundland and are looking for a unique experience, this province does boast one of the oldest legal poker rooms, which runs five nights a week. While the action is hardly going to make anyone rich, the stories told around the table alone are worth your blinds.
You can also play at legal and regulated online poker websites, which run right around the clock, and have table limits which will suit every player.
Most Canadians will be familiar with brands such as Pokerstars and 888Poker which are both great options for real money play.
Lotto in NL Canada
NL is one of the four provinces, along with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, that has its lottery offerings managed by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. This means tickets can be bought at retail outlets such as convenience stores or from video lottery terminals.
There is a variety of options including daily smaller prize draws and huge weekly jackpots.
Newfoundland and Labrador gambling venues
As we have previously mentioned there is not much happening in terms of land-based gambling in this province of Canada. However, if you are a bingo enthusiast and are in the St John’s area you are in luck, while the race track boasts a handful of electronic machines, simulcast horse racing and off-track betting.
Cowan Plaza bingo
Address: St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Info: Holds bingo games most days.
St John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre
Address: Goulds, Newfoundland and Labrador
Info: Holds horse racing and also has simulcast races you can bet on.