
Best online casinos in Canada for 2025
Looking for the best online casinos Canada has to offer? Learn more about the top legal casino sites for Canadian players in this guide, including the payment options, games, and special features they provide players.
Top Online Casino Sites in Canada
Use the following table to explore our curated list of the top 10 Canadian online casinos, each carefully reviewed for quality, trustworthiness, and overall player experience.
Online Casino Sites Play Here Rating Advantages
1. Royal Panda Play Here 4.9/5 Great for high rollers
Strong live casino
Fast Interac payments
2. 888casino Play Here 4.8/5 Classic table games
24/7 multilingual support
Lower wagering requirements
3. JackpotCity Play Here 4.8/5 Games global software
Progressive jackpots
Instant play & mobile
4. BetVictor Play Here 4.7/5 Sports betting integration
High withdrawal limits
Live chat support
5. CasinoDays Play Here 4.7/5 Over 6,000 casino games
Interac deposits accepted
Top live dealer games
6. Casumo Play Here 4.7/5 Innovative reel races
Diverse table games
Accepts CAD currency
7. LeoVega s Play Here 4.7/5 Multi-award-winning platform
100+ live dealer tables
Fast withdrawal processing
8. Spinz Play Here 4.6/5 2500+ slot titles
Easy navigation
Multiple payment options
9. Wildz Play Here 4.5/5 Unique WILDZ Wheel
Instant play enabled
Responsible gambling practices
10. Royal Vegas Play Here 4.4/5 Progressive slot titles
Multiple banking options
Cross-platform Compatibility
If you're still unsure which operator to choose, the following list simplifies your top options for Canadian casino sites by highlighting their staple features.
Royal Panda: Best online casino overall
888casino: Top for classic table games
JackpotCity: Great for games global titles
BetVictor: Recommended for high payouts
CasinoDays: Best-rated for Interac users
Casumo: Top-ranked for innovative features
LeoVegas: Renowned for numerous industry awards
Spinz: Recommended for diverse payment methods
Wildz: Best for responsible gambling tools
Royal Vegas: Top cross-platform compatibility
Our top choices aren't just leaders in Canada's online casino space — they're also renowned international operators with valid gambling licenses in good standing.
Reviews for the 10 Best Casino Sites in Canada
Explore reviews for our recommended online casinos below, highlighting their key advantages and potential drawbacks for Canadian players.
1. Royal Panda: Best Online Casino Canada
Contributed
Royal Panda is a well-known global online casino brand popular in Canada, especially in Ontario. This casino is especially suitable for Canadians who value an exceptional selection of payment methods, including Interac, the country's most-used online payment method.
Alongside a robust selection of payment methods, players can indulge in popular casino games, classic titles, and innovative options from industry-leading providers.
Pros
Numerous payment methods
Great customer support
Frequent software updates
Cons
Limited payment currencies
No dedicated app
2. 888casino: Top for Classic Table Games
Contributed
888casino earns a high spot primarily because of its game catalogue, which features many exclusive in-house games alongside top titles from renowned software providers. The platform's well-organized lobby features specially branded live casino games from 888casino, providing a unique experience not available at other sites.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Additional online casino highlights include its sportsbook (888sport), a dedicated casino app for iOS and Android, and many trusted payment methods in Canada.
Pros
Award-winning security protocols
In-house titles
Multiple device compatibility
Cons
Occassional withdrawal delays
Limited cryptocurrency options
3. JackpotCity: Great for Games Global Titles
Contributed
Jackpot City Casino is one of the longest-standing and most recognizable online casinos available to Canadian players. It's known for its strong reputation, brand familiarity, and extensive portfolio, which includes many Games Global titles.
Like any safe casino site, JackpotyCity holds multiple licences and is especially popular for its progressive jackpot slot games. One drawback is that customer service is challenging to find, though overall accessible.
Pros
Many games global options
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Regular game provider updates
Cons
Poor navigation
No phone customer support
4. BetVictor: Recommended for High Payouts
Contributed
With its plentiful game catalogue, including many titles with high RTP values, BetVictor attracts many Canadian players, especially those who enjoy user-friendly mobile gameplay with quick payouts.
Despite the smaller game selection, strengths like responsive customer support, usability, and excellent safety features grant this operator a spot in our top casino sites in Canada.
Pros
High RTP online slots
Many NetEnd games
Integrated sportsbook option
Cons
Limited live dealer games
No support in French
5. CasinoDays: Best-Rated for Interac Payments
Contributed
CasinoDays impresses Canadians with over 6,000 popular online casino games from over 40 industry software providers, including some slots where you can win free spins.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The operator offers certified payment methods that are safe, cost-free, and flexible, accepting popular Canadian payment methods such as Interac.
Some drawbacks include improved user experience and a smaller library for the mobile app than the desktop version, but overall, CasinoDays satisfies the needs of the user.
Pros
Accepts multiple payment methods, including Interac
High table game limits
Fast account verification
Cons
Slow customer support
Technical issue
6. Casumo: Top-Ranked for Innovative Features
Contributed
Casumo greets new and returning customers with a clean and intuitive interface, unlike some traditional online casinos Canada offers.
The gambling website offers an easy-to-navigate lobby, especially when playing on a smartphone with its mobile-first design.
The operator has four active regulatory licences and implements a unique adventure theme with a gamified loyalty program, merging fun and practicality into one exciting platform.
Pros
Unique gamification features
Fast verification process
Supports multiple e-wallets
Cons
Limited live chat hours
Missing some popular titles
7. LeoVegas: Renowned for Numerous Industry Awards
Contributed
LeoVegas has a global reputation has become a premium gambling choice for Canadian players.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
LeoVegas consistently receives numerous industry awards, including those for best casino and mobile operator of the year.
Its main strength is its mobile excellence, along with its exclusive game offerings and its dedicated sports betting platform.
Pros
Award-winning mobile app
Pragmatic play software
Great reputation
Cons
Only Interac and credit card deposits
Limited desktop customization
8. Spinz: Recommended for Diverse Payment Methods
Contributed
Spinz has been operating for over two decades and has since distinguished itself from other Canadian gambling sites through its versatile banking options.
While the payment methods offered lack crypto, Canadian players have many alternatives, including Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, MiFinity, InstaDebit, MuchBetter, and Payz.
With games from over 60 software providers, Spinz offers an additional layer of entertainment with a unique live-streaming platform, live casino streaming, where players can watch streamers enjoy games.
Pros
Over 60 software developers
24/7 live streaming
Many payment options
Cons
Slow customer support
No cryptocurrencies
9. Wildz: Best Responsible Gambling Tools
Contributed
Wildz is an online gambling site with a powerful approach to protecting players, and it has enhanced its approach to protecting players from harmful gaming habits.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The operator offers personal deposit limits, reality-check reminders, and a self-exclusion option. There's also access to helplines, extra resources, and self-assessment tools.
Wildz offers 2,500 high-quality games, fast payouts, and engaging features.
Pros
Fast withdrawals
Low minimum deposit
Excellent responsible play features
Cons
Restricted banking flexibility
Only live chat customer support
10. Royal Vegas: Top Cross-Platform Compatibility
Contributed
If you like to play slot games, Royal Vegas has a sizable catalogue and casino table games from some of the world's leading software providers, making it a leader in Canada's online gambling space.
Though some drawbacks include a modest live dealer selection, it has multiple licenses and many helpful features.
Nonetheless, Royal Vegas has provided top-tier casino games since 2000 and continues to satisfy customers with its sleek desktop platform and dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Pros
eCOGRA certification
High payout limits
Great game features
Cons
Limited live tables
Tight game variety
What is an Online Casino?
An online casino is a digital platform that allows visitors to play various casino games for real money.
These virtual casinos aim to replicate the traditional land-based gaming venues and bring the casino experience online. Many online casinos even feature live dealer games streamed in real time, bringing remote players an even more realistic gambling experience.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
With a stable internet connection, players can enjoy the convenience of anytime-anywhere access if they have a stable internet connection with a desktop or mobile device.
How to Pick an Online Casino in Canada
Following this simple list of criteria when looking for online casinos in Canada to improve safety and security when playing online.
1. Ensure Casino Licensing and Regulation
It is essential to choose Canadian online casinos licensed by iGaming Ontario.
A trustworthy online casino has a license from a reputable agency, is compliant with laws, secures data, and is transparent. This results in a safe and fair gaming environment.
2. Check for Security Protocols
Leading real money gambling sites enhances security with biometric verification, and two-factor authentication.
A trusted casino site will also employ highly secure, anti-fraud payment methods and undergo routine third-party audits to maintain the highest data protection standards.
3. Review for Fair Play and RNG Certification
Review the Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair game outcomes when looking for the best online casino in Canada.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Certifications from independent testing agencies like Gaming Labs International (GLI), eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), and iTech Labs mean the casino provides unbiased results. That prevents manipulation and means compliance with regulatory fairness standards.
4. Read the Terms and Conditions
Carefully reviewing an operator's terms and conditions is crucial. Doing so will clearly outline player agreements and help avoid disappointment while protecting your funds.
Consider all factors directly connected to your gameplay. This can include table limits, registration requirements, minimum and maximum deposits and withdrawals, online casino bonus deal terms, potential fees, and any game restrictions.
5. Review Online Casino Games and Their Software Providers
A trustworthy online casino should offer titles from reputable developers such as Games Global, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming, and many more.
Well-known developers are known for providing high-quality execution, smooth gameplay, and fair odds.
6. Review Accepted Payment Options
Online gambling with recognizable payment methods, such as Interac, is always a good move in Canada.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Choose a casino site that supports multiple secure transaction options. Look for fast, transparent deposits and withdrawals with minimal fees.
Also, emerging trends like cryptocurrencies are gaining traction for providing secure and speedy transactions.
7. Check Mobile Compatibility and Dedicated Casino App
As mobile play dominates the Canadian online gambling industry, an online casino should provide a fully responsive mobile casino app or, at the very least, access to an optimized platform for your mobile web browser.
Mobile casinos should work well with iOS and Android devices and offer easy navigation, fast loading times, and many online casino games.
8. Use Responsible Gambling Tools
Regulated Canadian online casinos are required to promote safe and controlled gaming practices by law actively.
Before playing with any online gambling site, browse the responsible gambling tools available, such as deposit and loss limits, self-exclusion, session reminders, and reality checks.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Many operators also offer direct access to professional support organizations, such as the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA).
With such features, you can manage gaming habits, prevent addiction, and play within your budget.
Online Casino Laws by Province and Territory
While online casinos in Canada sit in a gray market, each province and territory have its authority to regulate online gambling, which dictates specific rules and legal gambling age restrictions to protect players.
Offshore casino websites are also available and legal, but internationally recognized authorities should always license them appropriately.
Learn more about where your province or territory stands for online gambling below.
Alberta
Alberta is set to launch a regulated online gambling market by 2026 under the iGaming Alberta Act. The Alcohol, Gaming and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) regulates the market, while the new Alberta iGaming Corporation will manage commercial operations. The province will offer private operator licences and centralized self-exclusion. The minimum age for placing bets is 18 years.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
British Columbia
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) manages British Columbia's online gambling. It operates PlayNow, the province's sole legal online gambling site. Compliance is enforced by The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) following the Gaming Control Act. You can play if you are 19 years old.
Manitoba
The government-operated PlayNow dominates the online casino world in Manitoba. The Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) regulates everything, overseeing licensing, compliance, and measured gambling behaviour. The legal gambling age is 18.
New Brunswick
When gambling in New Brunswick, you are protected by The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC). It is the regulatory body for online gambling in the province. It monitors compliance with provincial laws, including the one for the gambling age, which is 19.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Newfoundland and Labrador Lottery Corporation (NLC) operates provincially licensed gambling services. Wagering outside NLC offerings is considered illegal. The province emphasizes compliance and player safety. Only gamblers who are at least 19 years old can play.
Northwest Territories
If you are 19 years old, you can play online casinos in the Northwest Territories. The liberal approach towards online gaming allows all forms of gambling. The Liquor and Gaming Commission of the Northwest Territories (LGC) regulates these activities.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) regulates gambling and offers legal gaming through licensed platforms. The province allows players only if they are 19 years old. Winnings are usually tax-free.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Nunavut
Nunavut's gambling activities are legal, limited, and tax-free. They are regulated by the Nunavut Liquor and Gaming Authority (NLGA). It ensures compliance with territorial laws. Only players who are 19 years old can gamble legally.
Ontario
Ontario operates a regulated gambling market monitored by the Alcohol and Gambling Commission on Ontario (AGCO). Since 2022, iGaming Ontario has managed licensing and market operations, allowing multiple private operators to offer safe, legal gambling with strong consumer protections. You must be 19 to play online casino games.
Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Gaming Commission regulates gambling in this province in Canada. It allows legal online gambling through licensed operators. The commission ensures that all related actions comply with provincial laws and safe gaming standards for people over 19.
Quebec
Quebec regulates online gambling through Loto-Québec, which operates the province's official online platform, Espacejeux. Licensing and enforcement are under the jurisdiction of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ). Quebec allows gambling from the age of 18.
Saskatchewan
The gambling market has a good mix of government-operated casinos. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) executes the regulations. PlayNow is the leading provider, but many residents access offshore gambling platforms. The legal gambling age is 19.
Yukon
Yukon's geography and population size pose some challenges. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) tightly regulates the small market. Sports betting and casino gaming online are not licensed locally. Residents can legally access offshore gambling sites if they are 19 years old.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Responsible Gambling Tips for Canadians
Experts agree that mindful gambling is a shared obligation involving players, operators, and regulators that consists of playing within limits, understanding risks, and utilizing tools to prevent harm. Play only at licensed and regulated casino sites that prioritize player safety.
The best online casinos recommend and support responsible gambling and work with organizations that provide access to confidential help and guidance.
Moreover, responsible gambling tools like setting personal financial and time limits should always be available. Resources, such as education on bankroll management and awareness of gambling behaviour, are also always available to avoid developing gambling addiction.
Resources for Safe Online Gambling in Canada
Before participating in safe online gambling, Canadians should recognize the signs of problems at an early stage, done by consulting free resources for problem gambling.
Canada has a strong network of trusted resources to help with that. They offer free, confidential, and accessible support.
These include the Responsible Gambling Council's (RGC) national initiatives and expert clinical services through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
FAQs About Canada's Online Casinos
Are online casinos legal in Canada?
Yes, but online gambling is permitted at licensed gaming sites. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, these sites usually follow provincial or territorial regulations. Offshore online casinos are operating in a legal gray area. It is not illegal for players to use them if legitimate regulatory bodies properly license them.
Is it safe to play at online casino sites?
Yes, online casinos are safe if the gambling site is appropriately licensed. The level of protection is crucial because it safeguards financial and personal information. To ensure security, choosing casinos that use encryption technology and offer responsible gambling tools is best.
Are Canadian casino websites regulated?
Canadian casino websites are regulated provincially, whereas offshore sites operate in a legal gray market without Canadian regulation. Ontario is the only province in Canada with a fully regulated casino market. Alberta and British Columbia plan to regulate online gambling in late 2025 or early 2026. Other provinces and territories mainly offer government-run gaming platforms.
What is the best online casino for Canadians?
The best online casino depends on your personal preferences and gaming desires. All recommended Canadian online casinos on this page are safe, regulated, and promote responsible gambling. Before picking a platform, you must decide which features, real money games, and services are most important.
Are online gambling winnings taxed?
Generally, casino winnings are not taxed. The Canadian Income Tax Act exempts amateur or recreational gamblers from income tax. However, professional gamblers must report winnings as income on their tax return.
Correction – July 4, 2025.
This article has been updated to reflect that iGaming.com Ltd is associated with this article, not iGaming Ontario, as stated incorrectly in a previous version.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Global News
28 minutes ago
- Global News
Why Canada's supply management is a sticking point for Trump in trade talks
The target date for a new trade deal between Canada and the United States is a little over a week away, but one issue continues to be a sticking point between both nations: Canada's supply management. Supply management, which Canada uses in the dairy, poultry and egg sectors, has been a frequent target of criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump throughout his threats of tariffs and claims that Canada is 'ripping us off.' Last month, while demanding Canada repeal its digital services tax, Trump said Canada was 'a very difficult Country to TRADE with,' claiming on his social media platform Truth Social that the country charges 'tariffs' of up to 400 per cent on dairy products. Canada uses a quota system that allows a set amount of some foreign dairy products into the country, and high tariffs only apply if countries try to exceed that allowed quota coming into Canada. Story continues below advertisement Canada's supply management system, which dates back to the 1970s, has restricted foreign access to the Canadian dairy market in order to protect domestic producers and set quality standards for products. Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed in the Liberal election platform that he will 'keep Canada's supply management off the table in any negotiations with the U.S.' So how does it work? What is supply management? The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) — which Trump re-negotiated to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during his first term — narrowly expanded U.S. access to Canada's dairy market, which is protected under supply management rules. The rules, established in the 1970s, set production quotas for Canadian farmers, guarantee minimum prices, and maintain import and quality controls. Story continues below advertisement 'Producers have a licence to produce that's determined by their quota. Producers will only produce as much as the quota says they are allowed to produce or in fact to sell,' said Sven Anders, a resource economist at the University of Alberta. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Under CUSMA, the U.S. gets access to less than five per cent of the market. But the U.S. has launched multiple disputes claiming Canada is intentionally bottlenecking those U.S. imports through tariff rate quotas, which put limits on how many exporters qualify for the cheaper duties. The issue of supply management for farmers might end up being an issue both sides are unwilling to move on. For one, most Canadian politicians are staunchly in support of the policy. 'We saw during the leaders' debate that all of the leaders, specifically in French, said that supply management was a red line in any negotiations with the Trump administration over tariffs,' said Moshe Lander, an economist at Concordia University. 'It seems that they were willing to even accept tariffs and damage to the Canadian economy rather than put dairy and supply management on the table.' The policy is aimed at protecting Canadian dairy farmers from the much larger American dairy industry and keeping prices and supplies stable by controlling the amount of product available. Story continues below advertisement Anders said Canadian politicians are reluctant to alienate dairy farmers. 'They have a lot of political clout. So, if I was a politician in Ontario or Quebec, among my constituents would be many dairy farmers. I certainly would want to fight for them,' he said. That political influence is particularly strong in Quebec, one expert said. 'In 17 ridings provincially in Quebec, people under supply management are strong enough to change the outcome of the election,' said Vincent Geloso, senior economist at the Montreal Economic Institute. 'Having influence over 17 ridings makes you a very powerful interest group.' As Canada's premiers were meeting for a three-day summit in Ontario, Quebec Premier François Legault said supply management was a hard line in the U.S. trade negotiations for him. 'There's no question about negotiating the supply management for dairy and other products,' Legault told reporters. Lander said supporters of Canada's dairy industry see the policy as necessary to protect them from the much larger American dairy industry. 'Wisconsin alone produces more milk than Canada consumes in a year,' he said. He said small Canadian dairy farms would be unable to withstand the pressure of open competition from the U.S. Story continues below advertisement 'These farms would have to merge their way up into these mega farms like you see in Wisconsin or in Minnesota to try and remain competitive. That would push a lot of farmers off their traditional land,' he said. Dairy Farmers of Canada declined Global's request for comment. 1:51 U.S. may be looking to remove non-tariff barriers, report shows However, Trump and the Republicans have their own political calculus in pushing Canada on supply management, he said. 'In the midterm elections, which are next year, maintaining Wisconsin is going to be very important for the Republicans if they want to maintain control of the House (of Representatives). If you vocally support farmers, this is one way to maybe keep that base solidified,' he said. One prominent Canadian voice who is opposed to the present system of supply management is Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who said recently that she was considering 'creating our own Alberta version of supply and management, maybe as a pathway to a market system.' Story continues below advertisement 'We do not get our share of quota, I think we have 12 per cent of the population and we only get seven per cent of the quota,' she told reporters last week. One consequence of supply management is that Canadians end up paying more for dairy products, Anders said. 'There's plenty of research that says or that has documented that an average Canadian household pays several hundred dollars more in food in dairy product cost on an annual basis just because of supply management,' he said. However, the same system has also been credited with helping Canadian consumers avoid the price shocks seen by U.S. consumers over the past year, as egg prices south of the border soared. Trump's criticisms aren't historically abnormal for U.S. presidents, either. 'Biden and Obama both had objections to it and voiced it,' Lander said. 'The more I say I dislike it, and the more you insist you're not going to remove it, then the more that I can say I want my way on these other things. It could be that he (Trump) just sees it as a tactic, where the Democratic presidents who had opposed it in the past merely just saw it as an annoyance.' — with files from Global's Sean Boynton and Touria Izri


Global News
28 minutes ago
- Global News
Algoma Steel asks Ottawa for $500M over U.S. tariff uncertainty
Algoma Steel says it is seeking $500 million in federal support as the company faces continued uncertainty from U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.-based steel producer says it applied for the funding under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan program, announced by Ottawa in March to support companies affected by tariffs and countermeasures. The company says in a press release it remains concerned with the 'significant impact' that U.S. tariffs are having on its operations and outlook. In June, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order doubling his country's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 per cent. 4:26 Federal gov't response to latest U.S. Tariffs Algoma says it has enough resources on hand to manage its liquidity over the near term, but it is considering various options to achieve support and diversify its customer base, 'given the ongoing uncertainty caused by the U.S. tariffs resulting in a structural imbalance in the Canadian market.' Story continues below advertisement That includes an evaluation of capital investments 'that align with long-term domestic demand in sectors such as defence and construction, while reinforcing Canada's industrial resilience and low-carbon transformation.' It says the amount of additional financing it could seek will partly depend on the duration and severity of the trade dispute 'and the extent to which the Canadian steel market remains exposed to unfairly priced imports.'


CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
Statistics Canada reports May retail sales down 1.1 per cent at $69.2 billion
Statistics Canada says retail sales decreased 1.1 per cent to $69.2 billion in May, driven by sales decreases at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Pickup trucks are pictured at an automotive dealership in Ottawa on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says retail sales decreased 1.1 per cent to $69.2 billion in May, driven by sales declines at motor vehicle and parts dealers. However, the agency says its preliminary figures for June point to an increase of 1.6 per cent for that month. For May, three of nine subsectors were down as sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers decreased 3.6 per cent, led by 4.6 per cent lower sales at new car dealers. Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers, were relatively unchanged in May. The only subsector within core retail sales to post a decline was food and beverage retailers, down 1.2 per cent, led by lower sales at beer, wine and liquor retailers, along with supermarkets and other grocery retailers. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers rose 1.9 per cent. In volume terms, overall retail sales decreased 1.4 per cent in May. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025.