About the LGCA

The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) serves the public interest by regulating Manitoba's liquor, gaming, cannabis and horse racing industries in a respectful, impartial, and balanced manner.

In 2014, regulatory responsibilities for gaming and liquor in Manitoba were combined within the oversight of the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA) through the amalgamation of the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission and the regulatory services division the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission. Roughly four years later, non-medical cannabis was legalized in Canada and in 2018, cannabis regulation in Manitoba was assumed within the framework of the LGA ­- creating the LGCA.

On April 1, 2022, the LGCA became the new regulator for horse racing in Manitoba. With the proclamation of The Horse Racing Modernization Act (click here to view), the regulatory responsibilities for horse racing were integrated into those of the LGCA. The Horse Racing Commission Act was repealed and the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission was eliminated.

The LGCA is a public-facing organization that provides licensing and enforcement services that are divided into two streams: commercial and community services. Restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, casinos, gaming industry employees, small businesses, gaming suppliers and service providers, liquor and gaming manufacturers, and retail cannabis stores are served by our commercial services department. The community services department is responsible for issuing licences and permits for eligible community-based events and activities, including socials, festivals, charitable fundraisers, family celebrations and special events. With the integration of horse racing regulation into the LGCA's mandate, a horse racing department was established to licence horse racing participants, horse race tracks and betting theatres in Manitoba.

Watch the following video to learn more about the LGCA and how we regulate the liquor, gaming and cannabis industries in the province and promote responsible use and participation with these industries’ products.