Given that Canada has one of the most tightly regulated online casino markets globally, the emergence of this gaming coalition is quite expected. The coalition comprises notable gaming authorities including Atlantic Lottery Corporation , Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation , Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis , British Columbia Lottery Corporation , and Loto-Quebec .
It's important to note that Ontario is the sole province in Canada where online gaming is both regulated and legal, thus the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario does not play a role in this coalition.
You might be curious about the reasons for forming this coalition. The five gaming authorities are focused on fostering a safe and responsible gaming environment. In other provinces, online gaming remains unregulated, leading to the rise of offshore operators, which is a concerning issue.
The coalition is gearing up to encourage the Canadian government to take action against offshore operators, aiming to provide a safer online gaming environment for players. Additionally, they intend to eliminate deceptive information found in advertisements.
The situation took a turn for the worse when offshore operators began marketing their 'free-to-play' platforms during major live sports events, causing confusion among players who may mistakenly believe that these sites are equivalent to the provincially regulated ones.
The coalition's mission extends beyond just promoting responsible gaming; they also plan to support the growth and development of the online casino sector if it receives legal regulation. Manny Atwal, the president of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation, emphasized:
“The organizations represented in our coalition reinvest their earnings back into the provinces where they operate. These revenues are crucial for funding essential services and programs like healthcare, education, and community initiatives. In contrast, illegal gambling sites target Canadian players but frequently operate from outside of Canada, taking their profits abroad.”
