Given Canada's standing as one of the most stringently controlled territories in the realm of online casinos, the creation of this coalition isn't particularly surprising. The authorities spearheading this initiative include the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and Loto-Quebec.
Currently, Ontario stands alone as the only province with a sanctioned and legal framework for gambling, which is why the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario isn't participating in this coalition.
You might be curious about the rationale behind forming such a group. These five authorities are committed to nurturing a secure and responsible gaming culture. There’s a lack of regulation elsewhere, allowing offshore operators to thrive unchecked, much to the detriment of local players.
The coalition intends to prompt the Canadian government to implement stricter measures against offshore gambling entities, fostering a safe online environment for players. Additionally, they aim to address and prevent deceptive advertising practices.
The issue escalated especially when offshore operators began promoting their so-called 'free-to-play' platforms during major live sports broadcasts, leading to considerable confusion among players who might mistakenly equate these platforms with legitimate, provincially regulated ones.
Alongside advocating for responsible gaming, this coalition strives to bolster and elevate the online casino landscape if and when further legalization and regulation take place. Manny Atwal, the president of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation, highlighted this perspective:
“The coalition members ensure that their earnings are reinvested back into their respective provinces. These funds are pivotal for supporting critical services like healthcare, education, and community initiatives. In contrast, illegal websites lure Canadian players but often move their profits offshore, away from Canada.”
