A coalition comprising five provincial gaming corporations in Canada has united to urge the federal government to address the issue of illegal gambling operators in the country. The Provincial Lottery Corporations coalition, consisting of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, Loto-Quebec, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation, aims to collaborate with the government and regulatory bodies to crack down on unauthorized gambling websites.
The Presence of Illegal Gambling Operators:
While commercial gambling is illegal in Canada unless regulated by a provincial government, offshore operators continue to operate in the country, advertising their websites through mirror “free-to-play” sites. These operators often intensify their advertising efforts during popular live sporting events, blurring the distinction between provincially regulated gaming sites and illegal operators. The coalition recognizes the need for immediate action to address this issue and safeguard the integrity of the legal gambling industry.
Coalition’s Strategies to Combat Illegal Operators:
The coalition has outlined its strategies to combat illegal gambling operators and raise public awareness. It plans to inform media platform owners of their responsibility to refuse misleading advertisements for illegal sites, emphasizing compliance with existing laws and regulations. Additionally, the coalition aims to engage the federal government in enforcing stricter laws and regulations to shut down these unauthorized operators. By taking a united stand, the coalition aims to protect Canadian players and ensure that the profits generated from gambling activities benefit local communities through provincial gaming corporations.
Concerns Regarding the Economic Impact:
The coalition highlights the negative impact of illegal gambling operators on local communities and the economy. Patrick Daigle, President and CEO of Atlantic Lottery Corporation, emphasizes that a significant amount of money that could support public services within the region is instead being funneled to illegal operators. Manny Atwal, President and CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation, further emphasizes that the profits generated by the coalition’s member organizations are reinvested in the provinces they operate in, benefiting essential programs such as healthcare, education, and community initiatives. The presence of illegal gambling websites not only diverts these profits but also undermines the integrity of the regulated gambling sector.
Pariplay’s Partnership with Atlantic Lottery:
In a related development, Pariplay, a subsidiary of NeoGames, has expanded its presence in the regulated Canadian market through a partnership with Atlantic Lottery. This collaboration enables Pariplay to offer its online casino content, including games from its in-house studio Wizard Games and a variety of third-party games, to players across Atlantic Canada through its Fusion platform. Pariplay’s B2B gaming license in Ontario positions the company to contribute to the growth and development of the Canadian online gambling market while adhering to regulatory standards.
The formation of the Provincial Lottery Corporations coalition in Canada signifies a united effort to combat illegal gambling operators and protect the integrity of the regulated gambling industry. By urging the federal government to take action, the coalition aims to eliminate unauthorized gambling websites and ensure that Canadian players can engage in safe and responsible gambling activities. The economic impact of these illegal operators is a cause for concern, as profits that could be reinvested in local communities are being diverted. Through collaboration, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness initiatives, the coalition seeks to create a more secure and regulated gambling environment that benefits both players and society as a whole.