Ontario discontinues gambling monopoly.
The impending end of the single-entity online gambling market in the Canadian province of Ontario has been a topic of political discourse since April 2019. The current market, which is solely controlled by the national lottery, is set to be replaced by a more diverse and legal offering. There's also speculation of a potential betting law reform in Canada. What's the scoop on these developments?
Just 12 casinos and a dated lottery system
Along with their 2019 budget announcement, the Ontario government announced their intentions to dismantle the current online gambling monopoly, with plans to allow private operators to enter the market. Currently, the only operator allowed is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), which operates their gambling website under PlayOGA.ca.
Seeing as the 2020 budget carries the baton, legislation is being prepared to create a more open online gambling landscape. This would entail the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issuing licenses and serving as the market's regulator. A subsidiary under the AGCO would be established to foster closer interaction between licenced private operators and the government.
In the coming weeks, the government and AGCO will hold consultations on the reengineering and modernization of the market, intended to cater to consumer tastes. As per government reports, the updates should reflect what customers prefer.
With an estimated 14.7 million inhabitants, Ontario is the most populated province in Canada, and the second-largest regarding area, following Quebec. The capital, Toronto, is also one of the largest cities in the nation. Despite Canada's advanced status on the world stage, its gambling system has remained unchanged since the '80s. Its citizens are limited to just 12 casinos and a stagnant state-lottery monopoly. The wide success of online gambling worldwide prompted this reconsideration of the old gambling system.
The CGA gives a go-ahead
Although no details of the licensing process or regulations have been released, the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has endorsed the changes. These guidelines would assure safe and legal online gambling services for the province's citizens, according to the CGA. Furthermore, land-based casinos would find new life through the digital age by expanding their offerings and broadening their customer base.
The CGA further mentioned that a regulated market could spur growth in the economy amidst the COVID-19 crisis. By licensing and taxing foreign operators, Ontario could generate revenue while also drawing in investors and creating jobs. Mark Brandon, CGA president and CEO, asserts that Ontario's investment in new technology, vibrant communities, and a highly skilled workforce would make it highly desirable for international online gaming operators.
Regulation and safety are of utmost importance
While the ins and outs of the licensing process and regulations are yet to be revealed, the CGA has expressed the necessity of government supervision by bodies such as the AGCO. Such an authority would maintain a level playing field and prioritize player protection.
Brad Burns, President and CEO of the CGA, emphasized that industry-responsible gambling rules are in the works, and, thanks to technological advancements like verification systems and self-exclusion registers, stringent controls could be implemented. Priorities must include safeguarding children, teenagers, and vulnerable individuals from gambling. As a non-profit organization, the CGA aims to promote the continued development of the gaming industry, prioritizing safety and risk reduction.
A betting law reform on the way
The new online gambling landscape in Ontario isn't the only gaming shakeup happening in Canada: the CGA currently lobbies Parliament for the adoption of a new betting law. Draft C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, is on the radar. First presented by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh in February, the bill seeks to allow Canadian citizens to place bets on individual sporting events. Under current Canadian Criminal Code Section 207(4)(b), wagering is only permitted on parlay bets or at least three games.
The CGA, British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Score Media and Gaming, and prominent American sports leagues like the NHL, NBA, and MLB support the reform. NHL's Gary Bettman even suggested that the reform would be preferable for the league, with two NHL franchises residing in Ontario. Whether the reform is implemented this year is an open question as parliament is set to vote on it shortly.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
