Online gambling has been gaining popularity over the past decade. It is an easy way to gamble without having to step foot in an actual casino. Many online casinos feature apps that can be installed on smart phones and devices. Online casinos can also be accessed by home computers such as desktops and laptops. The casinos are typically located overseas and generate quite a substantial amount of revenue as their popularity rises. These casinos feature traditional games that physical casinos also offer.
The gaming variety includes sports wagering, bingo, pull tabs, slots, black jack, poker, roulette and craps. When people are spending more time working and commuting than ever before there is no wonder why these virtual casinos have gained popularity. People aren’t always able to schedule time to spend a day at a casino testing lady luck but they are able to settle on their couch with a tablet and spend an hour or so playing their favorite game.
When it comes to regulating online gaming Canada has been seeking ways to impose restrictions. In mid-July Canada tried to enact a ban that would prevent citizens from participating in online gaming. This ban was to limit the gambling that was occurring without the permission of the state run gambling corporation. Gambling websites were supposed to be approved by Loto-Quebec and internet service providers were supposed to ban websites that were not approved by this gambling corporation.
Bill 74 was the established bill that required internet service companies to restrict citizens from playing at unapproved websites. This Bill was considered unconstitutional. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association went up against legislation in regards to Bill 74. They argued that it decreased revenue that could be generated from online gaming. Bill 74 would restrict internet access to Canadian citizens and take away their freedom of online gaming choices. The bill has remained highly unpopular amongst the online gaming community.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) have also come up in the future of online gaming. Many citizens would like to participate in the DFS as well as a daily lottery but so far the Quebec Superior Court has not taken a stance on this matter. Some of the largest concerns in regards to online DFS and gaming is verification of age, daily gambling limits and identity verification.
Online gaming in Canada needs a sure fire way to identify each of their online gamers to ensure they are of the legal gambling age. While we may not be sure where the future of online gaming in Canada is headed, we can be sure that the government understands the need to continually generate online gaming revenue and not take away citizens constitutional rights.
