We’re sure the BCLC had no idea it was starting a momentous trend when it launched PlayNow.com, the first Canadian government-regulated online gambling website. Now, every province across Canada is in the process of considering or building its own online casino and poker room.Manitoba is the latest province to announce its plans to venture into online gambling. As reported by CBC, politicians from the province are keen on launching a government-regulated online gambling website to recover income that is currently being spent at offshore online casinos.
According to Lotteries Minister Steve Ashton, the new gambling website will be launched next year. It will offer lottery sales, online casino games and online poker, following in the footsteps of Espace Jeux and PlayNow.com.
Like all lotteries in Canada, a portion of the proceeds will be used to fund a wide range of public programs. In addition, the government will contribute 5% of profits to problem gambling services in the province.
