Canadian Internet Gambling

by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker
Aug 6, 2006

Canadian Gambling

The gambling scenario in Canada is very different from rest of the countries of the world. The Canadian government has formulated unique gambling policies for the Canadian citizens. More importantly, the Internet gambling scenario has undergone a sea change in Canada. A large number of people in Canada enjoy online gambling to the fullest.

Online Gambling Scenario in Canada

It is indeed very correct that online gambling is hugely popular in Canada. However, there is one fact that makes the online gambling scenario very unique. The fact is that online gambling in Canada is illegal. The Canadian government has officially banned all gambling websites and online gambling sources in Canada. However, despite this ban, the Canadian citizens continue to log on to the Internet and indulge in online gambling on an extensive scale. The gambling situation in Canada is very restrictive. The Canadian government has adopted an extremely restraining policy as far as gambling is concerned.

The online gambling in Canada is mainly dominated by offshore gambling websites and sources. There are no statistics to reveal the number of people involved in online gambling in Canada. However, there are results of surveys conducted by the Canada West Foundation. According to its reports an estimated, 0.5% of the total Canadians gambled on the Internet. This figure has said to have increased to about 85% in 2001. These numbers suggest a great ambiguity to the surveys conducted. According to sources, the number of Internet gambling websites has increased from 15 in 1997 to more than 250 in 1998-99. All this despite, the Canadian government banning the action.

It is very difficult to control and regulate Internet gambling. In a country like Canada, almost all the people have an easy access to the Internet. Thus, for them to log on to gambling websites is a child’s play. In this situation, to check online gambling activities completely is impossible. The success of the government gambling laws is if they can curb them in the maximum possible way. According to the Canadian authorities, gambling is legal, only if it is carried out in places that have the permission of the government. Apart from these agencies, all other sources and forms of gambling are termed as illegal. All these factors make the Canadian online gambling scene one of its kinds in the world.

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