Even more Canadian provinces seem to be eyeing expanding their online gaming after the success of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market and the recent launch in Alberta. While New Brunswick already offers online games of chance under a monopoly model, lawmakers have proposed legislation to add live casino to the mix.
Lawmakers Propose Allowing Live Casino Games
The New Brunswick government announced that it is planning to update its gambling rules. The changes, outlined in a new bill, would not launch commercial iGaming, but will expand the roster of products offered in the province by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC).
Currently, New Brunswick players have access to regulated online gaming only via the ALC, a multi-province, government-owned corporation. In order to shake things up a bit, lawmakers have introduced legislation that would change the province’s Gaming Control Act to allow the local government to regulate live casino games, in particular.
If the new legislation passes, New Brunswick would create a new regulation-making authority that will be responsible for overseeing online live casino events. For context, live casino games are online table games that happen in real time and where players compete against other players and human dealers.
The proposed legislation comes in response to a proposal by the ALC. Officials argued that the changes and the creation of a live casino authority will allow the government to “maintain safeguards through regulations.”
Updated Legislation Equals Safe Players
Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin explained that updating legislation is key to keeping local players safe. He elaborated that the gaming industry’s evolution requires governments to adapt accordingly and change the rules where needed. He argued that this will ensure better channelization rates, bringing more existing gamblers, who are currently engaging in unlicensed gambling, to the legal and safer market.
With a greater variety of online offerings, live casinos are growing in popularity. Regulating these types of games will provide a safer alternative to unregulated offerings in the province.
Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin
Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy added that the changes would allow the government to cater to player demands in a safe manner.
Modernizing the Gaming Control Act is about keeping up with how gaming is changing. These updates will ensure that new gaming options are developed responsibly and continue to meet the needs of players in a safe and regulated way.
Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy
Officials Are Considering Commercial iGaming
At the same time, some officials are considering commercial iGaming in hopes of replicating the Ontario miracle and creating a flourishing gaming market that contributes to the province coffers, while still offering gaming safely.
This comes amid reports that only 35% of the betting volume is placed with the ALC, suggesting a strong unlicensed gambling activity. For comparison, experts put the Ontario iGaming activity channelization at over 90%.
The recent launch of iGaming in Alberta seems to have given some momentum to the calls for regulated iGaming, although New Brunswick, in particular, has yet to take that step.
Nova Scotia is reportedly also considering iGaming.