. . .June
--------------------------
Online gambling coming to Ontario
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 | 11:26 PM ET CBC News
British Columbia recently announced an expansion of its online gambling operations.British Columbia recently announced an expansion of its online gambling operations. (British Columbia Lottery Corporation)
The Ontario government is getting into the online gambling business.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) will have an online gaming program set up by early 2012, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
"I've asked the OLG to explore how it can best extend its brand online through a socially responsible and secure internet gaming program," Duncan said.
"Consultation and implementation will occur over the next 18 months."
Should provincial governments run online gambling sites? Take our poll.
The OLG promised a competitive process in which private operators can bid to operate the province's gaming sites.
OLG officials said they haven't decided yet what type of gambling they'll offer, but poker is high on the list. Other types of attractions could include online lottery ticket sales, and interactive casino-style games.
The Liberal government, which has a $19.7-billion deficit, estimates online gaming could net the province $100 million or more in profit annually within five years of being set up.
When asked if a $100-million annual return is enough to put a serious dent in the deficit, Duncan acknowledged "the initial figures are fairly modest."
"But in my way of thinking, it's more about the competitiveness of OLG going forward and ensuring that it continues to be a reliable source of revenue for the province," the minister said.
Read more
--------------------
Do you think that government run online gambling is a good idea?
Leave a comment
June
