Provincial coalition of gaming agencies calls on bettors to avoid illegal gambling sites
Provincial coalition of gaming agencies calls on bettors to avoid illegal gambling sites. Online gambling market in Canada is valued at $3.8 billion and expected to grow to $6.2 billion by 2026. In Alberta, up to half a billion dollars worth of bets are made on unregulated i-gaming sites each year. The coalition hopes to raise awareness about the issue and prevent illegal operators from taking profits. It's not aimed at dismantling illegal markets, but at protecting citizens.
There are many advertisements for online gambling. This can be dangerous as it can lead to addiction. Provincial governments have a responsibility to provide safeguards on their gambling sites to try and prevent addiction, according to David Hodgins. AGLC agrees that advertising standards have to be a crucial focus for the regulated market moving forward. "They're our citizens. We want to make sure they are protected when they participate and [that they] participate in a moderate way," Lautischer said.