A few days ago, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. launched its PlayOLG.ca gambling site. It seems that the introduction of the online platform had Alberta officials consider the future of online gambling in the province.
Jody Korchinski, a spokeswoman for the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, pointed out that the local gaming regulatory body is currently reviewing the opportunity to approve the launch of a locally operated online gambling site.
At present, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as several not so densely populated provinces, are the only Canadian territories that are still steering away from the maintenance of their own online gambling platforms.
Korchinski shared with local media that the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission is well-aware of the fact that technology develops constantly and residents of the province expect online gambling sites to be introduced at some point in future. The regulatory body’s spokesperson, however, made it clear that “no final decisions have been made” as to whether people will be able to enjoy locally maintained gambling options and when this might happen.
Alberta’s neighboring province British Columbia introduced its PlayNow.com platform in 2010. The launch of the site, however, was marked by certain serious malfunctions related to players’ security.
It was announced that the launch of PlayOLG.ca was not marred by such major glitches. Yet, users reported that they faced certain problems with the registration process. Some of them got a notification that they were not located in Ontario, although they were actually on the territory of the province.
OLG apologized for the inconveniences and stated that it appreciated its users’ patience.
The launch of the PlayOLG.ca site led to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health expressing its concerns that the number of problem gamblers will increase. As previously commented, Robert Murray, manager of the so-called “Problem Gambling Project” at the afore-mentioned Centre, stated that players, who have managed to withhold from engaging in online gambling in internationally operated sites, will now be allured by the local platform. According to him, the fact that it is sponsored by the government will make this opportunity even more attractive to them.
Studies, however, do not support Mr. Murray’s worries. According to the results that have been posted, an increase in problem gaming usually occurs when a new option is introduced. The numbers then drop back to their former levels once players get used to the novelty. Other studies have indicated that no change in problem gambling has been recorded, despite the fact a wide number of new gambling opportunities have been introduced lately.
