It is a well known fact that three Canadian provinces have already made attempts to make the strict gambling rules and regulations more bearable and give the players the freedom to take part in their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. Apart from Ontario and Manitoba, Quebec is also trying to accelerate the online gambling legislation process.
According to a report, issues a few days ago, the members of the provincial government have expressed their willingness to allow private online gambling providers deliver their products on the territory of the province.
Even if the authorities are willing to have that clause discussed, the implementing of the changes will not be an easy task. It will require the assistance of the authorities, who have the power of making changes in the Canada Criminal Code. However, the entire process might take several years. The authorities propose the local lottery provider – Loto-Quebec, to be allowed to establish an online platform, managed by the government regulators, and those providers who want to make their products and services available to the Quebec residents, to be given the chance to do that through the online portal.
Carlos Leitäo, the Minister of Finance, was really interested in establishing such an online portal. He took the matters wholeheartedly and asked the representatives of Lotto-Quebec about further details, concerning the best approach and the time the implementing will take.
Meanwhile, the Minister asked the authorities, responsible for the gambling matters in other provinces, for help so the changes in the Criminal Code are made as soon as possible.
According to the authors of the report, there are several clauses in the Criminal Code that could be regarded as misleading. There is not a clear statement that says if the internationally licensed operators are allowed to provide products to Canadian residents when their company doesn’t have a branch on Canadian soil. Another issue, that requires the attention of the regulators, is the control the authorities have over the gambling activities within the province and the country in general.
Another proposal in the report concerns the illegal websites and the best methods for limiting their negative influence.
The problem with the lack of a reliable organization, in charge of regulating the online gambling affairs, was also raised. The idea of expanding the mandate of RACJ – the Alcohol, Racing and Gambling Board, was put forward. The members will be responsible for monitoring the social, advertising and all the other activities of the gambling providers, available on the territory of Quebec.
The issue with the problem gambling also has to be taken into consideration. The report suggests an organization, intended to deal with it to be established. Its members will be responsible for informing the local residents about all the risks the excessive amount of time, spent on gambling activities, may bring about.
However, the authors of the report reminded the regulators that leading the gambling sector to new heights depends on the sensible taxation. They advised the Quebec’s authorities not to follow suit the taxation method, established in France.
