Five provincial Canadian lotteries have linked to force the federal government to take action against black market online gambling operators which target the country’s consumers.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Alberta Alcohol and Cannabis Commission, the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, Loto-Quebec and Atlantic Lottery have all come together to force the government to take action on those operating in their respective jurisdictions illegally.
Canadian lotteries taking a stand against illegal operators
Raising concerns over consumers and the good causes their own operations help to fund, the lotteries – collectively known as the Provincial Lotteries Corporation – has warned that offshore gambling operators are advertising nationwide, which ‘creates a blur’ between the illegal operators and the genuine provincial lotteries.
The collective noted that the unregulated operators are pushing out marketing material for their online casinos and sportsbooks at peak times – such as major sporting events.
“Studies show that the majority of players do not know whether an online site is legal or not in their province,” said Atlantic Lottery President and CEO Patrick Daigle. “These are significant sums that could be used in our region to finance public services, but which, instead of helping our communities, only benefit illegal operators.”
Federal intervention is required
Coming together to battle those unregulated operators, the five lotteries will begin a campaign warning Canadian gamblers of the risks of using black market incumbents.
The campaign will not only focus on warning players and raising awareness, but also reinforcing regulations on platforms and media companies that give illegal operators the platform to advertise on.
Additionally, the group of Canadian lotteries is seeking government intervention to enforce the law on those who are infringing on the provincial lotteries, which often maintain a monopoly position in their respective jurisdictions.
According to a study conducted by H2 Gambling Capital in June 2022, the online gambling market in Canada is valued at $3.8bn in 2022 and will reach $6.8bn in 2026.
“Canada is favorable to them,” added Kandice Machado, President and CEO of the Alberta Gambling, Alcohol and Cannabis Commission, commenting on those illegal operators.
“They use misleading advertising to dominate the market, providing countless opportunities for Canadians to engage, often unknowingly, in illegal betting.”
The Canadian lotteries asserted that they will continue to collaborate with each other and federal government agencies whilst also monitoring black market activities.
“The members of our coalition donate their profits to the province in which they operate. These profits help fund essential programs and services such as health care, education and community programs,” concluded Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries President and CEO Manny Atwal.
“Illegal gambling sites advertise to Canadian players, but often operate outside of Canada, taking their profits with them.
