Ontario To See Phased in Online Gambling

 It was announced this week that the Canadian province of Ontario will be phasing in government-backed online gambling, beginning next year, with the hope of getting a share of the estimated $400 million spent by residents on what it terms ‘unregulated’ online gambling each year.  The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation said in a statement that it would be introducing casino style games such as slots and video poker, in addition to the lottery tickets currently sold by the group.

 The OLGC has sent out requests for assistance from online gambling operators to kick-start its online gambling market and hopes to make a smooth transition, after studying the pros and cons of this type of gambling, according to a spokesperson for the corporation, Tony Bitoni.

 The lottery group said that it would not be introducing its online gambling platform all at once, but would rather phase it in gently so that players could accustom themselves with the products.  “We want to get this right the first time,” said Bitoni.

 The plans have not been met without opposition, however. Already, critics are questioning the morality of online gambling and its introduction into the province.

 However, the OLG believes that going ahead with the plans will see a significant boost to its coffers which generally see around $2 billion brought in from lotteries and casinos.

 The OLG said that it would do everything it could to ensure high levels of responsible gambling, including self control options and age verification systems to keep youngsters out.