A bill has been bought to the Canadian parliament by a member that could end up with regional owned online casinos such as PlayNow to be able to offer sport betting on all manner of sports events.

Currently Canada has a strict code on sports betting that does not lets its regions or provinces to allow its citizens to bet on any single sports events, whether these be soccer, fighting or athletics. The new bill however would remove this area of the law so provincially owned online casinos will be able to start allowing sports betting as part of its wagering functionality.

This is a smart and bold move by the Canadian government and will allow for its citizens to enjoy another facet of the online casino world that many in other countries currently enjoy.

Joe Comartin, a member of the New Democratic Party said of the move:

“When it comes to this type of gambling, the Criminal Code is outdated and does not recognise the modern reality of professional sport leagues and sporting events,”

“Sports gambling is a multi-million dollar industry that operates underground and unregulated throughout Canada,” said Comartin.

“This bill will help take a large chunk of revenues out of the hands of organised crime.”

Giving Canadians the ability to make sporting bets at an officially run online casino will not only help boost the revenues of the province concerned but it will also allow for sports betting in a safe environment. The government believe that this move will reduce the amount of illegal sports betting that currently goes on, which will in turn dent the finances of criminal gangs so Canadian citizens, the Canadian provinces and the Canadian government will all get something out of the move.

Currently Canada is really changing as a place for online casinos and sports betting, this makes it a great and interesting place to be for those who enjoy a flutter or game now and again.

Posted by George in Casino News | No Comments » March 2nd, 2011

We all know that gambling means lots of money for the government. While for problems gamblers, it means losing, health and work and family problems.

In its defense against a gambler, who recently sued the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation after losing almost $500,000 Canadian dollars, the corporation holds that casino gambling is a form of entertainment and that patrons pay for casino “entertainment” through wagering “just as theater patrons pay for a ticket to a play or sports fans pay for a ticket to a game.”

A research from Statistics Canada shows that net revenue from Canadian government-run lotteries, video lottery terminals, casinos and slot machines (not in casinos) rose steadily from $2.73 billion in 1992, to $13.67 billion in 2008.

It means the average gambling revenue per person 18 years old and over in 2008, were from $114 in the three territories to $825 in Saskatchewan, with a Canadian average of $528.20.

Ontario Lottery and the Gaming Corp. stats show that the revenue generated from legalized gambling in Ontario alone was $6.4 billion in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, compared to $6.2 billion during for 2007-2008.

Big gamblers are losing more than $1-million a year apiece and others are dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars at some Canadian casinos, according to documents that reveal for the first time the magnitude of gamblers’ betting habits.

Documents obtained under Freedom of Information legislation show the top gamblers in British Columbia and Ontario are losing as much as $1.8-million and $701,000, respectively, while many others are blowing sums in the low six figures. Loto-Québec refused to provide similar data, saying it constitutes commercial information that is competitively sensitive, and that even unnamed players could possibly be identified.

Research has established that about one-third of government gambling revenue comes from problem gamblers. Data found on player’s cards is not used to help potential problem gamblers, but often to reward them – and to keep them coming back for more. Player’s cards resemble hotel keys and are inserted into slot machines or handed over to dealers by the gamblers themselves to collect various rewards (like free hotel rooms, dinner, merchandise, cash back and so on).

Here are some points to consider whether you have gambling problems or not:

* Constantly thinking or talking about gambling.
* Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford.
* Finding it difficult to control, stop, or even cut down gambling.
* Gambling more in order to win back losses or getting out of financial trouble.
* Thinking that your gambling will get under control as soon you have a “big” win.
* Borrowing money, selling things, or committing criminal acts in order to get money for gambling.
* Gambling until all of your money is gone.
* Gambling to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or other negative emotions.
* Having arguments with friends or family about money and gambling.
* Gambling instead of attend family or other social functions.
* Neglecting work or school because of gambling.

Posted by George in Casino Tips & Strategies, Poker | No Comments » October 5th, 2009

Since BC Premier Campbell embarked on the biggest, most aggressive gambling expansion program ever seen in Canada with the changes made to gambling in British Columbia in 1997, gambling in the whole province have been stacked up.

First, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation is going more aggressive than ever. Starting this month, every adults in British Columbia can deposit into their personal E-gambling accounts, managed by the province, the sum of $9,999 every week. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Until this month, registered players were allowed weekly account transfers of only 120 Canadian dollars.

A gambler in British Columbia can now build up to $520,000 in his or her government-controlled account in one year and will soon be able to wager the entire sum on one virtual poker hand, one virtual spin of the wheel. No other jurisdiction in Canada or in the whole United States offers online casino-style games.

In Canada, only the Atlantic provinces offer online sports betting and lottery draws, along with British Columbia. Officially, no other provinces are contemplating the introduction of Internet gambling so far.

Besides offering internet betting, soon the BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation) will offer  casino-style betting on games such as blackjack, roulette and poker, designed for computers and portable devices (Ipod, Iphone, cellphones, and more).

Last month, Mr. Graydon from BCLC noted in a newspaper opinion that “Gaming online is growing at a rate of 20% a year. Globally, the industry is worth a staggering $12-billion a year. Simply put, if British Columbians wish to gamble online, we’d like them to do it as customers of BCLC.”.

Seen as a good thing from gamblers, others noted that problems will but arise. In a study released earlier this year (Internet Gambling: Prevalence, Patterns, Problems, and Policy Options), one can find: “The prevalence of problem gambling is three to four times higher in Internet gamblers compared to non-Internet gamblers,” reads the report. “Having problems with gambling is one of the features that best predicts someone is an Internet gambler.”

The report also notes “a significant proportion of online gambling revenue comes from problem gamblers (41.3% in Canada, 27% internationally).” Canadian Internet gamblers have “relatively high, past month rates of substance abuse (23.3% for illicit drugs).” Use of illicit drugs “is statistically associated with Internet gambling,” the report notes.

Though the BCLS is doing reasonable steps to help problems gamblers. Should a gambler in British Columbia find himself losing control, betting beyond his means, having suicidal thoughts, counselling is available. The government provides this help through its gaming policy and enforcement branch.

The whole province is booming with gambling: 17 full services casinos and 10 196 slots machines.

The province is getting since 2001 a yearly increase in gambling revenue of 50 millions Canadian dollars (308 millions in 2001/2002 for 658 millions in 2008/2009). Internet revenue gambling were 0 dollars in 2001/2002 and are now up to 23.5 millions for 2008/2009. The province is expecting around 34 millions for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

Posted by George in Casino News | No Comments » September 13th, 2009

Bodog is finally opening a Canadian website (www.bodog.ca) for their Canadian, and others, customers. The Bodog brand is one of the leading brands for US players and soon to be Canadians featuring an online casino, poker room, sportsbook and race book.

Founded in 1994, Bodog has its head office, and is licensed in, the Caribbean nation of Antigua.

For Canadians, they will need to go to Bodog Canada (visit Bodog.ca) to open an account. The Bodog.com main website will not accept Canadian-based players. The payment methods available for Bodog Canadian players will include credit cards and UsemyBank (www.usemybank.com). Both of which are extremely easy to use. The minimum deposit for Canadian Bodog players is set at $20 Canadian.

The Bodog Poker room uses proprietary software created exclusively for Bodog Poker and is known for their incredibly sick overlays while the casino is powered by Real Time Gaming and features 80 different slot machines along with side games.

One of the most recognized entertainment brands on Earth, a host of world-class entertainment services operate and have operated worldwide under the Bodog banner, including online gaming, which continues to grow at an impressive rate; an international record label; a publishing enterprise (with an online magazine, Bodog Nation, and blog, Bodog Beat); and an international television production company (Bodog TV), which has produced reality television series such as Bodog Fight and Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker.

Bodog offers its players a simple, feature-rich sports betting product, offering a vast selection of sports betting opportunities across all major leagues, tournaments and events around the world.

Bodog’s exciting and fast-growing multi-player online poker community features Texas Holdem, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud, 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo and 5-Card Stud.

Bodog has several branches covering the international market, the European one, the Chinese one besides the Canadian one with Bodog.ca .

Bodog does not offer online gaming services within the United States of America. Morris Mohawk Gaming Group (MMGG), located in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake and led by Olympic gold medalist and First Nations leader Alwyn Morris, is the exclusive licensee of the Bodog brand for online gaming services in that jurisdiction.

BodogBrand.com, created in 2005, is an entirely new model of venture partner: one that takes the vast, contained energy of a globally-recognized brand from one sector, couples it with deep branding expertise and financial depth, and unleashes it to propel new ventures to prominence in complementary industries. A model that respects the entrepreneur and understands that “ventures synergies” is not some marketing buzzword, but has the potential to be the foundation of an entirely new way of doing business.

BodogBrand.com holds the global rights to license the Bodog brand across all sectors and its mandate is to partner with carefully-selected licensees to license the brand to accelerate partner growth, while extending the BodogBrand.com into new and vibrant markets.

So fellow Canadian players, be sure to check the Bodog.ca website !

Posted by George in Casino News, Poker | No Comments » September 7th, 2009

It has been a monumental year for the Bodog brand and its licensees, and Bodog is excited to officially announce yet another key milestone in the brand’s history: the launch of the Bodog experience to the Canadian market. Perhaps fittingly, Bodog Europe’s launch of www.bodog.ca coincides with the 15-year anniversary of the Bodog brand, for the first time giving Canadian players the ability to cash in on some hot new promotions just in time for the remainder of the CFL season and the beginning of the NFL and NHL seasons.

Bodog Europe is lead by industry veteran and Managing Director Keith McDonnell, and is regulated and licensed by the Antigua & Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Directorate of Offshore Gaming. McDonnell noted, “We’re extremely excited to be able to bring the unique Bodog experience to Canadian players.

Canadians are passionate sports fans and are extremely savvy consumers. The Bodog brand is known world-over for its unmatched customer service and here at Bodog Europe we put the player’s experience and entertainment ahead of all else – I’m confident that we’re going to quickly earn Canadians’ loyalty and trust.”

Bodog.ca offers Canadian players safe, secure and simple access to world-class sports betting, a thriving and dynamic poker community, and a full Vegas-style casino with more than 80 web-based and downloadable games. Bodog Europe offers its players a simple, feature-rich sports betting product, offering a vast selection of sports betting opportunities across all major leagues and featuring live betting and an 80+ track Racebook.

The Bodog.ca Casino and Sportsbook also has a particular focus on Canada’s most popular sports: NHL Hockey and CFL Football.

Bodog Europe – the upstart Bodog brand licensee already taking the UK by storm with its European-facing site www.Bodog.co.uk – had originally secured the rights to the world-famous “Bodog” brand for use in Europe only. However, when Bodog Europe Managing Director Keith McDonnell learned of BodogBrand.com’s willingness to entertain proposals to license the brand for use within Canada, he was quick to act, and secured the exclusive Canadian license.

“The Bodog brand is celebrating its fifteenth year anniversary this year – an absolutely remarkable pedigree and testament to its enduring values in an industry that quickly kills off mediocrity.

The brand has gone through quite an evolution during that long history, and Bodog Europe is looking forward to carrying the torch forward for at least another fifteen years of world-class customer service, unbeatable promotions, and, above all – fun.”

Click here to check the Bodog.ca Now!

Posted by Diana Sterling in Casino News | No Comments » September 3rd, 2009

The Canadian government announced this week it was considering a move to restrict banks and credit card companies from conducting financial transactions with Internet gaming operators in the country, much like what the U.S. attempted to accomplish with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) that was introduced in October, 2006.

But if history has anything to do with it, the days of regulated Internet gambling in Canada are not so far off in the distant future, says Michael Lipton, a gaming law expert and the senior partner at Elkind & Lipton in Toronto.

“History demonstrates that over the past 50 or 60 years the trend in [Canada] is to regulate, not prohibit,” says Lipton. “It happened with horse racing about five years ago. It happened with land-based casinos in 1969 and then it happened again about seven years ago when those casinos were allowed to start offering craps so they could compete with the border casinos.

“If the public wants something regulated, and the regulation benefits the country, it usually happens.”

Nearly 500 Internet gaming sites hold a permit issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is based in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal. The Commission, which was established in 1996, claims that it is empowered to regulate and control gaming and related activities within and from its territory since it is a sovereign nation.

But according to Lipton, the Kahnawake isn’t sovereign, but it is protected by Section 35 of the constitution that says the government must recognize and respect traditions and customs that are integral to their culture. Whether or not gaming would fall under that category is up for debate, but Lipton does not envision a scenario where the government would test it by moving into Kahnawake territory.

“Practically speaking, I don’t think the government is looking to move on this because it could lead to violence,” Lipton said.

He added that the latest talk chatter about the government looking to consider new measures against the Internet gaming sites stems from the urging of the Woodbine Entertainment Group.

“This is all about Woodbine trying to protect their monopoly,” said Lipton, who added that Woodbine was also the force behind a bill a few years ago that attempted, but failed, to ban all online gaming sites from advertising in Canada. “Woodbine’s argument is that these sites are hurting their business but I don’t follow that logic. Are they trying to say that if Internet gambling is shut down, all of a sudden people are going to flood the race track to bet the horses? That just doesn’t make sense.”

In Lipton’s mind, what the issue boils down to is doing what the public wants and what’s most beneficial to the country as a whole.

“From all of the information that I’ve seen, I don’t see any hue and cry from the public about banning Internet gaming,” he said. “I think the public would like to regulate. And the Kahnawake would be absolutely delighted. It would also give the gaming software industry that is so big here a huge boost.

“There are 85 countries worldwide that have regulated online gaming. Maybe it’s Canada’s time to do the same.”

Source: http://online.casinocity.com/news

Posted by Diana Sterling in Casino News | No Comments » March 23rd, 2008