N.B. hopes to create safer online gambling, bring in more revenue with its own platform
New Brunswick proposes legislation for Atlantic Lottery to offer regulated online casino games, aiming to curb unregulated gambling and increase revenue.Summary
The New Brunswick government has introduced legislation that would allow the Atlantic Lottery Corporation to launch live online casino games, making it the sole regulated online gambling platform in the province. Finance Minister René Legacy says the move aims to draw players away from unregulated websites, generate new revenue, and provide safeguards such as self-exclusion and addiction monitoring. Atlantic Lottery estimates $250 million in annual revenue leaves Atlantic Canada for unregulated sites. While other provinces like Ontario and Alberta have opened their markets to multiple private operators, New Brunswick plans to maintain a monopoly for Atlantic Lottery. Experts like Michael Naraine of Brock University note that unregulated sites are easily accessible, and Daniel Myran of the University of Toronto warns that legalizing online gambling may attract new gamblers and increase addiction-related harms. The government contends that a regulated environment offers better consumer protection and keeps profits in the province.
(Source：Cbc)