Opposition encourages government to reject ALC online casino gambling

Government’s decision to consider implementing online casino gambling through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) would significantly impact gaming methods in the province and could generate a new level of problem gambling in Newfoundland and Labrador, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones. The issue was raised earlier today in the House of Assembly.

The ALC, as well as lottery corporations in British Columbia and Quebec, recently announced that they would be launching online casino gambling in the fall. This concept includes gambling on-the-go from mobile phones, laptop computers and terminals at lottery kiosks to access a host of games in a casino-like style.

“The minister stated last week that this province would not approve a casino, yet government is currently considering bringing forth online casino gambling through the ALC,” said Ms. Jones. “This type of gambling has the potential to attract new people who could develop severe addictions, especially a younger target audience.

“Government’s 2009 Gambling Prevalence Study estimates that none of the current Playsphere membership who play the safer types of games on the ALC website are problem gamblers. This could change immediately if the online casino concept is introduced. The 2009 study shows that problem gambling rates for internet poker is five times higher than the provincial problem gambling rate. It is also a fact that the bulk of revenue from gambling comes from a small number of people with significant gambling problems. By introducing online casino gaming, this will only worsen a problem that we know already exists.

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