New Brunswick Moves to Regulate Live Casino Games Amid iGaming Review
With New Brunswick considering an Ontario-style regulated iGaming market, the province has introduced legislation to amend its Gaming Control Act, giving the government authority to regulate online live casino games. On Oct. 21, according to reporting by the Telegraph-Journal, the provincial govern…
With New Brunswick considering an Ontario-style regulated iGaming market, the province has introduced legislation to amend its Gaming Control Act, giving the government authority to regulate online live casino games. A general view of Moncton, NB, as the province considers new legislation to regulate live online casino play. (Image: Clive Rose – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) On Oct. 21, according to reporting by the Telegraph-Journal, the provincial government was “exploring options” to legalize commercial iGaming. That would mean potentially following Ontario and Alberta in opening its market to private operators. Province Exploring Private iGaming Market Currently, New Brunswick offers legal iGaming exclusively through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). “Reviewing and updating legislation is an important part of keeping New Brunswickers safe,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin. “As gaming continues to evolve, legislation must keep pace to ensure games continue to be regulated and responsible, and that rules are effective and clear.” Ontario Casino Revenue Dominates Market In Ontario, online casinos have an 82% market share (on CA$340.8m in revenue), according to iGaming Ontario financial results for September. Live casino, including live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, falls within the casino category, alongside online slots and other table games. The proposed legislation would give regulators authority to make rules for live casino events. Current legislation does not give the government authority to establish regulations for the category. The provincial government said the live casino concept was proposed by the ALC, with detailed regulations to be developed at a later date. Legislation Targets Live Casino Regulations “Modernizing the Gaming Control Act is about keeping up with how gaming is changing,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy. “These updates will ensure that new gaming options are developed responsibly and continue to meet the needs of players in a safe and regulated way.” The objective is to create and maintain safeguards through regulations. “With a greater variety of online offerings, live casinos are growing in popularity,” said Gauvin. “Regulating these types of games will provide a safer alternative to unregulated offerings in the province.” The post New Brunswick Moves to Regulate Live Casino Games Amid iGaming Review appeared first on Casino.org.