Canadian Lotto Companies Assess Online Gambling Impact

CANADA – As reported by the Montreal Gazette: "Internet gambling could generate between $300 million and $700 million this year for government coffers in Canada, but lottery authorities have yet to tackle the thorny issues surrounding e-gaming, the president of Loto-Quebec said yesterday.

"Canadian lottery corporations are preparing to assess those points at an upcoming meeting, Alain Cousineau said. The debate will include problems like gaming revenue lost from casinos they now operate, jobs lost to offshore operators and the extent of government control in this area.

"Should Canadian lottery corporations decide to wade into the profitable realm of online gambling, Loto-Quebec won't be leading the charge, Cousineau said.

"…Studies done for Loto-Quebec indicate that Quebecers do not want a government agency hosting online gambling, he said.

"…In his speech, Cousineau reviewed plans for a $1.175-billion casino and entertainment complex at the Peel Basin to be undertaken with the Cirque du Soleil.

"…While casino operators are pouring energy and resources into a crowded casino marketplace, Internet gambling is growing at a clip calibrated in the billions.

"Before the luncheon, Cousineau expressed his concern about the complexity of issues pertaining to Internet gambling…"