Canadian Government Open To Legalizing Sports Gambling In Casinos

If there has been such a movement towards the legalization of online poker and actual casinos around the world, then why not sports gambling? That is a question that has the Canadian government pondering the possibilities.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson says that he would be open to the idea of legalizing sports gambling in casinos. The move would be a direct reaction to dwindling revenue in casinos in Canada.

"I have encouraged provinces that...we have in the past responded to requests to change the laws as they relate to betting. If they want to engage stakeholders then I am prepared to listen," said Nicholson.

The current laws in Canada outlaw bookmaking. There are a few exceptions written into the law, but none of the exemptions include betting on any single sporting event. There still is heavy opposition to changing the laws.

Some believe that making money at the expense of problem gamblers would be unethical. Still, people in favor of the sports betting claim that some casinos in Canada are already equipped to handle such sports betting.

They also feel that any legalized sports gambling near the United States border would increase the amount of traffic coming into those casinos from Americans.



2008-07-24