Government-run Online Casino Launches in British Columbia

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Thursday, 29 July 2010 - 12:10

Online gambling is still a hotly contested issue in North America, but in the Canadian province of British Columbia there has been a new initiative set up by the government-funded British Columbia Lottery Commission, who are now running their own online casino.

Known as Playnow.com, the site offers all the usual favourites you will find at any online casino – Blackjack, Roulette, Craps are just some of the games available – and they have also opened a sportsbook. Unfortunately, the site is only open to people living in British Columbia (who are at least 19 years of age).

Of course there are plenty of people in this jurisdiction against the idea of their government promoting gambling. The fact that there is no shortage of online casinos available means it is not necessary for a government-run site to provide this service.

However, the financial gains will be of great benefit to the community. Play now.com is due to offer poker next year and it is expected British Columbia will not be the last North American jurisdiction to offer a government-run casino. If others were to follow suit, it could provide online casino players with a more regulated, secure and safer gaming environment.