Legislation targets online live casino gaps
The New Brunswick provincial government has introduced legislation to amend the Gaming Control Act, specifically to address regulatory gaps concerning online live casino games. The amendment grants the government the authority to regulate these digital offerings, which have grown in popularity but currently lack specific regulatory frameworks under existing law.
Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin noted that live casinos, which include games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, are increasingly popular among online players. “With a greater variety of online offerings, live casinos are growing in popularity,” Gauvin said. “Regulating these types of games will provide a safer alternative to unregulated offerings in the province.”
Exploration of commercial iGaming options
Beyond regulating live casino events, the provincial government is reportedly exploring options to legalize commercial iGaming. On Oct. 21, the Telegraph-Journal reported that the government was “exploring options” to follow the models established in Ontario and Alberta for regulated online gambling markets.
Currently, New Brunswick offers legal iGaming exclusively through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). The proposed legislative changes aim to modernize the Gaming Control Act to keep pace with evolving gaming technologies. The province is considering an Ontario-style regulated market, where private operators could potentially compete within a licensed framework.
Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy stated, “Modernizing the Gaming Control Act is about keeping up with how gaming is changing. 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.”
Regulatory authority and future rules
The legislation is designed to create and maintain safeguards through regulations. Currently, the existing legislation does not provide the government with the authority to establish specific rules for live casino events. The proposed amendment closes this gap, giving regulators the power to make rules for these events at a later date.
The live casino concept was originally proposed by the ALC. Detailed regulations for how these games will be operated and monitored are to be developed after the legislative framework is established. Gauvin emphasized that reviewing and updating legislation is an important part of keeping residents safe. “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,” he said.
The move places New Brunswick in line with other Canadian provinces that have updated their gaming laws to accommodate digital gambling. The specific details of how commercial iGaming might be licensed and taxed in New Brunswick remain under review, with the government indicating it is still evaluating the best approach for the province.
Why It Matters
For players and operators in Atlantic Canada, this legislation marks a shift toward stricter oversight of emerging digital gaming formats. By closing the regulatory gap for live casino games, the province aims to protect consumers from unregulated offshore sites. The potential legalization of commercial iGaming could also reshape the competitive landscape, currently dominated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, and align New Brunswick with the regulated markets of Ontario and Alberta.
David Farbacu is a seasoned writer with a passion for games, gaming, casinos, and Xbox. With a wealth of experience in the industry, David brings insightful reviews, comprehensive guides, and engaging articles that cater to both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts. His expertise spans across various gaming platforms and genres, making him a go-to source for the latest trends and developments in the gaming world.
