Canadian Academics Shout Their Opinions
Internet gambling has long been a highly discussed subject. A Canadian
newspaper, The Edmonton Sun, reported that people in the academic community fear
the problems that could be attached to online casinos. One gentleman in
particular, Robert Williams of Lethbridge University has been particularly vocal
on his opinions of anything that has to do with an online casino.
Williams put forth an extensive study on the subject and presented the data and
his conclusions to the newspaper. His fears are primarily due to the
accessibility of an online casino. Canada has an ever growing interest in the
subject and he says that online gambling is more alluring because of the high
pay outs and free play websites. His study claims that underage players will
play at the free online casinos until they turn 18 and can actually play with
real money, which could result in addiction.
One interesting fact presented in his study was that the average loss for a
Canadian online casino gambler is $541 per month, as opposed to the $84 loss of
the non internet gambler. Canadian online casinos are currently regulated under
a strict licensing jurisdiction. The Kahnawake First Nation is one of the main
licensing facilities located in Montreal, they reportedly have 300-400 internet
gambling sites in operation. Williams is against further legalization of
internet poker/gambling.
William pointed out more dangers of internet gambling while the newspaper that
reported the article had a more liberal outlook on the subject. When it comes to
online casinos and internet gambling some think that legalization and regulation
is the answer that way the economy can reap the benefits. Some still think that
legalizing it will not help, it will just perpetuate addiction and worry free
gambling.