Canadian Government Amends Gambling Laws
In a bid to fight the growing problem of organized crime in Canada, the government made several amendments to the existing Canadian gambling laws.
All in all, eleven additions were made to these laws which kicked in on August 4th.
Canadian gambling laws thus list as 'serious offences': betting; pool selling and book making, keeping a common game, keeping a betting house, cheating while playing a game, holding the stakes for a game or betting, committing offences in relation to lotteries and games of chance.
Through this list, authorities are hoping to provide greater punishment to offenders.
"Organized crime groups often rely upon the proceeds of these acts to equip themselves to commit violent acts and to fund large scale criminal operations that threaten public safety," said the country's Justice Minister, Rob Nicholson.
"Under the new regulations, police and prosecutors will have the ability to make greater use of the specific, powerful and appropriate Criminal Code offences and procedures available in organized crime investigations and prosecutions."
The news of these changes in Canadian gambling laws need not worry the average gambler in the country who enjoys wagering.
According to analysts, the changes were introduced to target illegal gambling operations only.
