Paddy Power Casino Turns Away Canadian Gamblers
Online gamblers from Canada were told this week that they will no longer be allowed to hold an account and play at Paddy Power casino.
According to an email sent to Canadian players, Paddy Power said it would no longer be able to accept payments from Canadian sources from February 14th.
"It has come to our attention that you are using a Canadian bank card," read the email. "In accordance with Canadian law we will now be unable to take bets from Canada. Due to this, we will unfortunately have to block your debit/credit card and in turn close your account. You will still be able to withdraw any outstanding funds from your account for the next seven days. Please contact our support team if you require any assistance."
Industry experts are finding it difficult to pinpoint exactly which 'Canadian law' Paddy Power is referring to, as there is no legislation that specifically bans gambling online or internet transactions to or from gambling sites.
The Irish gaming group has already listed Canada as a 'prohibited jurisdiction' on its site.
Paddy Power is not the first online gambling group to block Canadian players.
Boss Media pulled out partially from the industry last year, after it started working with a provincial authority which launched its own gambling sites. The software group wanted to avoid a clash of interests.
The Casino Club Group also told Canadian players that they were no longer able to enjoy its gaming products last year.
Players were told at the time: "We regret to inform you that due to the new regulations of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Loto Quebec and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, online gaming products in Canada are prohibited."
There are, however, no such laws, leading to Canadians demanding a clarification of the true status of online gambling in the country.
