Saskatchewan Still Mulling Option of Online Gambling
The minister responsible for casinos and gambling in Saskatchewan, Ken Cheveldayoff, believes that the government cannot turn a blind eye to the existence of online gambling in the province.
He confirmed that the government still remains interested in creating a legalized and regulated online gambling industry in Saskatchewan.
It is estimated that around $30 million a year is spent by the province's residents on online gambling, and this number will only grow from year to year.
The minister believes that if the money was going through a government run body, much of those funds could be directed to community programs where money was desperately needed.
Cheveldayoff said: "What troubles me is that the profits are leaving the province and can't be reinvested in the good activities that Gaming Corporation, for example, does."
Last year, the minister expressed interest in creating a regulated online gambling industry in the province.
His interest was spurned by the fact that Ontario announced plans to launch its own internet gaming site next year.
Quebec and British Columbia have also joined the move to create online gambling opportunities for their residents.
Cheveldayoff is responsible for the two casinos in Saskatchewan, one in Regina and the other in Moose Jaw.
Half the profits produced by these casinos are redirected to community projects, while the other half goes to the province.
