Is easier access to online gambling a good thing?
Early in November the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) began sending email notices to its Winners Circle Rewards Program members; 53,000 Ontarians who spend a substantial amount of money gambling.
Inside the email was news about MyOLG, touted as Ontario’s first legal online gambling website, with access lottery tickets, digital slots and – for now – single person poker.
Multiple OLG press statements tell over $400 million annually leaves the province through offshore grey market gambling sites, something the province has repeatedly stated is a concern to them.
The federal government includes online gambling as a possible route for money laundering on the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada website.
In fact, a gambling ring worth $25 million was broken up in February 2013, with joint operations in London, Markham and Toronto shutting down an offshore Super Bowl gambling site.
Including organized crime, OLG’s rain reason for the website was the realization this was money that could otherwise be spent at government mandated facilities, and therefore be taxed. With the new website the province estimated a net profit of $350 million during the first five years, which has already been earmarked for education and healthcare spending.
But NDP leader Andrea Horwath stated this wasn’t a socially responsible move for the province – arguing that it just became easier to gamble ones house away and would lead to an increase in youth gambling.
Tackling these challenges the OLG has stated that there will be limits that are self set on how much can be spent, that cool down times will stop the users from being able to increase that amount for seven days, and risk assessments of all users on the site, with directed messages targeting those most at risk.
The province also stated the only way to use these services is by making an account with valid government ID, stopping underage would-be gamblers while giving added security for payment processes.
Gambling can be an issue with the student body. When told about the upcoming website, there were mixed reactions.
“I do by tickets sometimes,” said first-year Culinary student Setphanie Stevenson. “I personally wouldn’t enjoy using [MyOLG], because I like picking the ticket and choosing, but I think this service could help seniors and people confined to their homes.”
But another worry-brought up by student Meghan Wright – was cybercrime against the system. “I buy lottery tickets yes, [but] I wouldn’t use this service … how do we know it’s not fixed online, some hacker could get behind the whole scheme, and a lot of people don’t realize that.” Also stating she wouldn’t use this service “because it defeated the purpose of social interaction”.
Alex, also in first year Culinary said that while he doesn’t gamble anymore, the new service would lead him to begin buying tickets again, mainly because of the ease of use.
A small poll conducted with ten students showed three thought the website was a good idea, four disagreed, and three were indifferent about MyOLG. Four students did partake in some form of gambling while six did not.
Joel Pouli, a film Studies student in his graduating semester says it’s another way to put taxes on something.
“I don’t think that’s necessarily a good thing; making gambling more accessible doesn’t seem like it’s going to benefit society,” he said.
Throughout Fanshawe’s halls are posters telling the student body determination pays in school and extracurriculars, but never in gambling.
No one should suffer from addiction. If you or someone you know is hurting, please get help. Ontario’s Problem Gambling helpline is 1-888-230-3505 and the Drug and Alcohol helpline is 1-800-565-8603.
If on campus, try booking an appointment with Fanshawe’s counselling services in room F2010 or calling 519-452-4282.
Inside the email was news about MyOLG, touted as Ontario’s first legal online gambling website, with access lottery tickets, digital slots and – for now – single person poker.
Multiple OLG press statements tell over $400 million annually leaves the province through offshore grey market gambling sites, something the province has repeatedly stated is a concern to them.
The federal government includes online gambling as a possible route for money laundering on the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada website.
In fact, a gambling ring worth $25 million was broken up in February 2013, with joint operations in London, Markham and Toronto shutting down an offshore Super Bowl gambling site.
Including organized crime, OLG’s rain reason for the website was the realization this was money that could otherwise be spent at government mandated facilities, and therefore be taxed. With the new website the province estimated a net profit of $350 million during the first five years, which has already been earmarked for education and healthcare spending.
But NDP leader Andrea Horwath stated this wasn’t a socially responsible move for the province – arguing that it just became easier to gamble ones house away and would lead to an increase in youth gambling.
Tackling these challenges the OLG has stated that there will be limits that are self set on how much can be spent, that cool down times will stop the users from being able to increase that amount for seven days, and risk assessments of all users on the site, with directed messages targeting those most at risk.
The province also stated the only way to use these services is by making an account with valid government ID, stopping underage would-be gamblers while giving added security for payment processes.
Gambling can be an issue with the student body. When told about the upcoming website, there were mixed reactions.
“I do by tickets sometimes,” said first-year Culinary student Setphanie Stevenson. “I personally wouldn’t enjoy using [MyOLG], because I like picking the ticket and choosing, but I think this service could help seniors and people confined to their homes.”
But another worry-brought up by student Meghan Wright – was cybercrime against the system. “I buy lottery tickets yes, [but] I wouldn’t use this service … how do we know it’s not fixed online, some hacker could get behind the whole scheme, and a lot of people don’t realize that.” Also stating she wouldn’t use this service “because it defeated the purpose of social interaction”.
Alex, also in first year Culinary said that while he doesn’t gamble anymore, the new service would lead him to begin buying tickets again, mainly because of the ease of use.
A small poll conducted with ten students showed three thought the website was a good idea, four disagreed, and three were indifferent about MyOLG. Four students did partake in some form of gambling while six did not.
Joel Pouli, a film Studies student in his graduating semester says it’s another way to put taxes on something.
“I don’t think that’s necessarily a good thing; making gambling more accessible doesn’t seem like it’s going to benefit society,” he said.
Throughout Fanshawe’s halls are posters telling the student body determination pays in school and extracurriculars, but never in gambling.
No one should suffer from addiction. If you or someone you know is hurting, please get help. Ontario’s Problem Gambling helpline is 1-888-230-3505 and the Drug and Alcohol helpline is 1-800-565-8603.
If on campus, try booking an appointment with Fanshawe’s counselling services in room F2010 or calling 519-452-4282.
