Online Gambling, Yes Or No?

August 10, 2016

As you probably know, not so long ago, this May in fact, the Quebec government enacted a law that when put into full effect will force Internet Service Providers (ISP) to block online casino sites to residents of Quebec. This action, which can be fairly labeled censorship was enacted by the National Assembly. Naturally, this action has stirred up quite a controversy that extends well beyond the borders of Quebec.

Take note of the fact that none other than the Public Interest Advocacy Center is taking this matter quite seriously and has plans in place to take the issue all the way to the CRTC. Look at the language that the Public Interest Advocacy Center is using and you will readily understand just how controversial the Quebec decision really is to all parties concerned.

According the consumer advocacy group, this so-called ban on online gambling sites is in no uncertain terms an “unconstitutional threat to Internet freedom”. Moreover the consumer advocacy group points out the rather obvious point that the Quebec lawmakers seem to be ignoring, the fact that this sort of ban is far and above the province’s jurisdiction. In other words, the Quebec National Assembly is overstepping its bounds so to speak.

There’s more. An additional argument against the Quebec ban that the consumer advocacy group outlines is the increased cost of such filtering that would be imposed on the Internet Service Providers which of course would necessarily be passed down to the Internet subscribers.

Speaking out strongly against the Quebec online casino Internet Prohibition rule, none other than the external counsel for PIAC had this to say: “This is important, not just as a legal matter because it could impact how complex and costly it is to run an ISP—which would drive up already high prices for consumers—but would also impact the openness of the internet.”

You can get a better understanding of exactly how contentious the Quebec ban is turning out to be when you take note of the fact that this situation is bringing together both PIAC as well as the telecom companies such as Bell, Rogers, Telus and others. That and that alone should be a clue as to the seriousness of the Quebec Online Casino Censorship plan.

How will this work out for the average, everyday online casino player from both Quebec as well as the remainder of the provinces? Without question, both the Internet Service Providers as well as fans of online casino action are hoping the CRTC does the right thing.