Sure it’s illegal, but we like online gambling anyway
By Peter Wolchak
May 14, 2010
May 14, 2010
Internet gambling may be rising in popularity, but it’s still against the law unless operated by a provincial or state body. Yet Canadian and American gamblers either don’t know it’s illegal or have simply decided to ignore that fact.
A recent study from Ipsos Reid found only 23 per cent of Canadian respondents and 37 per cent of Americans were aware of online gambling’s illegality. And overall, we are warming up to the idea of risking our money online. Half of Americans and 55 per cent of Canadians are willing to permit Internet gambling as long as government regulations are in place.
“The idea of Internet gambling appears to be gaining acceptance in North America, with more people expressing an interest to see it legalized with proper regulation,” said Paul Lauzon, senior vice-president and managing director of Ipsos Reid’s Lottery and Gaming Group. “Governments also appear to be doing a poor job at informing citizens that Internet gambling is in fact illegal unless regulated by a state or provincial authority.”
More details on the Ipsos Reid online gambling study.
A recent study from Ipsos Reid found only 23 per cent of Canadian respondents and 37 per cent of Americans were aware of online gambling’s illegality. And overall, we are warming up to the idea of risking our money online. Half of Americans and 55 per cent of Canadians are willing to permit Internet gambling as long as government regulations are in place.
“The idea of Internet gambling appears to be gaining acceptance in North America, with more people expressing an interest to see it legalized with proper regulation,” said Paul Lauzon, senior vice-president and managing director of Ipsos Reid’s Lottery and Gaming Group. “Governments also appear to be doing a poor job at informing citizens that Internet gambling is in fact illegal unless regulated by a state or provincial authority.”
More details on the Ipsos Reid online gambling study.
