A local member of the Ontario Legislature wants the government to provide clear answers on how to help those addicted to internet gambling.
Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield rose Monday on the floor of the legislature, questioning the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions about the government's plan to support problem gamblers concerning iGaming.
"Internet gaming launched in Ontario [Monday], causing concern for 260,000 people with a known gambling addiction and their families," said Hatfield, an NDP member. "The government is implementing the Responsible Gambling Council’s (RGC) RG Check Program. However, it’s still not specifically clear how this program will help people with an addiction to gambling."
The RGC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization designed to prevent problem gambling. According to the RGC website, the RC Check program is the accreditation program for gaming operators, which ensures that they have the proper safeguards in place to keep iGaming programs out of the hands of those underage and that they have a plan in place for those with a betting problem.
Hatfield accused the government of rushing through its endorsement of internet gaming without the proper consultation with addiction experts.
"Theo Lagakos, the President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, representing workers at Casino Woodbine has concerns. As does Diana Gabriele, a certified problem gambling counsellor in Windsor who said online gaming would likely lead to more gambling addictions," said Hatfield.
Hatfield wants the provincial government to include limits on time and money spent while gaming from home computers.
According to a discussion paper published by the Ontario government in 2020, the endorsement of iGaming was never intended to take place without protective measures.
"Strong identity and age verification processes are important responsible gambling measures intended to protect underage consumers and those who have self-excluded from online gambling by preventing them from accessing operator websites," read the paper. "Measures are expected to include restrictions on marketing and game designs, so they do not appeal to minors, strong identity and age verification processes, and requirements for voluntary self-exclusion."
