Bull Rutsey, the head of the Canadian Gaming Association and top man in that country's $14-billion land gambling industry is not happy with the Internet gaming business, claiming it sucks $500 million a year out of the Canadian economy, which he would presumably prefer to see gambled in land-based ventures.
This week the Vancouver Province newspaper reported on his address to more than 600 gambling industry representatives in Vancouver for the Association's national conference and trade show to hear from experts and see the newest gadgets to lure customers to bingo halls, casinos, lotteries and horse-racing tracks.
Rutsey told delegates that Internet gambling represents the biggest threat to Canada's gambling industry: "Millions just disappear - the money is sucked right out of the economy," he claimed. "Internet gaming is a real competitive threat, and law enforcement needs to take steps to deal with the issue. It seems to be a case of benign neglect at this point."
The gambling chief said that online casinos, sports betting and horse races are illegal in Canada and the U.S., but in the past five years, Internet gambling has grown from a $5 billion business worldwide to $12 to $14 billion today. The Canadian portion of the business is estimated at $500 million a year.
And instead of provincial governments getting their share of the bets - $7 billion last year - Internet gambling revenues disappear into the pockets of organised criminals and private companies, often with offshore addresses, he said.
"Who knows what's really going on with these games," Rutsey said. "You could have underage gamblers playing, and if you've got a problem with gambling, the Internet is a perfect place to exploit it."
Rutsey admits online gambling is difficult to stop, but says that land casinos are fighting back by providing more than a place to play cards and slot machines. "To compete, we need to create compelling experiences for the public with live entertainment, food and beverages," he urged.
In Canada, the gambling industry employs more than 50,000 people. Casinos take in the biggest share of gambling money, followed by the lotteries. Bingo has been losing players, but the lottery corporation is trying to revitalise the game with Chances, its new brand for "community gaming centres" featuring bingo as well as slot machines and licensed facilities.
This week the Vancouver Province newspaper reported on his address to more than 600 gambling industry representatives in Vancouver for the Association's national conference and trade show to hear from experts and see the newest gadgets to lure customers to bingo halls, casinos, lotteries and horse-racing tracks.
Rutsey told delegates that Internet gambling represents the biggest threat to Canada's gambling industry: "Millions just disappear - the money is sucked right out of the economy," he claimed. "Internet gaming is a real competitive threat, and law enforcement needs to take steps to deal with the issue. It seems to be a case of benign neglect at this point."
The gambling chief said that online casinos, sports betting and horse races are illegal in Canada and the U.S., but in the past five years, Internet gambling has grown from a $5 billion business worldwide to $12 to $14 billion today. The Canadian portion of the business is estimated at $500 million a year.
And instead of provincial governments getting their share of the bets - $7 billion last year - Internet gambling revenues disappear into the pockets of organised criminals and private companies, often with offshore addresses, he said.
"Who knows what's really going on with these games," Rutsey said. "You could have underage gamblers playing, and if you've got a problem with gambling, the Internet is a perfect place to exploit it."
Rutsey admits online gambling is difficult to stop, but says that land casinos are fighting back by providing more than a place to play cards and slot machines. "To compete, we need to create compelling experiences for the public with live entertainment, food and beverages," he urged.
In Canada, the gambling industry employs more than 50,000 people. Casinos take in the biggest share of gambling money, followed by the lotteries. Bingo has been losing players, but the lottery corporation is trying to revitalise the game with Chances, its new brand for "community gaming centres" featuring bingo as well as slot machines and licensed facilities.