B.C. has extended the scope of online gambling in the province to include casino-style games.
The BC Lottery Corp. has added games like blackjack, roulette and craps to its PlayNow.com website, along with sports betting. This makes them the first jurisdiction in North America to offer legal, online casino-style gambling.
B.C. residents spend an estimated $100 million on online gambling websites each year, and Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman says the province wants to ensure that money benefits British Columbians.
Mr. Coleman says the Liberal government intends to use the funds in areas like health care, higher education and improved infrastructure.
The lottery corporation says a number of gambling safeguards have been put in place, including a clock that displays how long players have been online and a pre-set deposit limit.
But New Democrat critic Shane Simpson says the province's actions are irresponsible, especially when it's cut funding to treat problem gamblers.