August 20 - The Canadian region of British Columbia has recognized the needs
of online gamblers to wager larger amounts than what has previously been
allowed.
The BC Lottery Corp, a government owned lottery group announced that
its Play Now website is increasing it maximum wagering limit for players.
Whereas it was permissible to wager up to $120 a week on the lottery tickets
and online games offered on the site until now, BC Lottery Corp announced that
that limit has now been pushed up to a staggering $10K.
The group said that research has shown that gamblers are capable of setting
their own limits.
The president of BC Lottery stressed that the corporation itself had made the
decision, and not the provincial government.
Speaking about the new limits set, Michael Graydon said: "We felt it was
important to put a ceiling on that, but really the premise and the outcome of
the research was that we're in the best shape to be able to let the players set
their own limits."
British Columbia reports annual gambling revenue of $1 billion, a sum that
has continued this year too, despite the recession.
Naturally, the move has received strong condemnation from a number of
interest groups, who called the decision "unacceptable".
"This has been with no consultation, as I can see, with people who are
concerned about problem gambling," said critic, Shane Simpson. "It's the
government's responsibility to ensure people are protected."
| 
