New Brunswick has tabled legislation to modernize its Gaming Control Act, creating authority for the province to regulate live casino events conducted online. The measure is intended to let the government respond more quickly to changing gaming activities and, ultimately, provide a regulated alternative to unregulated online offerings.
The government said the current law does not permit it to make regulations for live casinos. The bill would address that gap by establishing regulation-making authority, with the detailed rules to be introduced later. It has received first reading in the New Brunswick legislative assembly.
The proposal originated with Atlantic Lottery Corporation, which wants to offer live casino games in New Brunswick. Gaming Intelligence reported that the legislation followed the corporation’s proposal.
A live casino is an interactive platform through which customers can play online table games using the web or a phone. The games take place in real time with human dealers and other players.
Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin said the update was necessary to keep rules effective and clear as gaming evolves. He said growing interest in live casinos, alongside a wider range of online products, made regulation a safer option for New Brunswickers than unregulated services.
Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy said the wider overhaul of the act was designed to ensure new gaming options were developed responsibly and met players’ needs in a safe, regulated environment.
