Canadians, been out of the loop. Help me out

[buztah]

Been on a gambling sabbatical since June while resolving some health issues. A friend mentioned gambling online is now illegal in Canada (Ontario). I can't find anything on this on Yahoo/Google. What gives? is it now illegal in Canada to place a wager on a sporting contest online? if so that totally blows and is surprising.

Responses much appreciated as I would like to reload at the greek but will not do so if it is illegal of course.

[20Four7]

It is not illegal that I know of, but Ontario did ban the ADVERTISING of offshore internet gambling sites.
I'm almost 100% sure Bill 152 went through.
See this site:

http://gaming.typepad.com/gaming_international/2006/10/ontario_plans_t.html

The Ontario provincial government is considering amending its Consumer Protection Act, 2002, to prohibit the advertising of Internet sites that operate an "Internet gaming business" contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. An "Internet gaming business" means a supplier that accepts or offers to accept wagers or bets over the Internet as part of the playing of or participation in any game of chance or mixed chance and skill outside Canada or on any contingency or on any event inside or outside of Canada including a casino game, card game, horse race, fight match, sporting event or contest. Advertising includes promotion by print, publication, broadcast, telecommunications, self-promotion and a website link if it is intended to promote the use of an Internet gaming business.

The proposed bill, Bill 152, also prohibits persons, other than Internet service providers, from arranging for or otherwise facilitating the advertising of online gambling sites.

Bill 152 is supported by Ontario's horseracing industry which has lobbied the government for several years to take action to ban the people of Ontario from gambling online, a move they say will ensure the economic viability of the industry.

For a legal opinion of online gambling in Canada see here

[Stumpage]

Your friend is completely and totally wrong. It is a grey area to be sure, and there seem to be lots of opinions, but it is not illegal, of that I can assure you. That goes for both Ontario and Canada.

[buztah]

Thanks, gents. Much obliged. I am thinking of re-loading at the Greek tomorrow now. I hope they still take Canadian customers. ** cash transfer from Ontario still work with these guys? I take it there is nothing illegal about funding the account. Hope not. Don't know why this is even a grey area. My money. My business.

[Stumpage]

"Grey" was a poor word choice on my part. I should have said people seem to have many different viewpoints in Canada regarding the legality of online wagering. I've heard some fairly knowledgeable people state that it is illegal, but it's not. Others think it might be illegal, but again, it's not. Perhaps some day it might be, but that's certainly not the case currently.

Bottom line buztah: Greek absolutely continues to take Canadian customers and there is nothing illegal about funding an account there, not even remotely. The only thing I can't help you with is Western Union, as I'm not sure if they have this option. If they do, you'll be fine.....

[buztah]

Stumpage, THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!