Bowmans To Lobby Ontario Ad Ban Proposal

Published: Saturday, October 28, 2006 Online-Casinos.com

BRITISH GAMBLING GIANT TO LOBBY AGAINST ONTARIO ADS BAN PROPOSAL

Bowmans hits out at Canadian province's attempt to curtail marketing

A major British gambling group is up in arms over a proposal by Canadian provincial politicians in Ontario to ban online gambling advertising in the region.

Sportsbook and gaming operator Bowmans International hit out at attempts to ban advertising for dotnet sites, which could put an end to betting and gaming companies sponsoring sports teams and clubs.

Robert Haggis, legal counsel for Bowmans International, said the company had hired a lobbyist in Ontario to persuade the parliament there to "listen to reason".

"They are trying to outlaw internet gaming, but this is a very difficult thing to achieve." He added that Bowmans sponsored Canadian Football League teams and used billboards throughout the state.

"What is happening in Ontario is going beyond the Federal code, and we think that can be challenged" Haggis said. He added that the sports clubs themselves are also against the move.

"It is a lot of revenue for them. But there are also issues regarding freedom of speech. And there will also be an interesting issue when it comes to the issue of Kahnawake [the First Nation enclave in Quebec which licenses over 350 online gambling operations]."

Haggis added that Bowmans was intent on carrying on "business as usual" in terms of accepting bets and wagers from US residents.

He said: "We are continuing. We have casino, poker and a sportsbook. We are licensed in Mauritius and the Isle of Man. Our Isle of Man licence is a tier one licence. That can help sell us to our gaming clients. It's business as usual for us."

Haggis indicated that at least one other major gambling group had also entered the lobbying field in Ontario, but he did not identify this company.