IGC Supports B.C. Canada's Online Gambling Decision

Published: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 Online-Casinos.com

The Interactive Gaming Council is giving the British Columbia Government the thumbs up for it's decision to go ahead with plans to offer online gambling to the people of that province in Canada. John Kennedy FitzGerald, Chief Executive Officer of the Interactive Gaming Council said, "Like the B.C. Government, the IGC recognizes there are online gaming companies that operate out of poorly regulated jurisdictions," He continued, "However, IGC members are licensed and strictly regulated in jurisdictions like the Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Alderney, which are recognized by the United Kingdom as having the highest regulatory standards in the world. Some of these jurisdictions have been involved with regulating online gaming for nearly a decade."

The IGC said it will e looking forward to working with the B.C. Government and the BC Lottery Corporation to help develop their regulatory model. Regulation will provide legal clarity for British Columbian customers. The IGC hopes that harmonized standards with other leading jurisdictions will enhance consumer protection and provide additional tax revenue opportunities for the government.

The IGC, is a non-profit organization founded in the USA in 1996, then relocating to Vancouver British Columbia and become incorporated there in 2006. It was created to provide a sounding board for interested parties involved in online activities. It's goal is to establish fair and responsible trade guidelines with practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services. It serves as the online gaming industry's public policy advocate and information database.

The move to make available online gambling in British Columbia has drawn critical sentiments from various sources. The noted approval from the Interactive Gaming Council is a welcomed entry into the ongoing debate as to the wisdom of such a bold move by this government. The IGC has been instrumental in providing insightful information and support on many of the issues surrounding the legal and ethical conflicts regarding online gambling.