Robert Williams, a name synonymous with negative views on online gambling and a Lethbridge University academic, speaks out about the situation in Canada. The incidence of online gambling is growing in Canada, and gamblers are spending more online than those in land based casinos.

According to Williams, there will be more problem gambling in Canada as a result of the growing interest. He claims that accessibility and better payout rates are attracting more players.
In his research, Williams produced useful information, claiming that free-play results at online casinos are better than real-money gambling in order to entice players and thus take their money is arguable. His studies have shown that underage gamblers use free-play facilities extensively. He says that half of North American high school and post-secondary students have played on free-play online gambling sites.

The average monthly loss of individual Internet gamblers in Canada is $541 compared to an $82 loss for all gamblers. Problem gambling stats are around 3 percent, but this is growing and the majority of online gambling revenue comes from this source.  It is estimated that worldwide revenues from online gambling reached $20 billion in 2008. These figures are based upon William’s report written in conjunction with the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre.
People are going to gamble anyway, so it's better to regulate it and reap the economic benefits while boosting services for problem gamblers. Online gambling has become part of our entertainment culture. The only solution is strict regulation to protect and offer better service to gamers.

Despite Canadian restrictions confining gambling to provincially approved operators, the Kahnawake First Nation online gambling licensing jurisdiction is an enclave hosting some 300 to 400 Internet gambling websites, Williams says, "Online gambling is almost impossible to prohibit. The Mohawks there are so militant in advancing their sovereignty issues and it's such a sensitive area for the Quebec government that they choose not to prosecute."

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