New Brunswick Considers Private Online Gambling Market
New Brunswick is reviewing whether to allow private operators into its regulated online gambling market, potentially ending Atlantic Lottery's exclusive role.Summary
New Brunswick is reviewing whether to allow private companies to offer regulated online gambling, a move that could end the Atlantic Lottery Corporation's exclusive position in the province. Finance Minister René Legacy confirmed that Premier Susan Holt's government is examining regulatory options as online gambling grows across Canada, studying approaches used by Ontario and Alberta, but no final decision or timetable has been announced.
Atlantic Lottery currently offers regulated online casino gaming and sports betting across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, and is jointly owned by the four provincial governments. However, offshore gambling websites are estimated to generate more than CA$250 million annually from Atlantic Canadian customers, and New Brunswick's lottery revenue has fallen by roughly CA$8 million compared with two years earlier.
Ontario launched Canada's first competitive regulated online gambling market in April 2022, and Alberta followed in July 2026. Experts such as Brock University's Michael Naraine suggest New Brunswick consider stricter models like New York's limited licences and 51% tax, or a regional arrangement with other Atlantic provinces and Quebec. Consumer protection and enforcement remain central concerns, and no legislation or timetable has been introduced, so the existing framework stays in place.
(Source：World Casino News)