Toronto

McGuinty open to idea of internet gambling

Premier Dalton McGuinty is opening the door to Internet gambling in Ontario.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he could be open to allowing Internet gambling in Ontario.

Paul Godfrey, the new chairman of Ontario Lottery and Gaming, said last week that things could be done to expand OLG revenues.

On Friday, Godfrey said he was interested in exploring Internet gaming.

"Money is going out of this province to other provinces, as well as to some offshore sites, but I want to find out all the implications of doing this," he said.

Quebec has announced plans to join the British Columbia and Atlantic lottery corporations in allowing online gambling.

McGuinty said Tuesday that Ontario will be forced to make a call on it one way or the other, adding he's glad the issue has been raised.

He says the province can't limit the availability of online gambling the same way it can control the sale of alcohol.

The Opposition says the government would need to make sure there are controls in place to protect young people.