Manitoba Online Gaming

In April 2012, Manitoba Lotteries announced a partnership with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to deliver online gambling for Manitobans based on the BCLC's online gaming platform, PlayNow. The BCLC would provide site design, development, testing services and management services, while Manitoba would regulate the site. In January 2013, PlayNow.com launched in Manitoba with online poker, casino games and sports betting available to Manitoba residents. Online poker players in Manitoba also have access to players on the Canadian Poker Network.

Since January 2013, Manitoba has operated under a shared liquidity deal with British Columbia. It allows residents of the central province to use the same internet betting site of B.C. locals, PlayNow.com. Sharing player pools helped increase interest, particularly in the online poker pool.

In November 2014, PlayNow began offering "novelty" bets to Manitoba residents, such as when the existence of extra-terrestrial life will be proven. Residents can wager as little as 10 cents or, in some cases, up to $10,000 on these novelty bets.

Revenue generated from online gaming is reinvested into Manitoba communities to support health and education, with funds allocated to fight addictions and to support Aboriginal sports and recreation. Five percent (5%) of online gambling net income is committed to responsible gambling initiatives. Another 15% of the revenue is dedicated to support expanded provincial programming for Aboriginal sport and recreational activities.

Online Gaming Properties Operating in Manitoba