The first regulated online gambling website in Manitoba launched on Wednesday.
PlayNow.com was first announced last spring as a way to provide Manitobans with the option to gamble securely online with games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, slots and others.
“Players can be confident in the extensive safety and security measures that are in place to protect their personal information, their bets and their deposits,” said Winston Hodgins, president and CEO of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.
Users 18+ sign up for an account — verified by an active credit card — which allows them to start playing with real money. To get a feel for the games, a free demo mode is also offered. Players can also place bets on sports, tournaments and events, with live bingo and more lottery products arriving later in 2013.
Revenue collected will be reinvested into Manitoba communities. Three percent of online gambling net income will be provided to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and two percent will be committed to Manitoba Lotteries’ responsible gambling initiatives. The Province will allocate fifteen percent to support expanded provincial programming for Aboriginal sport and recreational activities. The remaining revenue will be directed to the Province of Manitoba to support priority programing in health care, education, community and social services and economic development.
