The Canadian government is considering introducing a similar online gaming ban as the US 2006 UIGEA. This week they considered a move to limit banks and credit card groups from conducting financial transactions with online gaming operators in the country.

However, Michael Lipton, a gaming law expert and the senior partner at Elkind & Lipton in Toronto makes the following comments regarding the government moves: “the days of regulated Internet gambling in Canada are not so far off in the distant future as the Canadian government history for the past 50, 60 years was tending more towards regulating instead of prohibiting. Take the example of horse racing, five years ago, or the land based casinos case in 1969 and the examples can continue.”

"If the community wants something legalized, and this benefits the country, it usually happens." he added

Almost 500 online gaming sites hold a license released by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is based in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal. The Commission, which was established in 1996, argues that it is authorized to legalize and control gaming and related activities within and from its territory since it is a self-governing nation.

However, Lipton says the Commission does not operate in a sovereign nation. Instead it is protected by Section 35 of the constitution that pronounces the government must recognize and respect traditions and customs that are integral to their culture.

Now, the case of gaming falling under this category is up for debate but Lipton does not believe that the government "is looking to move on this because it could lead to violence"