The casino operators and management are aware of the potential for organized crime involvement and money laundering and have introduced policies and procedures to minimize the risks. In 1999 in Ontario, the Ontario Illegal Gaming Enforcement Unit that was established to combat illegal gaming investigated 241 occurrences. A total of 941 charges were laid against 623 persons. There have also been investigations into online gambling involving East European-based and Traditional organized crime groups. Sentences for convicted operators in Central Canada do not seem to deter illegal gaming offenses.
Internet gambling is largely unregulated.
The Ontario government has begun to study how to regulate these operations that, in many cases, are international. An Internet gaming working group that represents four Ontario government ministries will be issuing a report with recommendations for action in the late summer or early fall of 2000. The Atlantic provinces seem to be viewed by certain organized crime groups involved in illegal gaming as a relatively safe haven and possibly an area of future operation. Outlook The criminal enterprises, such as loansharking and money laundering, that support illegal gambling will continue to provide significant profits for organized crime to finance other criminal activities.