CRTC shoots down Quebec online gambling law

B.C. has become the first jurisdiction in North America to offer legal, online casino gambling.

The CRTC has told Quebec that the province cannot lawfully order Internet companies to block people's access to certain websites without first obtaining the federal regulator's approval.

CRTC secretary general Danielle May-Cuconato told Quebec on Thursday about the broadcast regulator's preliminary decision.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre filed an application with the CRTC in July asking it to state its position regarding the new law passed by the Quebec government.

The law forces Internet companies to block citizens' access to online gambling websites not authorized by the provincial government.

Canada's wireless telecom lobby has challenged Quebec's legislation in court, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of federal law.

The CRTC says federal law states it is the only body that can order Internet sites be blocked and, even then, only under exceptional circumstances.