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Alberta Canada Takes Its First Steps Towards Open Market Online Gambling
By Shane Addinall Mar 12, 2024 IndustryCanadian online casino fans and operators are bullish about the province's future, based on the Albertan government setting aside $1 million for a review of its gambling legislation and its request to hear which operators would be open to licensing!With the overwhelming success of Ontario’s licensed online casino and betting market, the next question was which province would follow its blueprint and regulate accordingly. Based on its recent actions, the government of Alberta appears to be laying the groundwork for opening its borders to international gambling operators.
Albertan Fiscal Plan Shows iGaming Review Budget
The government of Alberta released its ‘Fiscal Plan: A Responsible Plan for a Growing Province 2024-27’ report as part of its 2024 budget. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) oversees all online games of chance and betting markets, with Play Alberta being the province's only licensed online gambling operator.
What has excited industry pundits is the upcoming review of the current Gambling Act in Alberta:
Quote“$1 million in 2024-25 will support a review of the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act and supporting Regulation, with the objectives of reducing the regulatory burden on business and finding ways to increase contributions to Alberta charities and community facilities.”
The above snippet is a passing comment about the budget that the government is assigning to the AGLC to review and redesign how online casinos and other gambling activities are managed in the province.
If they follow in Ontario's footsteps, this is the ideal way to begin shifting the province's online gambling laws to better accommodate an open market system.
Can Alberta Become Canada’s Online Gambling Hub?
A lesser-known part of the shifts in thinking that hint at the Albertan government's interest in a multi-licensed gambling market is their recent request for operators to let them know if they would be interested in acquiring an operating license.
This comes after it was revealed that Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, has been working towards opening the province to international operators.
Speaking to PlayCanada, Nally said:
Quote“Alberta can be a leading hub for iGaming, with a strong emphasis on openness and a free market. We have low corporate taxes, streamlined regulations and high disposable incomes. These conditions will allow us to establish ourselves as a premier destination for the iGaming industry.”
The drive to align the Albertan Gambling Act with that of Ontario makes fiscal sense. The current iGaming monopoly in Alberta is predicted to generate a total of $11.7 billion in wagers for 2024/25. In contrast, Ontario has proven it can generate up to $17 billion per quarter through its multi-license program.
If Nally and other pro-gambling ministers are successful in their attempt to set a new course for Alberta, it would see the province become the second Canadian territory to legalise online gambling.
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