Alberta dampens expectations over any imminent igaming market launch
Despite hopes of the Canadian province’s regulated online gaming and betting market coming to fruition early next year, government officials note further conversations with stakeholders are required
Alberta is not expected to launch a regulated online gaming and betting market in early 2025 after the Albertan government confirmed further talks were required to formulate a workable model.
Speculation over a market launch in early 2025 started after Alberta’s minister of service and red tape reduction Dale Nally spoke at SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit in June, revealing the province would look to form an open-market model similar to Ontario’s.
Speaking at the summit four months ago, Nally said: “Let me tell you a little bit about what our gaming site is going to look like. It’s going to be very similar to Ontario, because we’re following their model. As far as I’m concerned, they built the roadmap.
“We’ll massage it a little bit but it’s been inspired by the experience in Ontario. It’s going to be an open and free market.”
However, Nally’s press secretary Brandon Aboultaif has since told Canadian Gaming Business that while plans for the regulated market are likely to be outlined next year, more time is required to discuss the plans with stakeholders.
Aboultaif said: “As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, we want to ensure a conducive business environment, while protecting the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth.
“We want to get our igaming strategy right by ensuring fairness and transparency to everyone.
“Industry stakeholders have told us that we need to continue our conversations so they can provide more input on the model. We are doing just that.
“Further engagements will also help to identify opportunities to align the strategy with our red tape reduction priorities. While we aim to put the strategy forward in 2025, we will continue to provide updates as this work unfolds.”
Nally is due to speak at this week’s G2E in Las Vegas where he is expected to touch on the province’s plans for the regulated market.
Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) CEO Paul Burns told Canadian Gaming Business that his trade body has encouraged Alberta to replicate notable aspects Ontario’s model including tax rate and aspects of its regulatory model.
Burns also noted discussions have already been held with Alberta’s First Nations, but other stakeholder conversations are still required.
Any decisions regarding a new online gaming and betting market will also need sign-off from cabinet members.
Currently, the only legal online gambling outlet in Alberta is Play Alberta, operated by the AGLC, offering casino games, live dealer table games and sports betting.
This summer, EGR North America explored how Ontario’s existing model could serve as the blueprint for the rest of Canada’s provinces should local governments decided to push ahead with multi-license models.