The gates are opening in Alberta. Bill 16, known formally as the Red Tape Reduction States Amendment Act, recently passed, empowering Alberta to take charge of expanding its gaming and sports betting horizons.
The Alberta government is optimistic that their venture will echo the triumph seen in Ontario post-regulation in 2022. “In our journey towards an open and regulated online gaming arena, Alberta's government will thoroughly examine and adopt proven practices from other areas, Ontario included,” a representative for Minister Dale Nally stated.
Ontario's robust iGaming framework, boasting over 70 regulated casinos and last year's $2.4 billion revenue milestone, serves as an ideal model for Alberta. In Ontario, third-party operators are under government oversight, easing market entry for newcomers and ensuring player safety and fairness. Those operating legally in the market carry the iGaming Ontario approval. Alberta is now gearing towards its version of governmental oversight.
Alberta isn't solely looking at Ontario for insights on their new regulations: “We'll be engaging with all 47 First Nations and the six First Nation casino operators,” the spokesperson added. “Their perspectives on iGaming will be invaluable to us.”
Premier Danielle Smith emphasized collaborating with Indigenous partners as part of Nally’s responsibilities on the bill in her directive last July. She clarified that Nally was to “Engage with Indigenous partners [to] finalize and roll out Alberta’s digital gaming strategy, emphasizing responsible gaming and shared revenue benefits.”
Upcoming consultations on the Red Tape Reduction will involve Indigenous communities. The province will also collaborate with casino and racetrack stakeholders to craft the best regulatory framework.
Following the allocation of $1 million to assess the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act, Premier Smith tasked Nally with exploring the iGaming market for ways Alberta can optimally embrace market opening. Bill 16 marks a significant stride towards Alberta’s iGaming unveiling.
Rush Street Interactive's Canadian Managing Director, Bruce Caughill, reflected that the Bill's timing was apt: “Alberta's leadership was keen to have it in effect yesterday,” with justified urgency. Alberta, with its significant population, attractive tax environment, and affluent residents, represents an enticing iGaming market. It ranks as one of Canada's top spenders per capita on gambling—a promising market to tap into.
A sooner debut might have been ideal, but Albertans can now anticipate a fully-regulated gaming market rollout by 2025.
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