Alberta Moves Forward with Opening Online Gambling Market

Alberta is officially moving forward with plans to open its regulated online gambling market, expanding beyond the current monopoly held by Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). This decision was announced by Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, at the Canadian Gaming Summit.

Following Ontario’s lead, Alberta aims to turn profits from illegal online gambling into a billion-dollar revenue stream. The province will become the second in Canada to allow private online gambling sites to legally operate in exchange for a share of their revenues. Last year, Ontario generated 2.4 billion in gaming revenue using a similar model.

The move to open the floodgates for online gambling in Alberta responds to the increasing demand for convenient and accessible gambling options, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.

Alberta is currently working towards launching online gambling, with sports betting likely to follow suit. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, is actively involved in bringing this market to fruition. Plans for the future of gambling in Alberta were discussed during the ICE conference in London.

Alberta’s new online gambling site, PlayAlberta.ca, offers a variety of slots, table games, instant-win games, lotteries, and even live dealer tables with low minimum bets.

The player safety tools incorporated into Alberta’s online gambling site are a positive step towards responsible gaming. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that the site does not contribute to or exacerbate gambling-related issues among players.

Impact of Open Betting Markets

Open betting markets have had a significant financial impact, particularly among certain demographics. Studies have shown that regions with legalized sports betting tend to have lower credit scores, and increased bankruptcies and debt, especially among younger men and lower-income households.

Conclusion

Despite some provinces maintaining restrictions on private online betting sites, a considerable portion of Canadians are actively engaged in online gambling. Alberta’s decision to open its online gambling market signifies a significant shift in the province’s approach to gambling regulation and revenue generation.