In April 2022, Ontario launched its iGaming market. That includes almost 50 operators, a provincial lottery, and more than $1.3 million active player accounts. Following in Ontario’s footsteps is the province of Alberta. They are trying to set up their own Ontario-like sports betting and online gambling market. Reports say that this could all happen by 2025 in Alberta. At the SBC Summit North America conference in New Jersey last week, Canada at BetRivers managing directions Bruce Caughill had this to say,
“It’s been interesting to see it unfold, because there is a desire in the Alberta government to make this happen yesterday, but I think they’re starting to understand that to make things happen even quickly takes some time.” – Bruce Caughill
What efforts have been made to widen the sports betting and online gambling market in Alberta?
Bruce Caughill noted that legislation was tabled last month in Alberta. It would allow the province to create a separate entity to “conduct and manage” online gambling. That would be in addition to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, & Cannabis Commission (AGLC). As of now, the AGLC is the only operator in Alberta via the Play Alberta platform.
If Alberta adopts the Ontario system of sports betting and online gambling, the size of the market would expand. AGLC would not be the only operator in the province of Alberta to use Onatrio’s model. They even created the iGaming Ontario agency to help “conduct and manage” online sports betting and gambling in Ontario. Alberta plans to create a similar agency in their province. Ontario proved that an expanded market can be profitable and other provinces will soon follow. Will Alberta be the next?
Alberta has been trying to broaden their online market for years now. Minister of Service Dale Nally is tasked with developing a new online gaming strategy. A budget of $1 million was set aside for Nally’s ministry to review Alberta’s gambling laws. Bruce Caughill suggests that Alberta is defining iGaming as both internet sports wagering and casino gambling. They want to take full advantage of the entire sports betting and gambling market.
