Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in Alberta, Canada, says the province can transform itself into an iGaming hub for gamblers, similar to Ontario, in the future.
Dale Nally wants to expand the iGaming market for Alberta residents by establishing a gambling regulatory framework
Furthermore, the only legal online casino games residents can find are offered by Play Alberta, run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).
The provincial government is aiming to expand online gambling to private companies.
“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,” Nally said.
Additionally, the provincial government is reportedly negotiating from now in June throughout July next month to establish a gambling regulatory framework.
The new framework will focus on the online gambling strategy, oversee safeguards for responsible gambling, and address any concerns about Indigenous revenue generation.
Alberta could launch new iGaming framework by 2025
In a statement for the government, a spokesperson said that the expansion of iGaming in Alberta is an important step forward for the province to compete with Ontario in the future.
“As part of our policy development process, and as we look at moving to a more open regulated online gaming market, we will continue to examine best practices from other jurisdictions, including Ontario,” the spokesperson added.
Currently, Play Alberta accounts for approximately 45% of the total market, and offshore websites represent the rest.
Offshore gambling sites are not required to pay tax locally. Since the unlicensed operators have more freedom, they can offer better games, jackpots, and promotions.
Nally said at a press conference in April that Bill 16, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, would allow the provincial government to make policy decisions related to the alcohol and gaming sectors when there is a “direct impact” on government revenues.
“We would also further clarify that government, as well as Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis, has the authority to conduct and manage gaming activities in the province,” Nally added.
Considering Bill 16 is now law, there is hope that Alberta, with a population of 4.78 million, could launch a new iGaming framework by 2025.
Of course, Ontario’s competitive iGaming market went live in April 2022.
