The landscape is shifting in Wild Rose Country. Last month, the Red Tape Reduction States Amendment Act, known as Bill 16, was passed, empowering the Alberta government to oversee the growth of its gaming and sports betting sectors.
This initiative is positioned to mirror the achievements of Ontario, where a regulated gaming market has been successfully implemented since 2022. A spokesperson for Minister Dale Nally stated, “As we advance our policy framework toward a more accessible regulated online gaming industry, the Alberta government will continue to assess exemplary practices from other regions, including Ontario,”
With over 70 authorized casinos contributing to a remarkable $2.4 billion in revenue in the last year, iGaming Ontario serves as a solid foundation for Alberta’s upcoming efforts. The Ontario government regulates external operators, promoting rapid market entry for newcomers while ensuring player safety and fair gaming practices. Only casinos that receive certification from iGaming Ontario can legally operate, setting a precedent that Alberta plans to follow.
However, Ontario is just one of the sources of insight for Alberta's new regulations: “Moving forward, we will engage with all 47 First Nations and the six tribal casino operators,” the spokesperson elaborated. “We are eager to meet soon and gather their input on iGaming.”
Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities in her correspondence to Nally last July regarding the bill. She made it clear that Nally was to be “Collaborating with Indigenous partners [to] finalize and execute Alberta's online gaming strategy with an emphasis on responsible gambling and generating revenue for the province and Indigenous groups,”
Upcoming meetings with Indigenous groups regarding the Red Tape Reduction initiative are on the agenda. The province also plans to consult with various stakeholders, including casino and racetrack operators, to develop an effective regulatory system.
This Bill was introduced after the allocation of $1 million to review the existing Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act. Nally received clear directives from Premier Smith to investigate the iGaming landscape and identify optimal strategies for harnessing the potential of a more open market in Alberta. The passage of Bill 16 marks a significant milestone towards launching Alberta’s iGaming sector.
Bruce Caughill, Managing Director of Canada for Rush Street Interactive, commented positively on the bill's timely advancement: “The Alberta government has a real sense of urgency to make this happen as soon as possible,” and there are compelling reasons for that. With a favorable population, low corporate tax rates, and high disposable incomes, Alberta is poised to be a prime market for online gaming. Additionally, Alberta ranks among the highest per-capita gambling spenders in Canada, indicating a promising market for expansion.
While launching yesterday might have been ideal, as it currently stands, residents of Alberta can anticipate the rollout of a fully regulated gaming market by 2025.
Latest Casinos to Launch in Canada
