Alberta Will Not be Regulated by AGLC
During the decisive announcement, Nally clarified that the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) would not serve as the regulator of the upcoming online gambling market. Currently, the AGLC operates the province's sole regulated Alberta site, the PlayAlberta government-run platform. Nally's decision aligns with third-party operator concerns, in which many expressed hesitations in sharing confidential information with an entity that would remain a competitor once the market officially opens. The move to establish a regulated market was widely anticipated after Alberta lawmakers passed Bill 16 earlier this month, known as the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act.
The legislation enables Alberta to follow in Ontario's footsteps in appointing a new regulatory body to oversee the regulated online gambling operations. While Nally's office has yet to confirm the precise direction, it's most likely that the regulatory duties will fall on a separate entity. What might the new regulatory landscape resemble? In taking a cue from Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) holds the regulator title. However, the AGCO subsidiary that conducts and manages iGaming operations is iGaming Ontario. Functions include yielding third-party operators access to online casino, poker, and sports betting markets in Ontario.
Alberta Capitalises while Quebec Misses Out
A week ago, Alberta sent ripples through the entire industry by officially unveiling its plan to launch an Ontario-alike online gambling regulated market. The significant declaration made during the 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit hardly surprised seasoned experts. However, rewind the clock, and it was Quebec, not Alberta, that stood on the cusp of stepping forward as Canada's second province to follow in the footsteps of Ontario.
Times change, while seismic shifts alter the online gambling landscape, and in response, the QOGC acknowledged Alberta's progressive stance, emphasizing the missed opportunity within its borders. In recent months, economic challenges have plagued Quebec. The 2024-25 budget released by Ontario's bordering buddy in March included Finance Minister Eric Girard's $11 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. At the time, the coalition extended a concrete solution to Top10Casinos.ca to ease its budget troubles.
No Launch Date for Alberta, but 2025 Still Possible
During his notable visit to the Metro Toronto Convention Center, Dale Nally remained tight-lipped about a potential timeline for the launch of Alberta's regulated online gambling market. Previously, all signs pointed to a rollout in 2025, although Nally's silence neither denies nor confirms it. Behind the scenes, his team diligently works on the expansion project.
Establishing an open online gambling market was prominent in Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta mandate letter. Progress is now palpable, and consultations with main stakeholders are underway, including lottery corporations and First Nations. Nally explicitly stated that the latter plays a role in shaping the marketplace. Months of anticipation finally give way to action. Alberta is poised to be the second Canadian province to regulate online gambling, and as the wheels keep turning, the digital dice are about to roll. It's only a matter of time before Alberta competes with the best online casinos in Canada.
