Alberta took more baby steps towards a new igaming market yesterday with the announcement that $1 million has been earmarked in the provincial budget toward an online gambling review.
More specifically, according to the budget delivered yesterday afternoon: “$1 million in 2024-25 will support a review of the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act and supporting Regulation, with the objectives of reducing the regulatory burden on business and finding ways to increase contributions to Alberta charities and community facilities.”
PointsBet Canada earlier this week, in their financial performance report for the first half of 2024, included a projection chart for Alberta and British Columbia in a regulated open market similar to the Ontario model. According to the chart, Ontario represents 38 percent of the Canadian population, while Alberta and B.C. represent 12 percent and 14 percent, respectively, so those three provinces total 64 percent of the Canadian population.
The Ontario market currently accounts for 53 percent of Canada NGR (net gaming revenue). Alberta and B.C. would add 11 percent and 12 percent, bringing the three-province total to 76 percent of Canada NGR.
A few weeks ago, CDC Gaming Reports reported that Dale Nally, the Alberta government’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, was in attendance at the ICE international gaming conference in London. Nally took part in a roundtable discussion with Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey to discuss igaming in Canada, its success in Ontario, and how Alberta sees similar success.
Nally has been given a mandate by Alberta premier Danielle Smith to work with Indigenous partners to develop and implement Alberta’s online-gaming strategy, focusing on responsible gaming and provincial and Indigenous revenue generation.
In a statement, Nally said: “Alberta can be a leading hub for igaming, with a strong emphasis on openness and a free market. 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.”
That’s why, however small when looking at the totality of Alberta’s budget yesterday, the igaming-related news will be welcomed in the offices of PointsBet Canada and other prominent, licensed, Canadian operators.
