Alberta to Follow in Ontario’s Footsteps: An Open Regulated Market is on the Horizon

By Shlok Ahuja

Dale Nally’s Update: Insights from the 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit

At the 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit, Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, provided insights into the future plans for iGaming within the province.

With significant developments on the horizon for Alberta's gaming industry, Nally issued the following statement:

“Let me tell you a little bit about what our gaming site is going to look like. It’s going to be very similar to Ontario, because we’re following their model. As far as I’m concerned, they built the roadmap. We’ll massage it a little bit but it’s been inspired by the experience in Ontario. It’s going to be an open and free market.”

Economic Climate and Investment Attraction

Alberta has seen substantial investments due to its notably low corporate tax rate, which is lower than any other region in Canada and 44 U.S. states. This favorable tax environment makes Alberta highly attractive, projecting economic growth within the province to be twice the national average. Nally emphasized the opportunistic economic environment for the gaming industry, urging stakeholders to consider the benefits of investing in Alberta.

Legislative Changes and Oversight

Recent legislation, Bill 16, paves the way for a regulated market by removing Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) from the regulatory role, placing oversight with the Justice Minister instead. This shift aims to attract commercial operators who were previously hesitant due to AGLC's involvement.

Current State of Alberta’s Gaming Market

Recent estimates from H2 Gambling Capital indicate that AGLC's Play Alberta site holds over 45% of the digital gambling market, while nearly 55% remains unregulated. This unregulated segment lacks governmental oversight and player protection and does not contribute revenue to the province. Dan Keene, AGLC's VP of Gaming, highlighted the maturity of Alberta's gaming market and expressed support for the minister's regulatory plans. He emphasized the need for safe, regulated options to capture market share and ensure provincial revenue while protecting players through compliance measures.

Timeline for the Open Market

Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, has expressed a desire for an open, regulated market to come to fruition sooner rather than later. While Alberta looks to accelerate the launch, there is a possibility it could happen within this calendar year. However, no timelines have been confirmed. Clearer indications are expected as the launch approaches.