The Canadian province of Alberta has unveiled plans to launch online gaming through the Alberta iGaming Corporation.
The newly proposed crown corporation would be tasked with developing and conducting online gambling on behalf of the province in partnership with private operators, with regulatory authority over the proposed market resting with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).
The proposed bill, the Alberta iGaming Act, would also allow the Alberta iGaming Corporation to conduct online gaming on behalf of other Canadian provinces and territories.
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, commented: “Our goal is not to create new gamblers, but to make existing online gambling safer. As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, it is important that we modernize Alberta’s approach to gaming to protect the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth.
“The legislation we are introducing, if approved, would take the first steps towards this.”
The proposed bill would prohibit the operation and promotion of unlicensed online gambling and includes responsible gambling tools such as a centralised self-exclusion system for players.
“We commend Premier Smith, Minister Nally and their teams on all their efforts to bring an open and competitive regulated online gaming marketplace to Alberta,” said Adam Kates, vice-president of compliance at theScore.
“We are fully supportive of a model that has proven to generate new revenue, protect consumers and shift wagering activity to the regulated market, and we’re confident that these benefits will be realized in Alberta. We look forward to supporting the process ahead and ultimately having an opportunity to introduce theScore Bet to Albertans.”
At present, AGLC’s PlayAlberta website is the only licensed iGaming site in the province, although a number of private operators serve the market.
The Government of Alberta said the move to an open, competitive market will enable it to capture revenue that is currently escaping the province to unlicensed operators.
The Alberta iGaming Act was introduced and read for the first time on Wednesday March 26.