As Alberta moves toward launching an open, regulated iGaming market similar to Ontario’s, many are eager to know the timeline for this significant shift. The Hon. Dale Nally, Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction for Alberta emphasized the swift progress being made in consultations necessary for the rollout.
Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement
The province has completed consultations with First Nations, and the next steps involve discussions with land-based casinos and racetrack operators. Minister Nally stated, “I can’t give you an exact date, but I can tell you that people are going to be surprised by how fast we get this done … and roll this out.”
The Alberta gaming market presents unique characteristics compared to Ontario. Nally highlighted Alberta’s younger population, higher incomes, and lower cost of living as factors that could influence the market’s dynamics. This demographic is particularly enthusiastic about sports, as demonstrated by the record-breaking $16 million 50/50 draw promoted by the Edmonton Oilers during their Stanley Cup run last spring.
Focus on Responsible Gambling
Creating a safe gambling environment is a top priority for Alberta. The province is drawing inspiration from Ontario’s regulatory framework, which mandates responsible gamblingaccreditation, problem-gambling prevention campaigns, and a centralized self-exclusion program. Alberta has already initiated discussions with the Responsible Gambling Council to incorporate similar measures.
Nally stressed, “The most important pillar that we will have in the launch of our iGaming strategy will be responsible gaming. We have a fiduciary responsibility to all Albertans to have a safe, responsible environment for them to gamble, and that is going to be the first and foremost priority of our government as we move forward.”
Preparing for Launch
With popular sports teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Elks, and Calgary Stampeders, the responsible gambling focus must be tailored to a younger, affluent audience. “It’s been made clear to us that we need to invest properly in responsible gaming,” Nally said. “It’s good business practice to have a safe, responsible place to make wagers. You don’t want to have a Wild West and we have that right now.”
Nally’s vision is clear: success will be defined by headlines praising Alberta’s commitment to responsible gaming, not just the launch of a new market. “If the headline in those papers is ‘Alberta government makes online gaming more responsible,’ we will have succeeded,” he stated. The province is determined to prioritize responsible gaming to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
As Alberta gears up for the official launch, the government’s focus on responsible gaming remains steadfast, ensuring that the new iGaming market will be both exciting and safe for all participants.
Source:
As Alberta rolls toward commercial online gaming market, focus turns to responsible gaming, cdcgaming.com, July 30, 2024.