Alberta Postpones Online Gambling Market Launch to 2025 Amid Consultations

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, had previously revealed the intention to pursue a regulated model akin to Ontario’s. His announcement at the Canadian Gaming Summit in June sparked widespread speculation over Alberta’s timeline. However, as the plan has progressed, it’s clear that additional time is needed to establish a comprehensive and balanced regulatory framework.

Press Secretary Brandon Aboultaif confirmed to Canadian Gaming Business that consultations with stakeholders are ongoing. While a clear timeline is still on the agenda, Aboultaif noted that Alberta is focusing on careful planning to address health, safety, and economic concerns within the gaming industry. “We want to get our iGaming strategy right by ensuring fairness and transparency to everyone,” Aboultaif explained, emphasizing that protecting Albertans, especially young people, remains a core priority.

Aspirations for a Swift Rollout Fade Amid Growing Concerns

Early projections had speculated that Alberta’s gaming framework could be implemented in 2025, possibly in time for the CFL’s Grey Cup event in November. However, Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) President and CEO Paul Burns shared that such a rapid timeline was viewed as overly optimistic by many within the industry. Burns told Canadian Gaming Business, “I think there was a growing concern about just how they were going to get everything done in the time required.” He added that this Canadian province is currently re-evaluating its goals to ensure it can meet the established objectives without rushing the process.

The initial excitement has been tempered by the understanding that setting up a viable online gambling market requires time. Burns emphasized that this period should be seen as a strategic pause rather than a cessation, allowing the government to finalize the necessary frameworks and align with various stakeholders’ expectations.

As Alberta works to craft its regulatory model, many industry leaders, including the CGA, have encouraged the province to consider the structure and standards established by Ontario. Burns suggested that Alberta’s team has been advised to adopt certain aspects of Ontario’s framework, including tax rates and key regulatory practices.

The CGA also highlighted the need for Alberta to take into Ontario’s court ruling on “conduct and manage” obligations, referencing the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling against the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà (MCK). The court case provided legal clarity on managing gaming frameworks, which could offer Alberta valuable insights into minimizing compliance burdens for operators.

Burns believes this decision could help Alberta create a streamlined approach that might reduce regulatory complexity and profitability. He noted that, for operators, “that really affects bottom lines for operators, and we’re encouraging [Alberta] to evaluate what they can do to make it better.”

Extensive Consultation with Stakeholders Is Underway

Over the summer, Nally’s office conducted initial consultations with Alberta’s First Nations groups. However, the government acknowledges that a wide range of other stakeholders still need to be included in discussions, with approval processes anticipated at the cabinet level. Aboultaif indicated that further engagements with industry stakeholders will be key to achieving a comprehensive and fair regulatory structure, as well as aligning with Alberta’s broader red tape reduction goals.

CGA President Burns suggested that Alberta could benefit from involving the land-based gaming sector in the development process from the start, an approach Ontario didn’t fully explore in its own iGaming rollout. Burns remarked that, as Alberta refines its model, proactive engagement with the land-based gaming sector could foster a more unified and balanced framework.

Minister Nally is scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, where he will address operators and suppliers. Expectations are that Nally will provide updates on the province’s regulatory progress and the steps being taken to ensure a well-structured launch. Burns remains optimistic, stating that Alberta’s government is “committed to getting it right” and that the extended timeline reflects the importance of building a solid foundation for the future.

As the province continues its careful planning, industry participants and stakeholders remain hopeful that Alberta’s approach will ultimately yield a regulatory framework that balances safety, economic opportunity, and industry needs.

Source:

”Nally’s office confirms Alberta online gaming launch delays”, canadiangamingbusiness.com, October 07, 2024.