Alberta Greenlights Bill 16: New Era for Gaming Industry

The Alberta legislature has ed Bill 16, marking a transformative shift in the province’s gaming industry. This new legislation, titled the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, grants the provincial government the authority to conduct and manage gaming, a responsibility previously held solely by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

Details of Bill 16

Bill 16, which introduces amendments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, has received final approval from the Alberta legislature in recent weeks. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, confirmed through his press secretary, Nicky Gocuan, to Canadian Gaming Business that “specific amendments clarifying ministerial authority over gaming came into effect with Royal Assent.”

This development clears the way for the government to license selected third-party operators to offer gaming services alongside AGLC’s PlayAlberta online sportsbook and casino, which the commission manages on the government’s behalf.

Strategic Gaming Review by the Government

The approval of Bill 16 is part of the ongoing review of the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act by the provincial government. Premier Danielle Smith has instructed Minister Nally to explore new opportunities for online gaming and sports betting in Alberta. This bill confirms the government’s power to oversee the expansion of Alberta’s gaming market.

“We will meet with all 47 First Nations and the six First Nation casino operators,” Gocuan stated. “We look forward to their on iGaming. As part of our policy development process, Alberta’s government will continue to examine best practices from other jurisdictions, including Ontario.”

Engagement with Stakeholders and Future Prospects

This legislative update follows Alberta’s budget allocation of $1 million to explore the potential of revising the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act to expand the online gaming market. Nally’s office indicated to Canadian Gaming Business that the province will engage with First Nations, casino and racetrack operators, and other stakeholders throughout the year.

At the SBC Summit North America, Bruce Caughill, Managing Director of Canada for Rush Street Interactive, suggested Alberta might establish a separate conduct-and-manage agency for iGaming, similar to Ontario’s iGaming Ontario. Caughill hinted at a possible 2025 launch, saying, “There’s a desire in the Alberta government to make this happen yesterday. There’s a long way to go still.”

Nally highlighted at ICE London in February that Alberta’s demographics, low corporate taxes, and high disposable incomes position it to become a “premier” hub for iGaming. However, Nally’s office has repeatedly stressed that Alberta’s iGaming strategy must be tailored to fit its unique gaming market and serve the interests of all Albertans.

Industry Reactions and Market Potential

Canadian Gaming Association President Paul Burns, during the Summit, pointed out Alberta’s high per-capita gambling spending, making it an enticing market for operators. He emphasized that any new operators entering the province to compete with AGLC would encounter a “very robust gaming marketplace.”

With the age of Bill 16, Alberta is on the brink of a significant expansion of its gaming industry, potentially introducing a wider array of gaming options and fostering increased competition. As the province proceeds with its review and stakeholder consultations, the gaming industry and players are keenly observing the changes ahead.

Source:

“Alberta es bill opening potential door for gambling expansion”. Canadian Gaming Business. May 28, 2024.