The province of Alberta is set to follow in the footsteps of Ontario by launching its own commercial online gambling market, following the roadmap laid out by its eastern counterpart. The move comes as part of an effort to regulate and modernize the province’s gambling industry, providing increased consumer protection and generating additional revenue for the government.
According to a report by iGaming Business, Alberta’s government announced its intentions to launch a commercial online gambling market, similar to the one recently launched in Ontario. The move is expected to bring the province in line with other jurisdictions across Canada and around the world that have already embraced online gambling as a legitimate form of entertainment.
Alberta’s decision to launch a commercial online gambling market comes as no surprise, given the growing popularity of online gambling in the province. With the closure of land-based casinos and restrictions on in-person gambling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more Albertans have turned to online platforms to satisfy their gambling needs.
The new regulatory framework for online gambling in Alberta is expected to provide a safe and secure environment for players, with strict measures in place to prevent underage gambling and protect against problem gambling. The government has also stated that it will work closely with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission to ensure that the online gambling market operates in a socially responsible manner.
In addition to providing increased consumer protection, the launch of a commercial online gambling market in Alberta is also expected to generate significant revenue for the government. The province stands to benefit from licensing fees, taxes on revenue, and other forms of income generated by the online gambling industry.
The move to launch a commercial online gambling market in Alberta has been met with mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. Some have welcomed the decision, noting the potential economic benefits and increased consumer protection that regulation can bring. Others, however, have expressed concerns about the impact of online gambling on vulnerable populations and the potential for increased problem gambling.
Overall, the launch of a commercial online gambling market in Alberta represents a significant step forward for the province’s gambling industry. By regulating and modernizing online gambling, Alberta aims to provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for players while generating much-needed revenue for the government. As the province moves forward with its plans, all eyes will be on Alberta to see how its online gambling market develops in the coming months and years.
