In a recent development that has left many scratching their heads, the province of Alberta’s decision to pass up the opportunity to capitalize on online gaming has raised eyebrows among both industry experts and concerned citizens. The move is seen as a missed opportunity to generate revenue and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to forego online gaming was made in 2019 by then-Premier Jason Kenney, who cited concerns about the social impact of gambling as the main reason for the government’s reluctance to embrace the burgeoning industry. However, critics argue that Alberta’s approach to online gaming is shortsighted and fails to take into account the potential benefits that regulated online gambling could bring to the province.
One of the main arguments in favor of online gaming is its potential to generate much-needed revenue for the province. With the global online gambling market projected to reach $92.9 billion by 2023, Alberta is missing out on a significant source of income that could be used to fund essential services and infrastructure projects. In addition, online gaming could create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the province, particularly in the tech sector.
Furthermore, the decision to ban online gaming in Alberta has only pushed consumers towards unregulated and potentially unsafe offshore gambling websites. By legalizing and regulating online gambling, the province could better protect consumers and ensure that they are playing on fair and secure platforms.
Despite these potential benefits, Alberta remains steadfast in its refusal to embrace online gaming. This has left many wondering why the province is willing to leave money on the table while other jurisdictions, such as Ontario and British Columbia, have already moved forward with plans to launch online gambling platforms.
In response to the criticism, the Alberta government has defended its position, stating that it is committed to protecting residents from the potential harms of online gambling. However, experts argue that responsible gambling measures can be implemented to address these concerns, while still allowing for the legalization and regulation of online gaming.
As the debate over online gaming in Alberta continues, industry experts and concerned citizens are calling on the government to reconsider its stance and seize the opportunity to capitalize on this growing industry. With the potential to generate revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, online gaming could be a valuable asset for the province. As other provinces move forward with plans to legalize online gambling, Alberta may find itself falling behind and missing out on a significant opportunity for growth and development.