In a surprising turn of events, the province of Alberta in Canada has announced that it will need more time to set up online poker, despite previous plans to launch the platform by the end of this year. The delay comes as a blow to many poker enthusiasts who were eagerly anticipating the launch of the online poker platform.
The decision to delay the launch of online poker in Alberta is reportedly due to concerns about player safety and responsible gambling. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has stated that it wants to ensure that the online poker platform is implemented in a responsible manner and that measures are in place to protect vulnerable players.
According to AGLC spokesperson, Kaleigh Miller, “We want to take our time to ensure that all necessary safeguards are in place before we launch online poker in Alberta. We want to make sure that players can enjoy the game responsibly and safely.”
The delay in launching online poker in Alberta has sparked speculation among industry experts about the potential impact on the province’s gaming industry. Some have expressed concern that the delay could lead to a loss of revenue for the province, as players may choose to play on offshore gambling sites instead of waiting for the online poker platform to launch.
However, others have praised the AGLC for taking a cautious approach and putting player safety first. In a statement, Alberta Gaming Minister, Rick Wilson, said, “We want to ensure that online poker is implemented in a responsible manner, and that players are protected from the risks associated with problem gambling.”
Despite the delay, the AGLC has confirmed that it is still committed to launching online poker in Alberta in the future. While a specific timeline for the launch has not been provided, the AGLC has assured players that they are working diligently to finalize the necessary regulations and technical requirements for the online poker platform.
In the meantime, poker enthusiasts in Alberta will have to continue to wait patiently for the launch of online poker in the province. As the AGLC continues to work towards implementing a safe and responsible online poker platform, players can rest assured that their best interests are being taken into consideration.