Call for Gambling Safeguards: Alberta Sets Sights on New Horizons

Alberta is about to revamp its online gambling landscape, taking a page from Ontario’s playbook. Currently dominated by Play Alberta, the market will soon welcome private operators thanks to Bill 16.

Minister Dale Nally promises a quick and responsible rollout, aiming to shift bets from the “grey market” into a well-regulated system.

The new framework aims to address gaps in the current Play Alberta setup, which only captures half the market. By creating a robust regulatory environment, Alberta hopes to outshine the illicit market and offer a fair playing field.

David Hodgins from the Alberta Gaming Research Institute emphasizes the need for strong safeguards, like provincewide self-exclusion tools and mandatory betting limits to prevent addiction.

Nally plans to monitor betting patterns and address unusual behavior, learning from Ontario’s experience to implement effective safeguards and reduce gambling ads. Revenue splits are still under review, but Nally is committed to attracting operators while ensuring fair returns for Alberta. This overhaul aims to create a safer, more engaging gambling environment.