Minister introduces bill to regulate online gaming in Alberta
The Igaming Alberta Act would allow private operators to compete with Play Alberta.
Canada.- The government of the province of Alberta aims to regulate private online gambling in the Canadian province, opening the possibility of competition. Dale Nally, the minister for Service Alberta and red tape reduction, has introduced Bill 48, or the Igaming Alberta Act, to establish regulations for sports betting and online casinos.
Currently, the state agency Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’s PlayAlberta is the only licensed igaming site in the province. Nally told reporters the goal isn’t to make online gambling more accessible but to control a growing industry that he believes will pose more risk to consumers if left unregulated.
“The reality is that online gambling is alive and well in this province. Let’s suppose this legislation doesn’t pass; that won’t stop online gambling from continuing to grow,” Nally said.
He said rules and safeguards still needed to be determined but that the bill would prohibit the operation and promotion of unlicensed online gambling and mandate the use of responsible gambling tools.
The Alberta government is also easing the rules for charity gambling activities. From April 1, charities will be able to keep up to $50,000 in profits from gambling events without having to seek approval from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). The limit on the amount they can use for facility renovations and leasehold improvements has been raised from $50,000 to $100,000, and organisations will also be able to use up to $100,000 of gaming proceeds for community events.
