Alberta regulator backs single-event sports betting

The AGLC has joined the BCLC in supporting a bill that would legalise single-event sports betting in Canada.

Canada.- The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), the body that regulates gambling in the Canadian province of Alberta, has given its support for the legalisation of single-event sports betting.

The body’s acting president and chief executive Kandice Machado said: “This would present the ability to give legal age Albertans new and unique options on their favourite sporting events.

“Players would be able to choose a game or proposition that gives them greater odds of a successful bet, picking between markets such as the game outcome, point spread or how many shots a player registers.”

AGLC chief operating officer Niaz Nejad advocates the legalisation of sports betting in order to prevent offshore unlicensed platforms from profiting, and instead direct players to PlayAlberta.ca, Alberta’s regulated gambling site.

He said: “The Canadian Gaming Association estimates that CAD$3bn annually is gambled on unregulated offshore sports gambling websites. Those websites provide limited protections or means of responsible play, education or access to responsible gambling tools.

“Play Alberta uses AGLC’s best-in-class GameSense responsible gambling program, which promotes healthy gambling behaviours and gives players access to valuable tools and resources.”

The British Colombia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) also supports the bill to legalise single-event sports betting.