Alberta’s iGaming Market is Slowing Down–What To Expect
Anticipation for Alberta’s regulated iGaming market has been building throughout 2024. When Minister Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, spoke at the Canadian Gaming Summit earlier this year, the excitement in the room was palpable. Everyone was asking the big question: When will Alberta’s iGaming market officially launch?
At the 2024 Global Gaming Expo, Minister Nally acknowledged that the province still needs to work on key areas of iGaming legislation. He mentioned that the bill will be read in February, pushing the official market launch to later in 2025. As officials revisit key areas to ensure the market structure aligns with Alberta’s needs, let’s explore what the province will focus on.
Engaging Stakeholders for the Best iGaming Model
While there have been discussions about Alberta potentially following Ontario’s iGaming model, this delay may offer the province a unique opportunity. Alberta can draw inspiration from Ontario while crafting a model with its own identity. Officials are using this time to engage with key stakeholders—including government, operators, industry experts, and regulators—to ensure the iGaming market is tailored to the province’s specific requirements.
Focusing on Responsible Gaming
Another important area of focus for Alberta will be ensuring robust consumer protection measures and promoting responsible gambling. In a recent episode of The iGaming Show podcast, Minister Dale Nally emphasised his desire for stricter advertising rules to prevent harm and promote responsible play.
Alberta may look at Ontario’s model for inspiration, particularly its responsible gambling efforts, such as the self-exclusion system and the requirement for operators to allocate part of their earnings toward responsible gambling initiatives. Alberta’s goal will be to provide the right tools to help players stay informed and avoid problem gambling, while also ensuring they can access necessary resources.
Will a New Entity Be Created for iGaming?
One of the key questions yet to be answered is how Alberta plans to structure its iGaming operations. Will a new entity be created to oversee the market, or will the province work with existing organisations? While these details are still under discussion, it’s clear that Alberta’s goal is to create a structure that will meet the province’s needs while offering a seamless and engaging experience for players.
Tax Rate Considerations for Operators
In addition to operational and regulatory discussions, one aspect that has recently come into focus is the potential tax rate for operators. According to a report from CDC Gaming, there was a rumor that Alberta is considering a 25% tax rate for iGaming operators. For comparison, operators in Ontario face a significantly lower tax rate of 20%, making Alberta’s proposed rate less competitive. As Alberta continues to adjust its plans, the tax rate is another question mark before the market regulates.
As we await the launch of Alberta’s iGaming market, there’s growing optimism that 2025 may be the year it finally arrives with all the desired elements in place. We hope the final approach creates a sustainable market that will benefit both players and operators.
