At the Canadian Gaming Summit, one of the most anticipated speakers was Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, who outlined significant changes to the province’s gaming landscape.
Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith tasked Nally with evaluating the feasibility of opening Alberta’s regulated online gaming and betting market to commercial operators. After months of deliberation, Nally confirmed that the province will adopt an Ontario-style open licensing model. Similar to Ontario, the market will be regulated by a separate entity, distinct from the Gaming, Alcohol and Cannabis Board.
In an interview with Canadian Gaming Business, Dale Nally emphasized that a primary objective for any expanded gaming model in Alberta is to prioritize the interests of all Albertans. This includes generating revenue to fund provincial programs and supporting Indigenous partners while maintaining a commitment to social responsibility. As part of the policy development process, Alberta will continue to learn from other jurisdictions, including Ontario.
Alberta’s gaming market is unique due to the province’s distinctive characteristics: the youngest population, highest incomes, and the best tax system in Canada. Alberta also boasts passionate sports fans who actively support their favorite teams by purchasing game tickets and merchandise.
In 2022-23, eligible Alberta charities and faith-based organizations earned $383 million through their participation in the current gaming model, with Indigenous charities receiving $73.3 million of that revenue. Additionally, a portion of slot machine revenue generated at Alberta Indigenous casinos directly funds initiatives in Indigenous communities, totaling $137.9 million in 2022-23. The government aims to ensure that any moves made around online gaming complement the success of the existing land-based gaming model.
Currently, to place a bet on a game in Alberta, residents must use PlayAlberta from the AGLC, the only regulated gaming and sportsbook platform. Dale Nally states that PlayAlberta is a robust platform, but estimates suggest it covers only about 45 percent of the province’s online gaming market. The rest is dominated by unregulated operators that may lack comprehensive social responsibility tools.
Nally also highlighted that Albertans and Alberta businesses currently pay the lowest overall taxes in the country, with an overall corporate tax rate of eight percent, approximately 30 percent lower than the next province. Alberta remains a business-friendly province, demonstrated by the reduction of red tape and the elimination of unnecessary processes that hinder business, innovation, and investment.
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