Alberta wagers allowing more online gambling operators will capture illicit market [Video]

Alberta will soon expand its online gambling landscape to allow multiple players to operate legally, moving closer to a model used in Ontario. 

At present, the only regulated and legal online gambling website in the province is Play Alberta. It includes casino-style games, live dealer table games as well as sports betting, and is operated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

But in May, the provincial government passed Bill 16, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act. It allows for the provincial government to regulate and oversee iGaming activities, meaning it could green-light online gambling websites operated by private companies.

Since then, the province has been holding consultations regarding what its strategy could look like. It has just wrapped up an initial phase of those consultations.

There’s no date yet for when Alberta will open its market. But it’s just a matter of time, and will move ahead once a decision has been made around its eventual setup, said Service Alberta and …