Operators that are interested in offering online casino or sports betting in Alberta when the market opens later this year can now begin the application process.
Alberta estimates that its PlayAlberta online gambling site, the only current legal option, only captures 23% to 32% of the actual online gambling activity coming from the Canadian province. The new regulations, much of which are similar to Ontario, put player protection at the forefront.
“For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is to not start. With unregulated iGaming widely available in our province, it is our responsibility to step in, regulate the market, and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans, particularly our youth,” said Dale Nally, the minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
There is no firm date for Alberta online casinos or sports betting to launch, with Wednesday’s announcement only saying the launch would come “later this year.” Industry information sessions will continue until the market launches.
Responsible gambling tools in Alberta
The regulated online gambling market comes with some strict restrictions that prioritize and promote responsible gambling.
One similarity to Ontario is the a rule that prevents gambling operators from using professional athletes as spokespeople to promote their online casinos and sportsbooks.
Gambling platforms also must launch with self-exclusion tools for those who want to opt out. They must offer financial and time-based limit tools as well.
Operators are required to send gaming activity statements and are expected to intervene with customers that show problem gambling signs.
BetRivers parent preparing for launch
Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz said BetRivers is preparing for a launch later this year, calling Alberta a “nice jurisdiction” for online casino.
“Regulations in that jurisdiction were published just two days ago and yesterday, so we have a much more clear understanding of what that’s going to require and things are moving along nicely in that jurisdiction for a launch later this year,” Schwartz said at the 28th Annual Needham Growth Conference.
