The Alberta government has announced the launch of the province’s regulated online iGaming market, with operators able to conduct and manage their legally registered platforms in the province as of July 13.
In its news release, the provincial government noted that there were 22 registered sites thus far.
“Alberta is taking an important step forward with the launch of a regulated iGaming market,” said Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and red tape reduction.
The Alberta government explained that the new regulated market expects operators to:
- Observe the highest standards of conduct
- Comply with player protection standards and social responsibility measures
- Intervene upon seeing signs of high-risk gambling behaviour
- Refrain from targeting minors or vulnerable people when advertising and marketing
“Alberta has built a thoughtful and collaborative iGaming framework that reflects the highest standards of player protection and responsible gaming,” said Dan Keene, the Alberta iGaming Corporation’s chief executive officer. “Alberta’s market sets clear expectations for operators and creates a responsible, competitive environment for the industry.”
“Our focus has been clear from the start: to protect Albertans, especially young people, and ensure that those who choose online gaming can do so in a responsible environment,” Nally added.
The provincial government stressed that it may prevent online gambling providers that take advantage of Albertans or fail to abide by the player protection standards and social responsibility measures from operating in the province.
Through the new regulated market, the Alberta government explained that it seeks to offer a responsible and legal alternative to unregulated gambling through responsible gaming tools, such as:
- financial and time limits
- gaming activity statements
- self-exclusion program spanning all the province’s regulated online platforms, casinos, and racing entertainment centres
Market regulators
The Alberta government’s news release explained that the Alberta iGaming Corporation conducts and manages the market, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis regulates and enforces compliance and helps ensure the new system’s integrity.
“The Alberta iGaming Corporation is well prepared to conduct and manage the regulated market on behalf of the province,” Keene said.
According to the provincial government, prior to the establishment of the regulated market, unregulated operators ran approximately 70 percent of online gambling, with limited or no player protection standards or social responsibility measures.