A new act will regulate online gambling and create the Alberta iGaming Corporation.
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The Alberta government is introducing Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act. Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and red tape reduction, said the legislation aims to make online gambling safer.
“Our goal is not to create new gamblers, but to make existing online gambling safer,” said Nally.
“As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, it is important we modernize Alberta’s approach to gaming to protect the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth.”
Meanwhile, Nally said the proposed legislation is the first step in establishing a regulated online gambling market with consumer safeguards.
The act would introduce a centralized self-exclusion system, allowing Albertans to restrict their access to all gambling platforms. All parties must be at least 18-years of age to play.
Additionally, Adam Kates, vice president of compliance at theScore, praised the proposed legislation.
“We commend Premier Smith, Minister Nally and their teams on all their efforts to bring an open and competitive regulated online gaming marketplace to Alberta,” said Kates.
“We are fully supportive of a model that has proven to generate new revenue, protect consumers and shift wagering activity to the regulated market, and we’re confident these benefits will be realized in Alberta. (The government) looks forward to supporting the process ahead and ultimately having an opportunity to introduce theScore Bet to Albertans.”
Nally said regulation would allow Alberta to capture gambling revenue currently going to unregulated operators. The government would reinvest those funds in the province.
Alberta will also continue to promote responsible gambling with programs like GameSense.
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