British Columbia, Canada's second-largest province, readies to make online gambling lawful
Get Ready for Alberta's Online Gambling Extravaganza!
It's about time, Alberta is gearing up to join Ontario as the second province in the Canadian landscape to introduce a legal online gambling market. Industry buzz is abuzz with the imminent launch, expected to take off in early 2026, according to insiders like Flutter Entertainment – the folks behind FanDuel.
Though an official date is yet to be announced, Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, has been passed, waiting for the Royal Assent to officially become law. And boy, are we in for a treat with this law! It's set to pave the way for Alberta to follow Ontario's footsteps as the second Canadian province to regulate online gambling. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will oversee the market, while a new government agency, the Alberta iGaming Corporation, will manage the private sector operators.
The tax rates, however, are still under wraps. However, with Ontario charging operators around 20% of their revenue, it's safe to speculate that Alberta might follow a similar model.
The excitement surrounding this development isn't just about the potential profits. Supporters of legalization argue that a regulated market will significantly reduce the risks associated with offshore operators. Many residents currently dabble in services provided by grey companies, and it's crucial for the safety of gambling services to implement a centralized self-exclusion system for problem gamblers.
Are you pumped yet? Fasten your seatbelts, folks! This is going to be one wild ride!
What about the potential impact on finance and business in Alberta with the introduction of online gambling, particularly in the casino-and-gambling sector? With the passing of Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, one might wonder about the tax rates and regulations that will govern the new market, given Ontario's model of charging operators around 20% of their revenue.
