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By Diana Guerrero, journalist at G&M News.
Some months ago, Alberta officially launched its regulated iGaming market. Now that the market has moved from the preparation phase into operation, what are the main developments you have observed so far?
Alberta is now the second province in Canada to show that a market can reflect consumer preferences while delivering world-leading player protections and strong regulatory oversight. With 10 companies launching 22 sites on day one and another 25 operators having launched soon after, Alberta demonstrates that Government can strike the right balance between taxation, regulation, and consumer protection.
What will determine whether Alberta can successfully transition players from unregulated platforms to licensed operators?
Alberta has said it aims to reach a 70% channelization rate in its first year, and we are optimistic the province can exceed that target. By launching with a centralized self-exclusion option, the province has made clear that safer, more responsible gambling is central to its effort to address the grey market This is an effort that also requires cooperation from social media platforms like Meta and Google.
Ontario was Canada’s first province to introduce a competitive, open iGaming market, while Alberta has now adopted its own regulatory framework. From the industry’s perspective, what are the most significant differences between these two models?
Since its launch, Ontario has developed into one of the world’s strongest and most comprehensive regulated iGaming markets. Alberta has largely modeled its approach on Ontario’s framework, leading us to expect a similar path while introducing several unique features. The province will launch with a centralized self-exclusion system already in place, has begun public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the changes and the role of regulated gaming, and is moving quickly to help land-based casinos benefit from enhanced retail gambling regulations alongside the rollout of online gaming offerings.
As Vice President of Western Canada, you are responsible for strengthening the CGA’s presence and engagement across the region. Beyond Alberta, which provinces or gaming sectors offer the greatest opportunities for industry development?
Regulation provides consumers with stronger protection, and a greater emphasis on responsible gambling, while giving operators access to a new multi-product market. More broadly, we hope other provinces that have yet to regulate online gaming will observe these developments and apply the lessons learned. New Brunswick and the Yukon have both recently expressed interest in adopting regulations, with the Yukon going so far as to consider enacting legislation.
What regulatory or political conditions would be necessary to expand competitive, regulated online gaming markets across Western Canada?
As we have consistently stated, it is up to politicians in other Canadian provinces to direct their agencies to establish online gaming regulations. Following recent changes of government in Quebec and British Columbia, we are optimistic that the CGA will be able to advocate for regulatory standards best suited to each province.
Alberta’s new framework places considerable emphasis on player protection, including centralized self-exclusion and restrictions on advertising targeting vulnerable groups. How can regulators and operators ensure that these safeguards are effective in practice while maintaining a competitive and sustainable legal market?
These safeguards are used in regulated markets across tier-one jurisdictions worldwide. Prohibiting mass marketing of bonuses and other inducements creates a level playing field, requiring licensed operators to compete on their products, customer service, and withdrawal experience.
Prediction markets are raising new regulatory questions in several jurisdictions, including Canada, particularly regarding the distinction between financial products and traditional sports wagering. How does the Canadian Gaming Association view this emerging segment, and what regulatory principles should guide its development to ensure market integrity and consumer protection?
The CGA has long held that sports wagering, in whatever form it takes, should be offered only through provincial gaming regulators, and that the framework governing a product should be determined by what it does, not by what it is called. The distinction between a sports contract and a sports bet should not be reduced to semantics. Consumers are best protected, and the integrity of sporting events best safeguarded, when every operator offering sports betting to Canadians (regardless of platform, jurisdiction of origin, or product label) is held to the same rules as every other licensed operator in the market.
