Speculation abounds about who will follow the Ontario model and create an all-inclusive and certified gambling market in Canada. This will include both online casinos and sports wagering choices.
Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, and Doug Downey, Ontario’s Attorney General, met to discuss the Canadian iGaming scene. According to popular belief, Alberta may be the next province to develop an online gambling industry after Ontario.
As per the financial year 2023–24 third quarter released by iGaming Ontario, the total amount of betting in the province stood at $17.2 billion, a rise of 21% over the second quarter. The full gaming revenue stood at $658 million, a rise of 22% when compared to the second quarter.
The premier of Alberta has entrusted Nally with the responsibility of establishing connections with colleagues in order to develop and implement an online gaming strategy that emphasizes responsible gaming.
Considering Alberta’s taxation laws and regulatory authorities, the province appears to be the optimal environment for the growth of an iGaming space, as stated by Nally.
Nonetheless, the office of Quebec’s Finance Minister, Eric Girard, appears to be adamantly opposed to the idea of a second Ontario model being replicated in Canada.
A Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, consisting of Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entertain, Flutter, Games Global, and Rush Street Interactive, has been established in the province of Quebec. According to Canadian gaming news, they aim to establish communication with the Quebec government in order to develop a novel regulatory framework. The coalition’s spokesperson, Nathalie Bergeron, has stated that information regarding the playing manner of Quebecers will be disclosed shortly.
As of November, 72% of the 1,101 individuals surveyed by the coalition participating in the Espace Jeux platform of Loto Quebec reported using it to purchase tickets. Most of them are establishing connections with privately operated platforms to satisfy their wagering needs.
Bergeron asserts that Girad’s remarks do not indicate the future, and she maintains steadfast determination to expand the choices available to gambling in the province.
