Alberta once again taking steps toward regulating online gambling

[The Buzz]

For nearly four years, Alberta has flirted with joining most other Canadian provinces in regulating government-run online gambling. Last week it was at it again when the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis quietly issued a request for proposals for technology suppliers to power a proposed digital gambling offering.

The commission plans to choose a company by the summer and have the platform in place next year.

From CBC News:

Chara Goodings with the commission says residents are already spending a lot on gambling, but through websites outside the country.

"We estimate about $358 million is spent annually by Albertans on unregulated, unprotected gambling sites," Goodings told CBC News.

Currently, Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only two provinces that don't offer a regulated service. Every other province offers some level of online gambling. Atlantic Lottery is the most basic, licencing only lottery ticket purchases digitally.

A national industry association says there's confusion about the nature of international gambling sites.

"Offerings coming from licences through provincial gaming corporations are the clearly legal route in Canada. Where the grey area has come in Canada law is the offshore sites. They are not regulated in Canada. They don't pay taxes which is a real concern," said Paul Burns of the Canadian Gaming Association.

Read more here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...ling-1.4984326

[Cash Bonus]

That's great news if it actually comes into effect.