AGLC supports proposed changes to sports gambling legislation

(PRESS RELEASE) -- “Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis has been closely monitoring and is supportive of the swift passage of one of two similar pieces of federal legislation in Parliament that would legalize single event sports wagering in Canada. Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (single event sport betting) was introduced by Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti and Bill C-218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting) was introduced by Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Grasswood Kevin Waugh. Both would present expanded gambling opportunities for Albertans 18 years and older, and would present new options for players on Alberta’s only regulated gambling website PlayAlberta.ca. Revenue generated on this site stays in the province, supporting programs and services that make Alberta an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

"AGLC has supported modernized gambling laws for a number of years, including allowing for single event sports wagering. This would present the ability to give legal age Albertans new and unique options on their favourite sporting events. Players would be able to choose a game or proposition that gives them greater odds of a successful bet, picking between markets such as the game outcome, point spread or how many shots a player registers.”

Kandice Machado, Acting President and CEO, AGLC

“Under the current rules in place, Albertans were unable to place a single wager on the outcome of either of this past weekend’s battle of Alberta or the NFL championship game between the Chiefs and the Buccaneers.

"In addition to integrating sports wagering into PlayAlberta.ca in 2021, adjusting the Criminal Code to allow for betting on a single event would give AGLC the ability to work with its industry stakeholders to offer sports wagering in destination facilities throughout Alberta.

"The Canadian Gaming Association estimates that $3 billion annually is gambled on unregulated offshore sports gambling websites. Those websites provide limited protections or means of responsible play, education or access to responsible gambling tools. Play Alberta uses AGLC’s best-in-class GameSense responsible gambling program, which promotes healthy gambling behaviours and gives players access to valuable tools and resources.”

Niaz Nejad, Chief Operating Officer, AGLC

AGLC is mandated to ensure the province’s gaming industry is carefully managed so it can maximize the benefits to Albertans. In 2019-20, more than $1.4 billion in net gaming income was generated for Alberta’s General Revenue Fund, which is used to support programs and services that Albertans rely on every day.