Two Provinces Mooted For Gambling Regulation As Ontario Market Looms

Two other Canadian provinces have been earmarked for gambling regulation in the near future as Ontario preparing to regulate online gambling operators on April 4, 2022 - with Ontario casino sites already in the process of obtaining licenses from the AGCO.

National sports business advisory leader at Deloitte Jeff Harris earmarked both Alberta and Saskatchewan as potentially entering the regulated gambling market after a couple of signals were noted in recent weeks.

Speaking to Legal Sports Report, Harris cited moves made by CFL and NHL teams as well as recent legislation movement as potential indicators that Alberta and Saskatchewan could soon follow Ontario's lead.

He said: "It was notable when the RFP was released that the Alberta Sports Coalition, the two CFL teams and two NHL teams, has the opportunity to offer retail sports betting at the stadiums and arenas. They want these options by 2022 as well.

The other province that I’d like to highlight with a different approach is Saskatchewan. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations amended the gaming act to establish a new framework to establish an online gaming site. It’s a different approach and has indicated that it will be a 50-50 revenue share with the government."

It was revealed at the beginning of February that Ontario's gambling market would officially launch on April 4 following months of speculation and delays. This was confirmed by the AGCO - the regulatory body in charge of licensing new operators in the jurisdiction through its subsidiary iGaming Ontario.

While it's unclear yet what casino bonuses will be available to players in Ontario, it's suspected there will be many incentives offered to new customers including loyalty bonuses or cashback equivalents.

Alberta has previously signaled they will soon allow private sportsbook to enter their market, although in a more limited fashion than Ontario.