The Alberta, Canada, Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission is soliciting bids for two private sportsbook operations. They would join the state-sponsored Play Alberta and Sport Select, which is operated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.
Sports Select is not favored by players who cite unfavorable pricing and low betting limits.
But Sport Select has been met with criticism by experienced bettors, frustrated by what they describe as unfavorable pricing and comparative low limits.
The commission announced the bidding process on Friday, December 10. Although two operators will be authorized this time, it is possible the AGLC will allow more licenses later.
AGLC acting Vice President of Gaming and Cannabis Steve Lautischer told reporters that the agency would see how the first two operators work out using a Request for Proposal (RFP) and then possibly allow additional commercial operators.
President and CEO Kandice Machado added, “By opening retail sports betting up to two proponents now, AGLC is able to bring this service to sports fans in Alberta earlier in 2022.” She continued, “If AGLC were to open the market up to all vendors, the process required to bring the service to Albertans would be significantly delayed.”
This would contrast with the open-market structure neighboring Ontario is creating, where more than a dozen operators are poised to compete.
The agency is reportedly speaking to four professional sports team, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders, about possibly creating sportsbooks at each venue. There are also 30 casinos operating in the state that could also conceivably offer the service.
Much remains unknown about the market. For instance, it is not known what percentage of sports wager revenue Alberta will tax.
Canada’s Senate lifted the criminal ban of single-event sports betting in June. This allows individual provinces to take their own paths toward a regulated market.
It is estimated that Alberta residents spend about $53 million annually on offshore, gray market sports betting operators.
