It has been a year since the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) said it wanted two private sports betting operators by the end of 2022 but it appears they are going to miss that self-imposed deadline.
The AGLC said they wanted the sportsbook operators to supply major sports venues such as the Saddledome, home of the NHL’s Calgary Flames with retail and possibly mobile sports wagering.
The Request For Proposals process had a January 31, 2022 deadline, but was extended until February 14 to allow more time for companies to prepare and submit bids.
Even though it has been seven months, officials at the AGLC have not announced if any bids have been awarded.
“We’re continuing to work through the negotiation process. However, we’re still expecting to make an announcement this fall,” Karin Campbell, AGLC’s manager of communications said.
Ironically, Alberta regulators said the decision to limit the market to just two operators would expedite private sports betting services. They apparently are no closer to having sports operators in the province than they were when they made the announcement last December.
“By opening up retail sports betting to two supporters now, the AGLC is in a position to bring this service to Alberta sports fans earlier in 2022,” President and CEO Candice Machado said during the December press conference. “If the AGLC were to open up the market to all providers, the process required to deliver the service to Albertans would be significantly slowed.”
The NFL and college football seasons began nearly a month ago and the Canadian Football League’s season started in June and will end October 29. The playoffs will start November 6 and the Grey Cup will be played November 20.
Also, the NHL and NBA have begun training camps in anticipation of their seasons getting underway. The NHL opens October 8, while the NBA has its first games on October 18.
Even though no operators have been named, there are two options for sports bettors in the province. Online, AGLC operates PlayAlberta which takes wagers. SPORT SELECT, which is run by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, has retail locations.
While the goal is to have sports betting at facilities like the Saddledome and McMahon Stadium, home of the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, officials at both facilities have not disclosed any movement in bringing sports betting to their places.
Nova Scotia and Ontario are two provinces that have embraced sports betting and have several mobile operators. Saskatchewan has plans to do the same in October.
