The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has launched its NeoPollard Interactive-powered PlayAlberta.ca regulated igaming platform for players.
The site features a range of slot and table game content, as well as integrating British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s GameSense, a responsible gambling portal which provides customers with a range of support and advice on sustainable play.
The platform also features tools such as betting and time limits to help players limit their activity where necessary.
“PlayAlberta.ca is another way AGLC is delivering a responsible gambling choice for the benefits of Albertans,” AGLC president and chief executive Alain Maisonneuve said.
“The province’s regulated online gambling website will offer players expanded entertainment options with integrated responsible gambling features and generate revenue to support valuable programs and services Albertans rely on every day.”
Work on the launch of an igaming product began in the province in January last year, with AGLC launching a request for proposals (RFP) for a technology partner for the project.
However, though revenue from igaming was included in Alberta’s 2020 budget, the roll-out was originally expected to take place in 2021. However, after NeoPollard Interactive was selected as the technology partner in June, the roll-out has been completed just over three months later.
The launch means there is just one province in Canada – Saskatchewan – which does not yet offer some form of online gaming.
It is not yet clear what impact the launch will have on AGLC’s revenue projections for coming years. The budget forecast revenue declining to $1.41bn for the year ended March 31, 2020, then to $1.40bn for the 12 months to March 31, 2021.
Revenue was then expected to tick upwards, rising to $1.45bn in 2021-22, then to $1.47bn in 2022-23.