Alberta Bans Election Betting Ahead of iGaming Market Launch

As the province prepares to launch its regulated market, Alberta’s gambling regulator has stated that it will not allow wagering on elections. This is distinct from Canada’s other regulated betting market in Ontario, where election betting is allowed.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) issued a bulletin on Tuesday stating that a policy amendment will prohibit betting on political events.

Alberta lawmakers passed the iGaming Alberta Act last year, allowing it to become the second province to launch a regulated gambling market. Ontario launched its market in 2022.

In approving the legislation, Minister Dale Nally said it was designed to keep gamblers safer. He said that a “significant number of Albertans are potentially being preyed upon by grey-market sites.”

Nally added, “Our goal is not to create new gamblers but to make existing online gambling safer.”

Nally also said that the province was largely following the blueprint set in Ontario. He stated,  “It’s going to be very similar to Ontario, because we’re following their model. As far as I’m concerned, they build the roadmap. We’ll massage it a little bit, but it’s been inspired by the experience in Ontario. It’s going to be an open and free market.”

Ontario, however, does allow election markets. For example, FanDuel offered odds on last year’s federal election.

Polymarket Offers Election Markets in Canada

While bettors will not be able to bet on elections at licensed sportsbooks in Alberta, they may still be able to access markets on prediction market platforms.

Polymarket saw over $120 million traded on the next Prime Minister of Canada last year.

It also has markets on Quebec’s general election, which takes place later this year, and several other political markets related to Canada.

Other regions that prohibit election betting have made efforts to block access to Polymarket. Last month, the Netherlands demanded that the company cease operations after allowing residents to wager on its elections.

This week, Argentina became the latest country to ban the platform, arguing that it is operating as an unlicensed online betting service. Investigators became suspicious that government insiders were trading on markets related to the country’s inflation rate.

It is unclear if Alberta will take similar measures to prevent residents from accessing the platform. Rival prediction market Kalshi does not allow Canadians to access its site.

Alberta Boasts Biggest Gamblers in Canada

Several operators have expressed optimism ahead of the launch of Alberta’s regulated gambling market. Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz said Albertans have the highest per-capita spending on gambling in Canada.

The province has the youngest adult population in the country and the highest per-capita GDP. Estimates suggest the Alberta gambling market could surpass $700 million annually.

Nally, despite pushing for a regulated market, warned against young people starting to gamble. He stated, “For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is to not start.”

He further reiterated that the aim is to regulate, not grow, the gambling market, adding, “With unregulated iGaming widely available in our province, it is our responsibility to step in, regulate the market, and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans, particularly our youth.”