Albertans can enter draws online
Alberta’s sole legal online gambling website, PlayAlberta.ca, has launched online lottery ticket sales, giving Albertans the digital means to enter national and local draws.
Play Alberta’s parent organization, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), shared the news via Twitter on Friday, saying it would continue to offer adult Albertans “more entertainment options.”
Starting May 21, Albertans can head online to buy lottery tickets instead of going the usual route of traditional brick-and-mortar outlets.
According to a May 21 AGLC news release, games available online via Play Alberta include Daily Grand, Lotto 6/49, Western 6/49, Lotto Max, and Western Max.
AGLC expanding digital horizons
The AGLC’s acting president and CEO Kandice Machado said adding an online purchasing facet to lottery games offers participants “convenience” and also generates “revenue that benefits Albertans.”
brings Alberta in line with most other provinces”
AGLC acting VP for gaming and cannabis Steve Lautischer concurred, saying the digital lottery ticket sales “brings Alberta in line with most other provinces in offering players their favourite draw-based lotto games.”
Play Alberta also includes slots, instants, and virtual games and has plans to add sports wagering later in 2021.
The online purchase option also gives Albertans and fans of The King something to potentially look forward to, via Play Alberta’s lottery games. In March, International Game Technology announced a licensing rights agreement with Authentic Brands Group to launch Elvis Presley lottery games in Canada and the US.
Responsible gambling angle
According to the AGLC press release, the advent of online lottery sales offers a window of opportunity for it to “expand its GameSense responsible gambling program.” Since its launch last year on the Play Alberta website, the program has added new features, including loss, wager, and daily session limits.
Under the auspices of the AGLC, Play Alberta is available via digital devices to Albertans over the age of 18 who are located within provincial borders. The AGLC website states that over the last 20 years it has has “helped community organizations, charitable groups and First Nations communities raise over $28 billion” (US$23bn).
According to the AGLC’s Friday press release, Alberta’s General Revenue Fund benefited from receiving more than $1.4 bn (US$1.16 bn) through net gaming income in 2019-20.