ReportWire

Tag: Alberta

  • Alberta Approaches the Launch of iGaming Ahead of NFL Season

    [ad_1]

    Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally, who is overseeing Alberta’s online gambling overhaul, says the province has already drawn strong interest from numerous online sportsbook and casino operators. She noted that a “double-digit” number of companies have so far expressed interest in obtaining an iGaming license from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

    Alberta iGaming Framework Is Nearing Completion

    The Canadian province of Alberta is preparing to launch a regulated iGaming market sometime in 2026, but the exact launch date for it still remains to be decided. However, according to some of Nally’s comments, operators could go live in the new regulatory framework before the start of the next NFL season.

    The new framework is intended to allow multiple private-sector operators, making Alberta the second province in Canada (after Ontario in 2022) to open its regulated internet gambling market. In contrast, all other Canadian provinces grant government-owned lottery corporations exclusive control over iGaming.

    At present, Alberta operates under a single-operator model, with the AGLC’s Play Alberta platform as the only authorized betting site. Despite this, many Albertans already use online sportsbooks that are regulated outside the province or overseas, rather than by Alberta itself. 

    These are often referred to as “grey” or “black” market operators. Bringing some of those operators into a regulated system is a key motivation behind the province’s online gambling reforms. This would allow Alberta to capture and regulate activity that is already taking place outside provincial oversight.

    What Obligations Would Operators Have?

    Of course, channelizing the iGaming traffic will involve several major steps for operators wishing to work within the province. For starters, interested operators will be required to pay a one-time application fee of $50,000, along with an annual registration fee of $150,000. Once licensed, operators must also enter into contractual agreements with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). Both agencies will publish a list of approved operators at a later date.

    Operators will also be required to pay a share of their gaming revenue to the province. In Ontario, this share is set at 20%, and it’s expected that it would be the same in Alberta. Before revenue is split between operators and the province, 1% will be allocated to responsible and problem gambling initiatives, with an additional 2% directed to First Nations in Alberta. 

    After this 3% allocation, the remaining revenue will be divided on an 80/20 basis, mirroring Ontario’s model. This means Alberta’s regulated operators will take 80%, and the 20% left will go to the province. While this equates to a nominal 20% tax rate, the effective rate will be slightly higher once the initial deductions are factored in.

    Lastly, all operators will work with a dedicated self-exclusion tool, which will be ready to launch as the iGaming market in the province goes live. This means that bettors would be able to exclude themselves from all online gambling sites and brick-and-mortar casinos relatively easily. It’s interesting to note that Ontario is still working on such a tool, despite there already being a very active iGaming market in the province. According to Nally, Alberta’s tool is a source of pride as the province seeks to protect existing gamblers and not create new ones.

    [ad_2]

    Stefan Velikov

    Source link

  • Alberta iGaming CEO Teases Spring/Summer Launch

    [ad_1]

    Posted on: January 20, 2026, 02:08h. 

    Last updated on: January 20, 2026, 02:29h.

    • Alberta iGaming Corporation CEO hints at spring/summer market launch at ICE Barcelona
    • Alberta is said to be a week away from APIs for centralized self-exclusion platform
    • Operator contracts said to be drafted over the next four-six weeks

    We might be looking at a Spring/Summer launch for Alberta’s new iGaming market, according to Alberta iGaming Corporation Interim CEO Dan Keene, who hinted at that during a roundtable discussion at ICE Barcelona on Tuesday.

    A view of the FanDuel logo on the boards during an NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in Boston. FanDuel is expected to be a player in Alberta when that market opens. (Image: Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    That’s according to a senior industry source, who attended the discussion on the topic of Alberta’s regulatory vision. Keene was “hinting strongly” Tuesday that the Alberta government wants the market open by spring or summer so it can then ramp up to the start of the new NFL season.

    The Alberta iGaming Corporation was set up in the iGaming Alberta Act, or Bill 48, passed by the provincial government last year. New operators need to enter into an agreement with Alberta iGaming Corporation after getting a license from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

    Right now, the only platform where Albertans can legally place an online bet is the government’s PlayAlberta.ca platform. There’s a robust gray market currently operating in Alberta with dozens of legal offshore sportsbooks not licensed by the AGLC that remain accessible to residents there. Alberta’s gaming net operating income hit $1.57 billion in 2023-24, its highest level in seven years. Nearly 65% of Albertans aged 15 or over reported gambling activity in the past year.

    Alberta Market Launch Closing in Fast

    The source also told Casino.org that Keene said that Alberta is a week away from APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for centralized self-exclusion, and that operator contracts will be drafted over the next four to six weeks. A centralized self-exclusion system was reported last week as being a key foundation of the new iGaming market.

    The Ontario iGaming market has been live for almost four years, and there’s just now talk about a self-exclusion system for players being launched by iGaming Ontario sometime this year.

    Operator Contracts About to be Drafted

    Last week, it was reported that Alberta was opening preregistration for operators looking to enter the market, with the proposed tax rate looking to be 20% on 97% gross gaming revenue (GGR).

    In Ontario, operators pay a flat 20% tax on non-adjusted gross gaming revenues.

    Operators are also looking at $200K fees, including a $150K annual license fee plus a one-time $50K application fee.

    A senior industry source told Casino.org that the operators he was speaking with were a “little put off” with the Alberta government’s plan, and its projected rollout. The source believes some operators were “broadsided” with both the higher tax rate as well as the requirement for an SOC audit (a third-party independent examination that evaluates security controls and security architecture to protect customer data and systems), which would likely add a minimum of $1 to $2 million to market entry costs.

    Operators “Broadsided”

    “There’s no value, they don’t need a SOC audit,” said the industry source. Most of the European operators the source communicated with said they had never heard of an SOC audit.

    “That’s a real cost problem, maybe not for big guys, but for small or medium operators. Taking a million dollars off the top, or $2 million off the top, is really going to hurt them,” he said. “The province was a little disingenuous on the tax rate. The operating tax rate isn’t 20% when you take three points off the top, it’s more like 22.5, so that’s not helpful.”

    Operators take a whole laundry list of factors into consideration when deciding whether to go into a jurisdiction.

    Alberta’s consultation was pretty weak,” the source said. “They didn’t talk to the operators about the business structure. They talked about RG and centralized self-exclusion, but they never talked to them about all of these costs that they’ve added. They told us it was going to be a 20% tax. That’s not a great way to start. When a government agency tells you trust us, we are going to give you the straight goods, and they don’t, that has everyone feeling a little uneasy.”

    FanDuel, BetMGM, theScore Bet, BetRivers, DraftKings, and NorthStar Bets are expected to be among the first operators to enter the Alberta market.

    [ad_2]

    Mark Keast

    Source link

  • Alberta Child and Family Benefit payment dates in 2026 – MoneySense

    [ad_1]

    The ACFB was introduced in July 2020, consolidating the Alberta Child Benefit and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit into a single program. The ACFB aims to improve the quality of life for children and support their well-being. (See similar programs in other provinces and territories.)

    The ACFB is indexed to inflation, so the amounts increase every year. The ACFB benefit period runs from July of one year to June of the following year.

    What are the Alberta child benefit payment dates for 2026?

    The CRA issues ACFB payments quarterly, by direct deposit or cheque. The payment dates this year are: 

    • February 27, 2026
    • May 27, 2026
    • August 27, 2026
    • November 27, 2026

    You can also check CRA’s My Account for personalized benefit payment dates.

    Who is eligible to receive the ACFB?

    To qualify for the ACFB, you must meet all of the following criteria: 

    • Be a parent of one or more children under 18
    • Be a resident of Alberta
    • File a tax return
    • Meet the income criteria

    The best credit cards for families

    Do I have to apply for the ACFB?

    No, you do not need to apply for the ACFB. According to the Alberta government, “You are automatically considered for the ACFB when you file your annual tax return and qualify for the federal government’s Canada Child Benefit.” (Learn more about the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), including eligibility requirements and payment dates.)

    The CRA will regularly reassess your family’s eligibility for the ACFB (for example, if you have another child, your benefit amount could increase). If you and your family have just moved to Alberta, you’ll be eligible for the ACFB the month after you become a resident.

    How much is the Alberta child benefit?

    Your adjusted family net income (from your previous year’s tax return) and the number of kids in your family determine your total benefit amount per year. The ACFB includes a base component and a working component.

    Article Continues Below Advertisement


    Base component of the ACFB

    The ACFB’s base component is available to lower-income families with children. You do not have to earn any income to receive the base component. Depending on the number of children in your family, you may be entitled to the following amounts as your base component for the period from July 2025 to June 2026:

    • $1,499 for the first child
    • $749 for the second child
    • $749 for the third child
    • $749 for the fourth child (and each additional

    If your adjusted family net income exceeded $27,565 in 2025, this base component is reduced. 

    Working component of the ACFB

    In addition to the base component, families with adjusted net income exceeding $2,760 are eligible for the working component. The benefit amount for the working component increases by 15% for every additional dollar of income (up to the maximum benefit), encouraging families to join or stay in the workforce. You may be entitled to these amounts for the period from July 2025 to June 2026: 

    • $767 ($63.91 per month) for the first child
    • $698 ($58.16 per month) for the second child
    • $418 ($34.83 per month) for the third child
    • $138 ($11.50 per month) for the fourth child

    Once the adjusted family net income exceeds $46,191, the working component of the benefit is also reduced. 

    You can also use the Government of Canada’s child and family benefits calculator to get an estimate of the annual federal and provincial or territorial benefits you might be entitled to. 

    What counts as adjusted family net income?

    Adjusted family net income is the amount the CRA uses to calculate your ACFB entitlement and determine when benefits begin to phase out. It’s based on line 23600 (net income) of your tax return.

    If you have a spouse or common-law partner, the CRA adds both partners’ net incomes together to determine your family’s adjusted net income. This combined amount is then used to calculate your ACFB payment amount and assess whether reductions apply.

    Adjusted family net income is reassessed every year after you file your tax return.

    [ad_2]

    Thomas Kent

    Source link

  • Enbridge $1.4 Billion Project Aims to Boost Canadian Oil Flow to U.S. Refineries

    [ad_1]

    Pipeline operator Enbridge ENB 0.51%increase; green up pointing triangle will push ahead with a $1.4 billion expansion of its core network to boost deliveries of Canadian heavy oil and reach key refining markets in the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast.

    The Canadian energy company said Friday it reached a final investment decision on the first phase of a project to optimize its Mainline network, which is forecast to add egress capacity from Canada that will support increased production in the country and connect with what it described as the best refining markets in North America.

    Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

    [ad_2]

    Robb M. Stewart

    Source link

  • Breaking down week 7 of ‘The Bachelor’ as Hometowns loom

    Breaking down week 7 of ‘The Bachelor’ as Hometowns loom

    [ad_1]

    Wednesday, February 28, 2024 1:41AM

    Plus, we talk to the casting director for “The Golden Bachelorette” in the new episode of “Playing the Field: A Bachelor Podcast.”

    This week on “Playing the Field: A Bachelor Podcast,” Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico break down week 7 of “The Bachelor.” Joey and his remaining six women traveled to beautiful Jasper, Alberta. He narrows the field down to his final four. Each rose had extra importance as it meant that Joey would be traveling to their hometowns next week.

    Then, we talk to the casting director for “The Golden Bachelorette.” Gina asked Jacqui Pitman about what she is looking for when casting “Golden” men for this upcoming season, if she had any clues about who the “Golden Bachelorette” might be, and how eligible men, and women for the next season of “The Golden Bachelor” can apply to be on the shows.

    Follow us now and never miss an episode.

    Discover more podcasts from abc7NY here

    Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

    [ad_2]

    WABC

    Source link

  • Why is auto insurance so expensive in Alberta? – MoneySense

    Why is auto insurance so expensive in Alberta? – MoneySense

    [ad_1]

    Alberta premiums have gone up specifically due to soaring legal fees and other costs associated with lawsuits following accidents, which is not the case in other provinces. That’s thanks to a culture of litigation in the province, which isn’t as present in the rest of Canada.

    Over the last 10 years, the average size of accident benefit claims increased by 147% in Alberta, compared with 53% or less in other provinces. Put plainly, claims are higher in Alberta than elsewhere in Canada, due to bodily injury claims and escalating legal costs in Alberta. 

    The province of Alberta has consistently had the highest claims frequency for third-party liability, accident benefits, comprehensive and collision coverages, says a report from consulting firm MNP commissioned by the IBC.

    Huge auto-insurance legal costs are to blame as well. These costs have gone up in the province by 38% since 2018 and account for about 20% of the premiums drivers pay for mandatory auto insurance coverage in Alberta. 

    “This is equivalent to nearly $200 for each policy annually,” the IBC has stated in a recent report.

    Another contributing factor, according to MNP, is the increasing cost and length of car repairs. A Toyota RAV4 bumper costs $4,144 to replace today, up 50% from $2,769 in 2017. Also, 24% of auto sales in Alberta are of trucks, which is higher than the national average of 18.1%.

    Supply chain issues have slowed down auto parts replacement, as any car owner who’s had to cool their heels for a part to arrive at their mechanic can attest to. This waiting has had a knock-on effect of making car rental lengths longer in Alberta as well. 

    TOYOTA RAV4 model year Cost of repair Total increase of repairs
    2017 17 parts total cost of repair: $2,769 n/a
    2022 39 parts total cost to repair: $4,144 50% increase from 2017 (newer vehicles have complex technology and more parts to repair)

    Source: IBC

    [ad_2]

    Helen Racanelli

    Source link

  • Report shows $141M spent in Alberta for ‘The Last of Us’ TV show | Globalnews.ca

    Report shows $141M spent in Alberta for ‘The Last of Us’ TV show | Globalnews.ca

    [ad_1]

    The popular video game-turned TV show, The Last of Us was a huge success for the Alberta economy.

    According to a new report by Oxford Economics, $141 million was spent across the province to ensure the show became a reality, making it the largest series ever filmed in Canada.

    “Including $70 million on labour and $70 million at local businesses, so that’s everything from hotels, airlines, lumber, paint, set (decorations), vehicle rentals, you name it, they spent a lot of money in the province,” said Brock Skretting, director of Creative Industries with Economic Development Lethbridge.


    Click to play video: 'Southern Alberta woman who delivers calves secures Last of Us Emmy nomination for hairstyling'


    Southern Alberta woman who delivers calves secures Last of Us Emmy nomination for hairstyling


    The Last of Us has also been nominated for 24 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, and helped employ talented workers like Chris Glimsdale from Claresholm, who was nominated in the Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling category.

    Story continues below advertisement

    Glimsdale says the biggest challenge during her time working on the show was keeping everyone organized and applying hair to the infected zombies.

    “And HBO is very gracious in letting us have what we call ‘the boot camp,’ so the stylists would come in and practice how to lay hair and how to lay the pieces even though they had never done it before.”


    Click to play video: 'Travel Alberta sharing The Last of Us locations online'


    Travel Alberta sharing The Last of Us locations online


    The show was filmed in several southern Alberta communities, including Waterton Lakes National Park and Fort Macleod, and organizations in both towns say the future is looking bright for the film and television industry.

    “When people are passing through town and it’s not through The Last of Us, they’re thinking of Interstellar, Brokeback Mountain, Fargo, you name it, they’re usually going and visiting those places,” said Mackenzie Hengerer, member of the Fort Macleod Heritage Tourism Alliance.

    Story continues below advertisement

    President of the Waterton Park Chamber of Commerce, Shameer Suleman says: “I think this is a great springboard for us and hopefully we’re able to parlay this into more films and TV.”

    Overall, the first season of The Last of Us generated more than $182 million for Alberta’s GDP and helped support 1,490 jobs across the province.

    Production for Season 2 will head west to Vancouver starting in January of 2024.


    Click to play video: 'The Last of Us to starts filming in Vancouver in January'


    The Last of Us to starts filming in Vancouver in January


    &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

    [ad_2]

    Micah Quintin

    Source link

  • Dominion Sells Natural Gas Utilities to Enbridge for $9.4 Billion

    Dominion Sells Natural Gas Utilities to Enbridge for $9.4 Billion

    [ad_1]

    Dominion Sells Natural Gas Utilities to Enbridge for $9.4 Billion

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Apple-Apps-Top-10

    Apple-Apps-Top-10

    [ad_1]

    The top 10 apps on the Apple Store for week ending 12/18/2022

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Banff Sunshine Village Announces It Will Host First Barre in the Mountains Fitness Class in 3 Years

    Banff Sunshine Village Announces It Will Host First Barre in the Mountains Fitness Class in 3 Years

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –

    Jul 14, 2022


    BANFF, Alberta, July 14, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    On Saturday, July 16, Banff Sunshine Village will host its first Barre in the Mountains fitness class in nearly three years. Led by Barre Belle fitness, Barre in the Mountains participants will enjoy an elevated 50-minute workout on Banff Sunshine’s Standish Viewing Deck.

    “What guests can expect from our Barre in the Mountains class is a heart-pumping workout in nature’s most exquisite studio – the Canadian Rockies,” says Kristi Stuart, co-founder of Barre Belle Fitness.

    Sunshine’s Barre in the Mountain classes are a unique way to soak in the beauty of summer in the Canadian Rockies. Held at 8,000 ft above sea level (2400 meters), each class will get your heart pumping as the Canadian Rockies’ beautiful scenery will leave you breathless.

    Sunshine’s Barre in the Mountain is the perfect Saturday morning summer activity. The event is priced at $100 and includes a barre class led by Barre Belle fitness, a summer sightseeing lift tickets, and brunch.

    “My girlfriends and I are looking forward to plie-ing in the Rockies at one of the upcoming Barre in the Mountains classes this summer. Barre in the mountains is an inspiring experience that will get you out of your head and into the present moment. For 50 invigorating minutes, you’ll enjoy the fresh mountain air and the panoramic mountain views as you engage in a full-body workout,” shares Kendra Scurfield, director of Brand and communication at Banff Sunshine Village.

    Barre in the Mountains is being held Saturdays this Summer, starting Saturday, July 16. Sign-up is available online at shop.skibanff.com

    About Banff Sunshine Village: Banff Sunshine Village is the premier alpine family resort in the Canadian Rockies. The resort is known for its all-natural snow in winter, and its pristine alpine meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer. The full-service resort is open for summer sightseeing now until September 11th (2022). 

    For more information about Barre in the Mountains and summer at Banff Sunshine Village, contact Kendra Scurfield at kscurfield@skibanff.com, or call 403-830-7946.

    Source: Banff Sunshine Village

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce Receives Federal Shop Local and Travel Alberta Partnership Marketing Funds

    Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce Receives Federal Shop Local and Travel Alberta Partnership Marketing Funds

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 28, 2021


    BRAGG CREEK, Alberta, July 28, 2021 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce/Visit Bragg Creek will receive $35,280.00 of federal shop local funding—funding that will expand the chamber’s ongoing efforts to encourage patronage of community businesses.

    This funding is in addition to another Partnership Marketing grant that Visit Bragg Creek has received from Travel Alberta to promote tourism operators and activities within the Bragg Creek, Kananaskis, and Rocky View County areas.

    “We are beyond thrilled to have this opportunity to further support the amazing business community that makes up Bragg Creek. This money will be used to showcase the diversity and resilience of Bragg Creek businesses through a concentrated video marketing campaign”, says Lauren Shea, Marketing Manager of Visit Bragg Creek. “We would not be able to accomplish this goal without the ongoing and generous support of the federal government and Alberta Chambers.”

    The funding will support a ‘Local Stories’ video project followed by a ‘Love Local’ campaign that will support small businesses and increase access to high-quality marketing materials for self-promotion.

    “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, community chambers have truly been a lifeline for businesses,” says Ken Kobly, Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO. “As we transition to reopening and recovery, we still have a long road ahead to rebuild our economy. This federal funding will help chambers do what we do best: support local job creators.”

    A third round of funding applications is currently being processed.

    Source: Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce

    [ad_2]

    Source link