Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/03/14
US-Developed Gaming Equipment Banned in Alberta Amidst Trade War
The trade war between Canada and the United States has intensified with the recent decision from the Canadian province of Alberta to stop supplying U.S.-made gaming equipment to operators within the province.
In a statement issued by the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) on March 6, the regulator stated that it would only purchase gaming equipment from companies with support services in Alberta or countries with a free trade agreement with Canada.
The ban on US gaming suppliers comes in retaliation after U.S. President Donald Trump increased economic tariffs on Canada, including a 25% tariff on all goods and services exported.
Analysts from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming believe the ban would affect major Las Vegas gaming suppliers, including Light & Wonder and Aristocrat Gaming, by up to millions of dollars.
“Clearly, this directive is in response to the U.S. administration’s tariff policy, and we believe other Canadian provinces are likely to follow Alberta, negatively impacting slot vendor sales in the near term,” said Phil Bernard, an analyst at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.
AGLC Tweaks Regulation to Allow Charities to Use Gaming Profits without Approval
The Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has changed its regulation regarding charitable gaming, allowing charities to spend more money made from gaming operations without prior approval from the regulator.
This new law will take effect on April 1 and allow charities to retain up to CAD$50,000 in profit, a significant increase from the previous limit of CAD$10,000. The AGLC has also increased the limit charities can spend on community events to CAD$100,000.
The limit removal aims to open up more avenues for charities to deliver services to support Albertans without feeling limited or impacted by delays caused by waiting for approval from the AGLC.
“Alberta’s charitable groups are the backbone of our communities. By giving them greater flexibility in how they use funds raised through licensed charitable gaming, we’re not just cutting red tape—we’re empowering them to continue delivering vital services and support to Albertans,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
Canadian Prime Minister Race Changes Once More as Mark Carney Odds Rise
According to the online cryptocurrency prediction market Polymarket, Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is slowly becoming the favorite amongst Canadian bettors to win the next Canadian election in October 2025.
The Liberal Party leader has seen odds increase since his election, rising from 32% to 41% on Polymarket. In contrast, opponent and leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, has dropped from 83% recorded in February to 59% in March. Poilierve is still the favorite to win the election according to Polymarket odds, but his lead is ever-shrinking as rival Carney starts his tenure as Canada’s current Prime Minister.
A leading factor for Poilierve’s decline can be associated with the tariff war that neighboring President Donald Trump imposed. After holding previous positions as the head of the Bank of England and Canada, Carney has become a quick favorite among Canadians as possible financial struggles loom.
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
