It looks like the provincial government of Alberta, the United Conservative Party (UCP), still plans to allow for a locally licensed online gambling platform, according to the 2020-21 budget released on February 27. But it doesn’t look like that will likely occur until at least the middle of 2021.

This new delay was revealed by an email from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) spokeswoman Heather Holmen. “The expectation is the operator for the AGLC’s online gambling solution will be chosen by mid-2020, with an anticipated launch of the platform in mid-2021.”

In January 2019, the AGLC had hoped to have chosen an operator by June, 2019. They had quietly requested proposals for technology suppliers that would be able to provide the digital gaming platform. This would have allowed the casino to be operational this year. It would also have been the culmination of a plan to offer online gambling which had been considered for more than five years.

Legalizing online gambling within the province would be a big revenue source for Alberta. AGLC senior communications officer Chara Goodings explained that over C$358 million ($270 million) was spent by Albertans on online gambling operators with internationally licensed operators.