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Alberta’s Sports Betting Negotiations: The Waiting Game Continues

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Sports enthusiasts in Alberta had high hopes for expanded betting options in 2022, but it seems that their dreams are still on hold. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) made a promising announcement last December, stating their intention to allow two private operators to run sports betting, with the possibility of mobile extensions, at major sports venues across the province. However, the names of these operators remain a mystery.

Originally, the Request For Proposals (RFP) process was supposed to conclude on January 31, but it was extended until February 14 to give operators more time to submit their bids. Since then, regulators have maintained radio silence. “We’re continuing to work through the negotiation process. However, we’re still expecting to make an announcement this fall,” reassured Karin Campbell, AGLC’s manager of communications.

What makes Alberta’s approach unique is its decision to limit the market to only two private sportsbook operators initially. This move was touted as a way to expedite the introduction of private sports betting services in the province. “By opening retail sports betting up to two proponents now, AGLC is able to bring this service to sports fans in Alberta earlier in 2022,” explained President and CEO Kandice Machado during the December news conference.

However, with the NFL season already underway and the NBA and NHL regular seasons set to open soon, it appears that Alberta’s regulators are unlikely to meet their goal of expanding sports betting options this year. Fans had envisioned the excitement of placing bets during events like the Labour Day Classic or the Battle of Alberta, but it seems they will have to wait a bit longer.

Before the December announcement, the AGLC had preliminary discussions with four professional sports teams in the province about setting up sportsbooks in their respective venues. But without any news on winning vendor bids, the prospects for additional sports betting options by year-end appear bleak.

Currently, AGLC’s PlayAlberta website stands as the only legal online sportsbook in the province. SPORT SELECT, operated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, is also available for local retail sports bettors.

So, what’s causing the delay? Industry insiders cite several reasons. “There’s a lot of interest, but there are a lot of challenges with the RFP,” said one source. “The stakeholders that could be allowed to participate in the retail sportsbook or mobile extension, they had asked the government for something different.” They had proposed forming their own partnerships and then letting the government regulate to introduce more competition. This approach has raised concerns and is considered a roadblock in the negotiations.

Unlike other provinces in Canada, except Ontario, which uses government-owned lottery and gaming corporations as the sole legal providers of sports betting, Alberta’s two-operator approach stands out. Ontario has fully embraced private expansion with its regulated iGaming and sports betting market. By April 4, there were already 40 online gambling sites live in the province, with that number expected to rise.

The population of Alberta, with around 4.5 million people, makes it the fourth-most populous province in Canada. A 2020 survey revealed that Albertans spend over $100 million (CAD) annually on offshore sports gambling websites and daily fantasy sports operators. These new private operators will have to contend with the existing gray market and provincial gaming corporations.

One industry source suggested that Kambi, which powers many popular U.S. sportsbooks, would be a natural fit for AGLC in Alberta. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation, which operates PlayNow online gambling platforms in Manitoba and British Columbia, and will soon launch in Saskatchewan, is also seen as a contender for a winning bid. Rumors also suggest that PointsBet, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel have expressed interest, although none has confirmed their participation.

Notably, the AGLC is part of a coalition of five provincial gaming corporations that are taking a stand against illegal online gambling. They are calling on the federal government to collaborate with provincial jurisdictions to protect Canadians from black-market operations and are protesting the use of “free-to-play” advertising tactics by illegal operators.

The dream of expanded Alberta sports betting remains just that—a dream, for now. Sports fans will have to keep waiting, hoping that their province’s regulators can iron out the challenges and bring them the thrill of legal sports betting in the near future.

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Blue Jays Keep The Hot Stove Burning After Massive December Moves

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The Toronto Blue Jays are certainly keeping things interesting this winter. While the calendar might say late December, the front office shows no signs of slowing down. They have already made waves across MLB with some massive acquisitions earlier in the month.

Rather than packing it in for the holidays, the management team is seemingly working overtime. Their goal is to build a roster that can truly compete for a championship in 2026.

Although there are no more signing announcements for the end of the year, the silence is likely temporary. Reports indicate that the team is actively pursuing several more roster improvements before the new year begins.

A Rotation Built To Dominate

The team made their intentions clear in early December. They successfully signed Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year, $210 million contract. This deal, which became official around December 8, instantly transforms the Toronto rotation into one of the strongest in MLB.

Moreover, they did not stop with just one big arm. The front office added significant depth by bringing in KBO MVP Cody Ponce on a three-year deal worth $30 million. This gives the team a level of stability that was missing in previous seasons.

With such dramatic changes to the roster, fans might be looking for a clear overview of licensed Ontario sportsbooks to understand how these moves have impacted the team’s championship odds. It is certainly a different looking team than the one that ended the last season.

Targets for the Bullpen and Lineup

It seems that the focus has now shifted from the starting rotation to other needs. Agents around the league note that the Jays remain “everywhere” in trade talks. The priority is now on finding high-leverage arms and position players to round out the squad.

The front office is reportedly looking at several specific targets:

  • Robert Suarez is a primary target to help lock down the late innings.
  • Luke Weaver is being considered to add veteran versatility to the staff.
  • Depth pieces for the lineup are being sought to support the core hitters.
  • Internal extensions remain a key part of the winter strategy.

Due to the heavy spending on Cease and Ponce, these next moves will likely be strategic. The team is looking for the right fit to complement their new stars.

The Future of the Infield and Management

Conversations are actively continuing with free agent Bo Bichette. Bringing him back is a major topic of discussion among the fanbase, even if no deal is imminent yet. Furthermore, the team has been linked to prospect Kyle Tucker, suggesting they are keeping an eye on the future as well as the present.

Manager John Schneider has also expressed optimism regarding his own contract extension. However, he made it clear that building the team comes first. Therefore, while the heavy lifting might seem done, the work continues behind the scenes.

To be sure, the MLB offseason is long. But the Toronto Blue Jays have started fast, and they seem determined to finish strong.

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BCU Financial: A Trusted Credit Union for the Ukrainian Community in Canada

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We wanted to know what to do if you came to Canada for temporary or permanent residence. Many Ukrainians have arrived in the country, and many don’t know where to begin their financial journey. People often turn to traditional banks, where they encounter problems due to a lack of language skills and basic understanding of Canadian financial processes. We found an alternative – a credit union in Toronto. Today, we’ll look at one of the most well-known and learn more about what they have to offer Ukrainians.

What is a Credit Union in Toronto

These organisations differ from the typical bank for Ukrainians. They offer more flexible conditions, convenient online management, and a personalised approach.

However, these organisations are just as safe and reliable as banks. Let’s look at reliability using the example of the well-known BCU Financial:

  • With over 70 years on the market. This credit union in Toronto has a dedicated client base with decades of experience.
  • Extensive experience. Indeed, over more than 7 decades, its specialists have become experts in financial matters.
  • Branches available. You can visit the office for face-to-face interaction.
  • Active in the social life of the Ukrainian community. Buduchnist Credit Union provides financial support to schools, churches, and communication centres for Ukrainian newcomers.

As you can see, such companies have stability and experience. Now let’s look at how they differ from banks in financial matters.

Ukrainian Credit Union Toronto: Differences from a Traditional Bank

Firstly, such organizations welcome a personalized approach to Ukrainians. They are more flexible when it comes to obtaining a loan. Newcomers in Canada are working on receiving a good credit history. Banks always request one when reviewing a loan application.

Secondly, you can receive advice in your native language. Most Canadian banks don’t have multilingual consultants and respond only to inquiries in English or French. If, for example, you need help with a scholarship card, you’ll have to call a translator.

Third, you’ll get more flexible and understated banking for Ukrainians. It includes the ability to submit an app online. It provides such services as ordering credit cards, applying for a loan, or opening an account.

Conclusions

Credit unions are much easier for Ukrainians to work with. They speak your language, can provide advice on finances and their specific needs in Canada, and offer flexible terms. They also provide full-fledged online banking, so familiar to Ukrainians. You also become part of the community because, as a credit union member, you are, to a certain extent, its co-owner.

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