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Alberta’s Sports Betting Negotiations: The Waiting Game Continues
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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Why Flying Private From Calgary Is Better Than Commercial
This is a guide to flying privately from Calgary, offering everything from cost-saving tips to the perks that you can expect.
Flying privately has always been considered a privilege of the ultra-rich. Until now. While it’s not cheap, it’s much more affordable than it has been before, thanks to a wide range of options arriving on the market and soaring airfares in the commercial sector.
With a host of private jet services on offer at YYC Calgary International Airport, flying in style and comfort has never been more accessible — now, there are fixed-based operators, empty-leg flights, and a host of charter services you can choose from. Whether you’re hopping over to Vancouver for the weekend or flying halfway around the world, there’s a private service for you at YYC Calgary International Airport.
Let’s get into all the reasons why flying private from Calgary is better than commercial travel.
Calgary International Airport Can Get Too Busy
We’re talking about Canada’s fourth-largest airport here, which processed some 18.5 million passengers in 2023 alone. If you’re travelling during the holiday season, then you can expect long queues at the check-in desk, more queues at the security checks, and longer waiting times at the gate. This can be pretty frustrating and stressful, especially if you’re travelling with children or in large groups.
Flying in an aircraft charter from Calgary removes all of these concerns. Arrive at the airport within thirty minutes of departure, be whisked off to the private lounge at your chosen fixed-base operator, enjoy your seamless private check-in, and board your jet. It takes all the stress out of flying while elevating the most luxurious and exciting components.
As soon as your vacation or business trip is over, all you want to do is get home and relax. Flying privately all but guarantees that you arrive on time and enjoy a hassle-free experience as soon as you land. Say goodbye to tiring customs checks or the risk of lost baggage and long delays for connecting flights.
Flying Privately Is Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think
Flying privately has always been seen as the ultimate flex for the ultra-wealthy — and let’s be honest, private jet ownership still is. But swapping narrow seats and crying kids for serenity at 45,000 ft is more accessible than it used to be. Thanks to some clever cost-saving innovations and rising commercial airfares, private jet travel is starting to look like a surprisingly affordable option for more people.
If you bought your own jet, you’re talking about a minimum purchase price of a few million plus nearly half a million in annual running costs. This puts ownership out of reach for most people, but there are other options. With empty-leg flights (where jets are repositioning and would otherwise fly empty), you can snag luxury flights for prices that won’t break the bank. Think hundreds instead of thousands — assuming you’re a little flexible with your schedule.
For frequent fliers, membership programs or fractional jet ownership are absolute game changers. For a flat fee, you can access planes when you need them, minus the hassle of maintenance or storage costs.
And let’s not forget charter services. Whether it’s a quick hop to a neighbouring city or a transcontinental trip, renting a jet can be cost-effective if you’re travelling with a group — remember, you’re paying for the plane, not the seat. A light jet might set you back $1,300 per hour, but divide that by a group of four travellers for a 6-hour flight, and you’re suddenly rethinking that commercial first-class ticket.
Luxury That Fits Your Schedule
YYC Calgary International Airport has 71 gates and averages almost 200 departures every day. With so much activity, cancellations and long delays are not uncommon. These can occur due to anything from maintenance issues to crew shortages. This year alone, WestJet, which operates out of Calgary, has been plagued with strikes and supply chain issues. Air Canada and WestJet also performed poorly in a list of North American airlines ranked by on-time departures.
Why risk the doom and gloom of commercial air travel at YCC Calgary when you can just fly privately? Fly on your own schedule, guarantee swift take-offs, and arrive at your destination on time. This is even more pertinent for business travellers who can’t risk being late when important meetings and deadlines are at stake. It doesn’t just have to be for work — there are times that require quick actions and getting to places faster to be with family and friends for crucial moments, and flying privately can save you from both the bureaucracy and the wait times.
Fly Private, Fly Better
Flying private from Calgary is less about getting from A to B and more about air travel on your terms. Everything that you’ve ever hated about flying can disappear with the click of your fingers and a call to your jet broker. No matter the occasion — business trips, weekend getaways, intergenerational family vacations — private travel prioritizes the journey’s aesthetics and practicality as much as the destination.
Once you’ve skipped the lines, breezed through customs, and sipped a coffee in your own space at 30,000 feet, you’ll never look at commercial travel the same way again. Go on, make the switch with confidence.
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How to Streamline Your Car Sales in Toronto? The Pointer for Car Sellers
Many car owners doubt whether selling their property is worth the hassle they may face during sales. That’s reasonable because a car is not a small item, and you probably spent much on its purchase at some point and regularly invested in it to maintain it in good condition. Then, selling it for pennies is not your choice.
We went ahead and contacted Topcashforcars.ca, a company that is reputed for giving the highest cash prices for cars in Toronto. Their approach is straightforward and reduces hassle for sellers who want to sell their vehicles profitably without the complexities of dealing with customers.
Choosing the Right Counterparty Is a Key to Success
First, have you already decided where and to whom you can sell a vehicle? That’s your #1 thing to do. Typically, the choice is either selling autos to individuals who want to buy a second-market car to save some dollars or to specialized companies engaged in car buying. These companies are diverse enough and they often offer good conditions for a seller although their pricing is diverse too.
How can you get in touch with such buyers?
- For individuals who buy second-hand vehicles, you can search on big Canadian bulletin boards online and sometimes, on social networks.
- For the companies to deal with, Google is your best friend to ask for help. However, our consultants, Topcashforcars.ca also are among these buyers, so you can make it even easier and apply to them.
What is more beneficial for a car seller at this stage? We can surely say that dealing with car-buying companies considerably saves you time. The whole negotiation process can take a couple of hours, so you won’t wait long and remain under pressure of uncertainty.
Making It Lighting-Fast Is Possible
The previous tip leads to another one: you can sell a car in a lighting-fast mode. Just do some easy preps like its examination at the service station to consider what price can you claim for it and clean it up. This takes no more than a day if you have a good service station in your neighborhood and it helps clearly understand the price and the condition of your car.
Then, you can ensure you set a real price by using special online calculators provided by the same car-buying companies. It may take just a couple of minutes and you’ll get a precise calculation based on your vehicle’s type, age, model, condition, and specific features.
Getting Cash Instead of Bank Transfers or Checks Is Faster
One more thing you can do to sell your auto as fast as possible is to sell it for cash. Bank operations often take additional days to be processed. Thus, even if you are lucky enough to get in touch with a good buyer quickly, and even if you conclude a deal in a day or two, it’s not guaranteed that you get money to your bank account similarly quickly. Applying for cash transactions you avoid troubles with banks and extra commissions for the transaction too.
As you can see, selling a vehicle can be eating pears for you if you plan your sale and follow the tips we shared in this article.
If followed, these recommendations can allow you to easily sell your car and make a handsome return in the process. It is even more rewarding because time and energy has become invaluable and cash for cars, Toronto based companies and specifically Topcashforcars.ca, will ensure the vehicle is sold for the best price with little input from the owner. When selling a car, it is ideal to do enough research, plan and choose the right buyers so that the car selling process is fast and efficient.
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