Just days after Canada’s gaming industry made headlines for its increasingly frosty stance toward U.S. betting companies, Alberta has quietly resumed the purchase of U.S.-made video lottery terminals (VLTs). The move signals a possible shift—but not a thaw—in the broader regulatory freeze facing cross-border gaming operators.
In March 2025, Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith issued a temporary halt on U.S. alcohol and gambling equipment as part of a tariff standoff with Washington. But as of early June, Minister Dale Nally confirmed that both categories are back on the procurement list, citing “pragmatic adjustments to support Alberta’s supply chains.”
Still, this local policy tweak should not be mistaken for a nationwide change of course.
Across Canada, regulatory scrutiny remains high. As highlighted in Mundo Video’s June 6 feature "Canada builds a betting wall", provinces like Ontario and British Columbia continue to push back on foreign-owned sportsbooks and platforms. Efforts are mounting to prioritize homegrown operators and increase oversight on advertising, partnerships, and revenue repatriation. Alberta’s action, while notable, appears more about logistics than policy reform. Industry insiders suggest the return to U.S. VLT procurement is driven by supply urgency, not a softening stance.
