Alberta First Nations say provincially-regulated gambling website unauthorized
Play Alberta offers virtual slots and table games while casinos remain closed to due COVID-19
Two First Nations are taking the Alberta government and its gaming commission to court over its entry into the online gaming sector.
Play Alberta, a provincially-regulated gaming site launched last fall, offers virtual slots and table games while casinos remain shut down due to COVID-19.
The province has said it expects the site to raise $3.74 million in 2021.
The Tsuut'ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations in southern Alberta have filed an application for a judicial review, arguing Alberta's online site is unauthorized and impermissible.
They say the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission isn't authorized to receive a permit for an online casino.
Tsuut'ina Chief Roy Whitney says while the reserve's casino is shuttered, the government is taking away its charity dollars.