Provinces begin allowing casinos to resume buying American
AGLC, LGS lift suspension on purchase of U.S.-based gaming terminals
After halting the purchase of American-made casino equipment amid the tariff war between the U.S. and Canada, multiple provinces are ready to buy American again.
Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, announced on June 6 that the provincial government is ending the prohibition on purchasing U.S. gaming equipment, as well as alcohol.
In a notice on its website, Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis wrote that it is lifting the suspension on the purchase of all U.S.-based gaming terminals, including both VLTs and slot machines, from U.S.-based suppliers.
Nally said the decision heralds a “renewed commitment to open and fair trade” with the U.S.
“The decision sets the stage for more constructive negotiations ahead of a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement renewal, potentially leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth for Alberta,” Nally told reporters.
“Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta’s government supports this approach. We are focused on highlighting Alberta’s role as a responsible and collaborative trading partner and will continue working alongside other provinces to advocate for a tariff-free relationship.”
However, the Alberta government is still encouraging residents and businesses in the province to support local producers.
Alberta was one of several provinces to halt supply
Earlier this year, Alberta was one of several provinces that directed casinos and gaming companies to stop sourcing VLTs and slot machines from American-based suppliers after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all goods exported from Canada to the U.S.
AGLC issued a directive on March 6 stating that it would henceforth only purchase gaming equipment from companies that have support services in Alberta or countries that “share a free trade agreement with Canada.” It suspended the procurement of gaming terminals from U.S.-based suppliers that day.
Around the same time, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe ordered Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) to source VLT and slot machine upgrades from non-U.S. suppliers. And the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) was directed to exclude U.S. suppliers from any new procurements of goods or services, including new contracts for slot machines.
LGS confirmed to Canadian Gaming Business that the Government of Saskatchewan has recently returned to its standard procurement processes and so the March 5 directive to avoid U.S. suppliers is no longer in effect.
As with Alberta, the Saskatchewan government still encourages LGS to prioritize purchases from Saskatchewan and Canadian suppliers.