With the launch of the Alberta commercial market just two months away, the provincial gaming regulator announced Tuesday the recent installation of its new CEO.
Dan Keene received an appointment to the CEO position effective April 21, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) announced in a news release. Keene most recently served as interim CEO of AiGC and now ascends to the post full-time after more than 13 years with its parent organization.
After working as the interim CEO since January, Keene actually acknowledged the appointment last month on his LinkedIn profile:
“Proud to work with our incredible Alberta iGaming Corporation team (AiGC) our Regulator (AGLC), our industry partners, stakeholders, and operators under the mandate of Bill 48 and the honorable Minister of Service Alberta & Red Tape Reduction, Minister Dale Nally to conduct & manage a regulated, compliant, and socially responsible iGaming market, in the service of, and for the benefit of all Albertans.”
More on Alberta CEO’s experience
Sanjeev Kad, the board chair of AiGC, praised Keene’s background in a written statement.
“Dan brings deep operational experience and a strong track record in gaming and market development. His leadership will be essential as the Alberta iGaming Corporation prepares for launch and delivers a regulated market built on social responsibility and player protection.”
Keene is a veteran of the Alberta provincial government. He served in a variety of roles for Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) prior to becoming CEO of AiGC, most recently spending more than five years as Director of Gaming Business. Before his time at AiGC, Keene worked at Century Casino and Molson Canada.
According to an AiGC release, Keene “has led initiatives including Winner’s Edge, Alberta’s first casino loyalty program, and PlayAlberta.ca, the province’s only regulated online gambling platform, reflecting his commitment to innovation and responsible gaming.”
Alberta launch upcoming in July
Alberta will open its online gaming market to commercial operators July 13. It will join Ontario as the only provinces to sponsor regulated commercial gaming enterprises through the government.
As of May 4, 30 online sportsbooks and casino were registered to offer services from the start date. Those operators will compete against the province-run Play Alberta platform.
AGLC, the operator of Play Alberta which also will regulate the market, rolled out initial iGaming regulations in January.
