Alberta Approves Online Gambling Law to Open Market to Private Operators

Legislative Approval Clears Path for Market Liberalisation

Alberta’s Legislative Assembly has approved Bill 48 – the iGaming Alberta Act – in its third and final reading, bringing the province significantly closer to opening a regulated online gambling market for private operators. Once enacted, the legislation will authorise private online casinos and sportsbooks to operate under the oversight of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), with market management assigned to a newly formed agency: the Alberta iGaming Corporation.

The move mirrors Ontario’s regulatory structure, where separate entities are responsible for regulation and market operation. In Alberta’s case, AGLC will retain regulatory duties, while the new corporation will oversee commercial partnerships and platform management.

Though the bill passed without amendments, many aspects of the future market remain undefined. The government has yet to release details on licensing procedures, operator limits, tax rates, or revenue-sharing mechanisms. According to Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, these details will follow a stakeholder consultation process and are expected to be announced later this year.

Nally defended the lack of prescriptive language in the bill, particularly around consumer protection and responsible gambling. He argued that these issues are better handled through regulation than legislation to maintain flexibility in responding to market changes. A package of proposed amendments from the New Democratic Party (NDP) focused on player safeguards was rejected in committee.

Centralised Self-Exclusion System Planned

One confirmed feature is the introduction of a province-wide self-exclusion system covering all licensed platforms. This addresses a widely noted gap in Ontario’s model, which still lacks a centralised exclusion mechanism more than three years after its launch.

The Canadian Gaming Association welcomed Alberta’s legislative milestone. Paul Burns, president and CEO of the association, highlighted the benefits of bringing gambling activity into a regulated space, citing increased consumer protection and the ability to combat unlicensed operators.

A Response to Offshore Gambling Activity

The legislative effort comes amid rising concerns over the size of Alberta’s unregulated online gambling market. While the province’s sole legal platform, Play Alberta, currently accounts for an estimated 45% of market revenue according to AGLC, independent estimates suggest the figure may be closer to 25%. Industry analysts point to offshore operators continuing to dominate, underscoring the need for a competitive, regulated alternative.

Proponents argue that a legalised market will reduce offshore play, generate tax revenue, and attract private investment. Ontario’s experience is frequently cited as evidence: the province’s open model has shifted consumer activity toward regulated platforms and supported the growth of a diverse operator ecosystem.

Market Launch Expected in 2026

Although Nally initially aimed for a launch before the 2025 NFL season, the timeline has since shifted. Industry representatives from major Ontario-licensed brands – including FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, theScore Bet, and Super Group – are now anticipating a first-quarter 2026 launch.

Alberta’s entry into the commercial iGaming space will make it the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to support a fully competitive online gambling environment. Until the regulatory framework is finalised and operator onboarding begins, Play Alberta will continue as the province’s sole legal provider.