Alberta is moving forward with plans to regulate online gambling. The province’s Legislative Assembly has approved Bill 48, also called the iGaming Alberta Act, setting the foundation for a controlled iGaming market backed by both oversight and consumer safeguards.
Good to know
- Alberta will create a new Crown agency to manage online gambling.
- The AGLC remains the main regulator for compliance and enforcement.
- Responsible gambling policies include age limits and self-exclusion tools.
The iGaming Alberta Act introduces a two-body structure: a newly formed Alberta iGaming Corporation will oversee day-to-day operations, while the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will handle regulation. The system mirrors Ontario’s model, which opened up its iGaming market to private companies and saw rapid growth.
The bill is designed to address risks posed by unregulated gambling sites and to stop revenue from flowing to offshore operators. Funds collected through Alberta’s regulated system will be redirected into provincial services and programs.
Minister for Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, highlighted the goals during the legislative process. “Our goal is to implement a regulated market for private companies to legally operate online gambling sites where safeguards are in place, consumers are protected, and market integrity and social responsibility are top of mind. If approved, the iGaming Alberta Act will be the first step towards achieving this goal.”
The legislation also includes responsible gambling measures. Players must be 18 or older to participate, and a centralized self-exclusion program will be introduced to protect those at risk. These features aim to maintain a balance between industry growth and player safety.
However, not all lawmakers supported the bill. Parmeet Singh Boparai, MLA for Calgary-Falconridge, raised concerns about the lack of detailed rules. “While the bill sets the groundwork for the creation of this new Crown corporation, the details regarding player protection, advertising restrictions, and responsible gambling policies will be determined only after the bill is passed.”
Alberta expects to launch its regulated online gambling market by late 2025 or early 2026. Private operators will be able to apply for participation, and the model will include collaboration with First Nations groups as part of the licensing framework.
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