Alberta Unveils Regulated Commercial Market Blueprint for Online Gambling

_{Minister Dale Nally outlined the iGaming Alberta Act's inspired by Ontario’s successful model. (Image: The Canadian Press / Alamy)}

The Alberta government has presented the iGaming Alberta Act, marking a significant step towards establishing a regulated commercial online gambling market in the province.

The introduction of the iGaming Act provides a transition from a monopoly to a commercial model.

Currently, the province is served only by the government-run PlayAlberta, which has faced competition from unregulated offshore gambling sites. The new legislation will enable private operators like Bet365 to enter the market. It remains to be seen whether the change will impact unregulated offshore and illegal gambling sites.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will regulate the expanded market, while a new Crown corporation, the Alberta iGaming Corporation, will oversee operations.

There will also be a focus on enhancing consumer protection within the legislation, including self-exclusion tools and keeping gambling revenue within the province instead of allowing it to flow to unregulated sites.

Changes Modelled on Success of Ontario’s Commercial Gambling Market

Ontario has already built the regulatory framework for its successful commercial gambling market, which was launched in April 2022. The model that has inspired Alberta’s change has seen significant growth and revenue.

There are economic goals, with officials aiming to channel grey market gambling into a regulated system and provide safer gambling options. 

In 2024, PlayAlberta reported C$235 million in profit yet only captured around 45% of the gambling market.

Experts Call for Safeguarding Measures to Tackle Gambling Harms and Addiction

Experts have warned that expansion could exacerbate gambling addiction issues, calling for caution and adequate safeguards, particularly regarding advertising and player protections.

The projected timeline for the launch has moved from the initial hopes for a 2025 launch to a starting date in early 2026 as the bill progresses through the legislative process.