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With the passage of Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, Alberta is making a major move toward the growth of its online gaming industry. The draft law, which was unveiled on Wednesday, intends to oversee private-sector businesses that provide online sports betting and casino games in addition to the province’s existing operations.
Currently, Play Alberta, the only authorized iGaming site in the province that offers casino and sports betting, is run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). But because unregulated “grey market” operators are so common, Alberta is thinking of taking a more organized approach.
While Play Alberta is the only authorized iGaming platform, many Albertans access offshore gambling sites that lack the same level of oversight. According to the provincial government, these unregulated platforms account for more than half of the province’s online gambling activity.
“Currently, unregulated online gambling is widely available across the province,” the government stated. “Albertans can sign up and place a bet in minutes with providers that have limited or no player protection or social responsibility measures in place.”
The iGaming Alberta Act would establish a regulated environment, allowing private operators to obtain licenses and offer their services legally under the province’s supervision. This model mirrors the approach adopted by Ontario, which launched its regulated iGaming market in 2022.
The Alberta government has emphasized that the primary goal is not to encourage new gambling but to create a safer environment for existing players. By regulating private-sector operators, the province aims to implement enhanced consumer protections and responsible gambling measures.
Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, highlighted this objective: “Our goal is not to create new gamblers, but to make existing online gambling safer. As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, it is important that we modernize Alberta’s approach to gaming to protect the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth. The legislation we are introducing, if approved, would take the first steps towards this.”
If the iGaming Alberta Act passes, it could introduce multiple licensed operators to the province’s iGaming market, providing Albertans with more secure and transparent online gambling options.