Alberta’s iGaming Act Moves Closer to Legal Online Market

Alberta’s legislative efforts to create a regulated online gambling market have reached a new milestone. The iGaming Alberta Act, or Bill 48, passed its second reading in the provincial legislature and is now progressing to the Committee of the Whole for a detailed clause-by-clause review. If the legislation is approved in its final form, Alberta could soon establish a competitive online gambling market featuring private operators alongside the government-run Play Alberta platform.

Introduced by Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally, Bill 48 aims to replicate Ontario’s regulated iGaming model. Nally previously emphasized the bill’s intent to curb the influence of grey-market operators and provide safer, regulated alternatives for Albertans. “There are a significant number of Albertans who are potentially being preyed upon by grey market sites or illicit sites. This legislation proposes to change that,” he said during the bill’s second reading presentation.

A New Market Structure and Regulatory Body

Under Bill 48, Alberta would permit private operators—including online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks—to apply for licenses and operate under provincial oversight. These companies would be required to register with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), which would continue regulating the industry while also managing Play Alberta’s operations.

To oversee the commercial side of the new system, a new crown corporation—iGaming Alberta—would be established. The organization is intended to function similarly to iGaming Ontario, serving as an intermediary between the government and private-sector licensees. Operators would need to sign agreements with iGaming Alberta and adhere to regulatory standards set by both iGaming Alberta and AGLC.

The legislation includes plans to roll out a centralized self-exclusion tool from the start. This system would allow individuals to opt out of all licensed platforms with a single registration—something Ontario has yet to implement, although development is underway.

A Path Forward with Unanswered Questions

While the bill outlines the basic structure of the future market, many details remain unresolved. The proposed legislation does not specify licensing costs, applicable tax rates, or precise compliance requirements. Instead, the provincial government has indicated that these issues will be clarified later through consultations with indigenous leaders, community stakeholders, and industry representatives.

Nally assured lawmakers that responsible gambling tools would be a central part of the framework, including age verification checks, betting limits, and player support systems. “Once the regulated market is established, Alberta’s government will be able to capture gambling revenues currently lost to unregulated sites often located outside of Alberta. This new revenue can be used to support First Nations as well as social responsibility initiatives and other government priorities,” Nally added.

Opposition Criticism and Committee Review

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has raised concerns about the bill’s lack of specificity. MLA Gurinder Brar criticized the proposal, saying, “This approach is just like buying a car without knowing if it has brakes or a steering wheel. It’s bound to lead to a crash.” Opposition members are expected to press for clearer rules during the Committee of the Whole proceedings.

Despite the criticism, the bill’s progress appears smooth, backed by the ruling United Conservative Party (UCP), which holds a majority in the legislature. The committee stage will offer opportunities for amendments and in-depth discussions of each clause before a potential third reading.

If the bill completes the legislative process in the coming months, Alberta’s regulated iGaming market could launch by late 2025 or early 2026, giving players legal alternatives to offshore gambling platforms for the first time.

Source:

iGaming Alberta Act passes second reading, heading for mass debate, canadiangamingbusiness.com, April 17, 2025.