Alberta is preparing to open its doors to a regulated online gaming market—an important shift that could reshape the province’s gaming landscape and offer a safer, more transparent environment for players.
Earlier efforts began with the passage of Bill 16 in 2024, which amended the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act to give the provincial government more flexibility in managing gaming activities. This paved the way for private operators to potentially join the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) in offering gaming services.
Now, with the introduction of Bill 48, known as the iGaming Alberta Act, the province is taking its most significant step yet. This proposed legislation would establish the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new Crown agency that would oversee online gambling. The agency would be tasked with managing online lottery schemes either directly or in partnership with private operators, implementing responsible gambling tools like self-exclusion programs, and potentially collaborating with other provinces on joint ventures.
The legislation takes cues from Ontario’s successful iGaming model, which has not only generated considerable economic activity but also helped reduce unregulated, grey-market gambling. Alberta’s government, particularly Minister Dale Nally, has emphasized that the main objective is to create a safe, competitive environment where player protection is paramount and gaming revenues stay within the province.
At CanPlay, our team welcomes the move toward regulation in Alberta. We believe that a properly regulated market will strengthen consumer protection, promote responsible gaming, and ensure fairness and transparency across the industry. By creating a legal framework that invites trusted operators to participate, Alberta is taking a major step toward modernizing its gaming sector.
While timelines for full implementation are still developing, and stakeholder consultations continue—including with Indigenous communities—the momentum is clear: Alberta is on the path to a more open, accountable online gaming market.
We look forward to supporting these developments and helping shape a positive, player-first future for online gaming in Alberta.
