The Alberta government is moving to open its online gambling market to private operators, aiming to regulate the industry, protect players, and keep revenue within the province. The introduction of Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, marks a significant shift from the current landscape, where Play Alberta, run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), is the only regulated platform.
The Current Online Gambling Landscape in Alberta
Until now, Albertans seeking online casino experiences have had limited legal options. Play Alberta has been the sole provincially regulated website, yet many players have turned to offshore platforms—often referred to as the “grey market”—to access a broader range of gaming options. These platforms operate without Alberta’s oversight, leading to concerns about consumer protection and lost revenue for the province.
With the passage of Bill 48, the Alberta government plans to establish the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new Crown agency tasked with overseeing the expanded market. This move aligns with Ontario’s 2022 iGaming regulation, which brought multiple private operators under provincial supervision.
Objectives of Alberta’s iGaming Regulation
From the author’s perspective, Alberta’s new regulatory framework has the potential to achieve several key goals:
Enhanced Consumer Protection: Measures such as self-exclusion tools and responsible gaming initiatives will be implemented to promote safer gambling experiences.
Revenue Retention: By regulating private operators, the province can ensure that a significant portion of gambling revenue remains in Alberta rather than flowing to offshore companies.
Market Growth and Competition: A structured legal framework will attract legitimate operators while reducing reliance on unregulated platforms.
A Personal Take on Fair and Competitive Regulation
The author sees a regulated iGaming market as a step in the right direction, as it could provide safer, more transparent online gaming experiences for Albertans. However, for regulation to be truly effective, it must strike a balance:
Fair Play and Player Protection: Safeguards should be strong enough to ensure responsible gaming without making participation unnecessarily restrictive.
Competitive Market Conditions: Overly stringent rules may push players towards unregulated platforms, defeating the purpose of the new framework. A well-designed system should encourage private operators to join Alberta’s regulated space rather than remain in the grey or black market.
Lessons from Ontario’s iGaming Market
Ontario’s model has demonstrated both successes and challenges. In its second year of regulation, Ontario’s online gaming industry generated $2.2 billion in revenue, proving the potential economic benefits. However, concerns have arisen regarding excessive gambling advertisements and the potential rise in addiction-related issues.
To avoid similar pitfalls, Alberta will need to enforce clear advertising guidelines and invest in public awareness campaigns that promote responsible gaming while ensuring operators can market their services effectively.
Challenges and Considerations
As the Alberta government finalizes the regulatory framework, several aspects remain under discussion:
Advertising Controls: The province can regulate Alberta-based ads, but national and international advertisements fall under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Revenue Sharing and Operator Licensing: Specifics on licensing fees and revenue splits with private operators will be determined in the coming months.
Impact on Charities and Land-Based Casinos: Traditional casino operators and charities that rely on casino revenue have expressed concerns about potential financial losses under the new system.
What’s Next for Alberta’s iGaming Industry?
The Alberta government anticipates that the new regulated market could be operational by late 2025 or early 2026. As details emerge, the success of Alberta’s iGaming initiative will depend on well-balanced regulations that ensure consumer safety while fostering a competitive, thriving online casino market.
Final Thoughts
The author believes that iGaming regulation is a positive step—provided it prioritizes fair play, player protection, and market competitiveness. A well-structured system will not only create a safer gambling environment but also generate economic benefits for Alberta, reducing reliance on offshore platforms while maintaining a robust, fair, and competitive market.
