Alberta is Canada’s Second Regulated Online Gambling Market

Alberta is one step away from transforming its gambling landscape.

On May 8, the Alberta Legislature passed Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, which sets the stage for a regulated online gambling market.

This breakthrough positions Alberta as only the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to welcome private iGaming operators under a legal framework.

Let’s unpack what this means for players, operators, and regulators — and why it marks a major shift in Canada’s gambling scene.

Alberta’s Online Gambling Market Advances: Bill 48 Paves the Way for a 2026 Launch

3 Key Points

• Bill 48 establishes Alberta’s first regulated commercial iGaming market, modeled after Ontario’s framework.
• A centralized self-exclusion system will strengthen consumer protection, addressing Ontario’s biggest criticism.
• The market’s launch is expected in early 2026, attracting major national and international operators.

Alberta’s iGaming Revolution Begins

With the passage of Bill 48, Alberta is on track to become Canada’s second province with a regulated iGaming market.
This move follows Ontario’s landmark 2022 launch and signals a broader national shift toward legalized online gambling.

Bill 48 passed its third and final reading without amendments, despite spirited debate over player protection provisions.
Next, the bill heads to Royal Assent, after which key regulatory policies will be developed, followed by an operator application phase.

The Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new government agency, will oversee the market and contract with commercial operators.
Meanwhile, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will maintain regulatory oversight.

Learning From Ontario’s Success and Challenges

Alberta has clearly taken lessons from Ontario’s rollout.
Notably, Bill 48 includes a centralized self-exclusion system, addressing one of Ontario’s most persistent gaps.

The legislation’s flexible approach also allows the government to address issues like:

• Licensing requirements
• Tax rates and revenue sharing
• Social responsibility measures

According to Minister Dave Nally, handling consumer protection through regulation, not legislation, offers the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves.

Industry Reaction and Market Outlook

Industry leaders have welcomed Alberta’s move.
The Canadian Gaming Association, led by CEO Paul Burns, praised the bill as a crucial step toward safer, better-regulated gambling.

Currently, Alberta’s only regulated online platform, Play Alberta, controls an estimated 25–45% of the market, depending on the source.
The rest flows to offshore operators, often without consumer protections.

Legalization aims to:

• Channel players toward safe, licensed options
• Generate new tax revenues
• Attract private investment and job creation

Major brands such as FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, theScore Bet, and Super Group have already signaled plans to enter Alberta once licensing opens.

Timelines and Challenges Ahead

Originally, the government aimed to launch before the 2025 NFL season.
However, industry insiders now project the first quarter of 2026 as the more realistic timeline.

Key tasks ahead include:

• Drafting and finalizing the regulatory framework
• Opening the licensing process
• Educating consumers about the new market

The NDP opposition raised concerns over the lack of detailed language on responsible gambling in the bill itself.
While their proposed amendments were rejected, these concerns will likely shape regulatory consultations later this year.

Alberta’s iGaming Alberta Act marks a historic leap forward, positioning the province as a new powerhouse in Canada’s gambling industry.
By combining regulatory oversight with commercial competition, Alberta aims to strengthen consumer protection, boost local revenues, and curb the offshore market.

While challenges remain — including finalizing regulations and meeting consumer expectations — Alberta’s careful, flexible approach may set a new national standard.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Alberta’s players, operators, and regulators prepare for a gambling market poised to deliver innovation, safety, and economic growth.