Alberta’s legislative assembly has passed Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, setting the province firmly on the path to launching a regulated online gambling market by 2026. This development positions Alberta as the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to embrace a legal, open market for private-sector online gaming operators.
Creation of Alberta iGaming Corporation
A central feature of the legislation is the establishment of the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a Crown entity that will spearhead the oversight and management of iGaming activities. This body will be tasked with licensing operators, setting standards for game fairness, and enforcing consumer protection protocols.
Currently, Alberta’s only legal online gambling platform is the government-run PlayAlberta. However, officials and stakeholders have recognized the increasing dominance of unregulated offshore sites. The Act aims to recapture this grey market activity by offering consumers safe, domestically regulated alternatives.
Market Launch Expected by Early 2026
Though Royal Assent is still pending, provincial ministers, including Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta, have indicated that the regulatory framework will be developed swiftly over the next year. If all goes according to plan, the market could open for business by early 2026. Flutter Entertainment (parent company of FanDuel) has already expressed anticipation for launching in Alberta within this timeline, indicating strong industry interest.
Details on Licensing and Regulation Awaited
While Bill 48 lays the groundwork, specifics like licensing fees, tax rates, responsible gambling requirements, and advertising standards will be determined through future regulations. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will retain its role as the province’s gaming regulator and work alongside the new iGaming Corporation.
Tackling the Unregulated Market
Industry estimates suggest that Alberta’s unregulated iGaming market is worth hundreds of millions annually. By introducing a legal framework similar to Ontario’s, which launched in April 2022 and has since generated significant tax revenue, Alberta hopes to channel player spending into safe and taxed environments.
Conclusion
The passing of the iGaming Alberta Act signals a transformative shift in the province’s digital gambling landscape. With a projected launch by 2026, Alberta is poised to modernize its market, safeguard consumers, and generate substantial new revenue streams.
