Alberta is one step away from legalizing commercial online sports betting and casinos.
The Legislative Assembly of Alberta passed Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, last Thursday after a third reading, paving a pathway for the regulation of online wagering throughout the province.
The bill, introduced by Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally, passed without amendments through first the Committee of the Whole and then the full Assembly, allowing Alberta to host an open market once it receives Royal Assent.
Royal Assent is the final stage before a bill is enacted.
“The Canadian Gaming Association and its members extend their congratulations to Minister Dale Nally and the Government of Alberta for reaching this significant milestone and advancing towards the provision of regulated iGaming and enhanced consumer protections for its citizens,” said the Canadian Gaming Association on the approval.
The iGaming Alberta Act was crafted as the foundation for commercial gambling in Alberta following a request by Premier Danielle Smith to establish a uniform framework.
The measure’s framework calls for Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to regulate the commercial gaming market while continuing to operate Play Alberta, the province’s government-operated online gambling platform. The iGaming Alberta Act also establishes the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new government agency, that will provide oversight of the province’s private-sector market for online sports betting and casino operators.
The measure also considers responsible gaming.
The iGaming Alberta Act creates a centralized self-exclusion system while also requiring the promotion of RG tools and resources through existing programs, including GameSense, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s RG program.
Still work to be done in Alberta
The bill currently does not include the total number of commercial operators that will be allowed to enter Alberta. It also does not include details on licensing fees and tax rates.
“More details on key regulations and policies related to revenue, consumer protection and specific social responsibility policies will be shared later this year, following further engagement,” said Nally during the measure’s third reading.
Nally and other lawmakers in Alberta will also consider responsible gambling in any changes. Nally has voiced his desire to have RG handled by Alberta’s gaming regulator compared to placing rules in legislation. Nally argues that having regulators handle RG allows changes to be made “on a dime” rather than going through a legislative process to make adjustments.
If enacted, Bill 48 would allow commercial wagering in Alberta to go live by Q2 2026.
Alberta would become Canada’s second open, commercial gambling market. Ontario-licensed operators such as FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers and theScore Bet are expected to apply for Alberta entry. Super Group also has plans to bring one of its brands to Alberta.
