Expediting Online Gambling in Alberta, Canada: A Look into the Upcoming Revolution
Alberta moves toward an open and competitive market for online gambling
Updated on: May 8, 2025, 07:48h.
Introducing the iGaming Alberta Act
History is on the brink of repeating itself as the iGaming Alberta Act, championing private operator access to betting, edges closer to becoming law. The provincial legislature has green-lit Bill 48 without amendments, with the Royal Assent as the last step to legalization.
The Royal Assent: The Final Hurdle
With the United Conservative Party's majority, Bill 48 easily passed its third reading. The iGaming Alberta Act, if approved by the Royal Assent, will institute the Alberta iGaming Corporation to manage regulated online gambling operations in the province. This regulatory body, prioritizing consumer protection and responsible play, will oversee both PlayAlberta, the province's current legal regulated site for sports betting and online casino, and the future private operators.
The Board of Directors
The Alberta iGaming Corporation will be governed by a board of up to seven directors, appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally.
Anticipated Market Launch: Early 2026
With the Royal Assent impending, the next major milestones involve finalizing the tax rate and establishing the broader regulatory framework. Alberta, post Royal Assent, will become the second province to introduce a competitive private operator regulatory regime.
The Tax Rate: A Billion-Dollar Question
After receiving Royal Assent, the tax rate is a crucial factor that will be determined, with Ontario boasting a 20% tax rate for its market.
The Voice of an Expert
Ron Segev, founder of Segev LLP and a leading voice in Canada's igaming legal landscape, has recently established an office in Calgary. As expressed to Casino.org, Segev believes Alberta has the potential to become a billion-dollar industry in its first year, provided it adopts a truly open market with a responsible advertising regime.
Major Players in the Making
Thriving off the success of Ontario's iGaming market, leading operators including DraftKings, PointsBet Canada, NorthStar, FanDuel, and BetRivers are reportedly ready to submit applications for Alberta licenses, aiming to compete with the provincial incumbent, PlayAlberta.
Powering Through After the Royal Assent
Following the Royal Assent, the government will then focus on:
- Establishing the Alberta iGaming Corporation.
- Implementing a broader regulatory framework.
Further considerations include:
- Advertising restrictions.
- Revenue sharing arrangements.
The New Era of Online Gambling in Alberta
The iGaming Alberta Act's implementing phase aims to create an Ontario-style, open, and competitive market for private operators, targeting rapid growth potential. As the Alberta market comes to life, players can expect:
- A thriving new market, with a billion-dollar potential in its first year[2].
- A safer gambling environment, as players transition from grey markets to reputable licensed operators.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The iGaming Alberta Act, if approved by the Royal Assent, is poised to catalyze private online gambling access in Alberta, Canada. This legislation ushers in the following timeline and details:
Expected Timeline
- Launch Date: The Alberta iGaming market is projected to launch in early 2026[1][2][4], although some sources suggest it could be delayed until Q2 2026.
- Next Steps: Following Royal Assent, the government will focus on setting up the Alberta iGaming Corporation and implementing a broader regulatory framework[2][4].
Details of the Launch
- Regulatory Framework: The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will oversee regulated online gambling, prioritizing consumer protection and responsible play[2][5].
- Market Structure: Alberta aims to create an Ontario-style, open, and competitive iGaming market[2][5].
- Taxation: The tax rate is yet to be determined, but estimations suggest it could be set at 20%, similar to Ontario's tax rate[2].
- Regulatory Preparations: Additional details such as advertising restrictions and revenue sharing need to be finalized before the market opens[4].
Implications
- Industry Growth: Alberta is projected to generate billions in revenue in its first year of operation[2].
- Consumer Impact: The move aims to transition players from the grey market to licensed operators, potentially enhancing consumer safety and well-being[5].
- The iGaming Alberta Act, if it receives the Royal Assent, will mark a significant step towards expanding private online gambling access in Alberta, Canada.
- Upon receiving the Royal Assent, the government's focus will shift to establishing the Alberta iGaming Corporation and implementing a broader regulatory framework.
- The Alberta iGaming market, projected to launch in early 2026, aims to replicate Ontario's open and competitive market structure.
- The tax rate for the Alberta iGaming market is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be similar to Ontario's rate of 20%.
- Besides finalizing the tax rate, advertising restrictions and revenue sharing arrangements also need to be addressed before the market launch.
- Leading operators like DraftKings, PointsBet Canada, NorthStar, FanDuel, and BetRivers are reportedly preparing to enter the Alberta market, intending to compete with the provincial incumbent, PlayAlberta.
