Alberta Introduces Fresh iGaming Laws
In a significant move towards modernising its gaming approach, the Alberta government has passed the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) on May 7, 2025. This legislation lays the legal foundation for Alberta's regulated online gaming market, including private-sector sports betting and casino gambling sites[1][3].
The iGaming Alberta Corporation, a new Crown corporation, will be established to manage and regulate online lottery schemes, table games, and sports betting on behalf of the provincial government[2]. The corporation will also be responsible for signing operating agreements with private operators and promoting responsible gambling through a centralized self-exclusion system[1][2].
The government aims to create an open, competitive market similar to Ontario’s model, moving beyond the existing Play Alberta monopoly and brick-and-mortar casinos[3][4]. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will handle the regulation for the new market.
Play Alberta, currently the only legal platform for Albertans to wager, will continue to operate and has expanded its product offerings to maintain its customer base[4]. However, the Act invites multiple private operators, and major players such as DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet Canada, and others are looking to jump into the Alberta market once the iGaming Alberta Act becomes law[2][3].
The iGaming Alberta Corporation will have the power to sign agreements with private bookmakers, ensuring a diverse market[2][3]. TheScore Bet is expected to be introduced to Albertans once the legislation is approved.
The unregulated igaming market currently holds a significant share in Alberta, estimated to be around 55-75%[5]. By legalising and regulating the market, the government aims to bring more players into a legal system with consumer protections and generate tax revenue for the province, the objective of the iGaming Alberta Act[1].
The tax rate on revenue for the new market has not been addressed in the government statement. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, stated that the goal is to make existing online gambling safer in Alberta[1]. The government emphasizes responsible gambling and regulatory agility as key pillars of the new market structure[1][2].
The legislation now goes through a process of Second Reading, Committee Stage, Third Reading, and Royal Assent before it becomes an Act[6]. The Alberta government's intention to modernise Alberta's approach to gaming to protect the health and safety of Albertans, particularly the youth, was announced earlier[7]. The target launch date for the regulated iGaming market is early 2026, with a realistic target around mid-2026 to allow time for agency setup, procedure drafting, and operator contract finalization[2][3].
Sports betting will be a part of the regulated online gaming market managed by the iGaming Alberta Corporation, as stated in the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48). Major players such as DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet Canada, and others are looking to enter the Alberta market once the legislation is approved, offering sports betting opportunities to Albertans.
