Alberta's iGaming act passes second reading, enters committee stage
Alberta is set to revolutionise its online gambling scene with Bill 48, formally known as the iGaming Alberta Act. This legislation will establish a competitive and regulated market through the private operation of online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms under government supervision. Currently, the setup is limited to Play Alberta, but many Albertans are turning to offshore, grey-market websites. This bill aims to bring that activity into a legal, transparent, and safer space.
Alberta’s current gambling framework
Play Alberta is the only legal online gambling platform, run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Its limited offerings cannot compete with the variety, speed, and user experience of international sites.
According to government estimates, more than half of Alberta’s online gambling activity occurs on grey-market platforms. These sites are often based offshore and operate without any local oversight, leaving players vulnerable and revenues untapped by the province.
The ruling United Conservative Party backed , and it passed its second reading with ease. With a UCP majority in the legislature, its passage is expected to continue smoothly.
Key provisions of bill 48
The significant shift in this bill is allowing private companies to enter the market. These operators would have to obtain licences and agree to follow Alberta’s regulations. This means that companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM could potentially set up shop in Alberta.
A new crown agency, iGaming Alberta, would manage the market. It is modelled after iGaming Ontario, acting as a middleman between the government and private operators. The bill does not lay out all the rules yet—that will come later through regulations. However, it does give the province strong oversight authority, including the power to monitor games, enforce standards, and protect players.
Opposition MLA Gurinder Brar warned that rushing the bill without clear regulations is like “buying a car without knowing if it has brakes.” A valid point—the bill is light on specifics.
Brar stated, “This approach is just like buying a car without knowing if it has brakes or a steering wheel. It’s bound to lead to a crash.”
Protecting players from unregulated sites
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, did not mince words; this bill is about protecting Albertans. Currently, players using offshore sites are at risk of unfair practices, fraud, or data breaches. Regulation brings transparency and accountability.
Nally said, “There are a significant number of Albertans who are potentially being preyed upon by grey market sites or illicit sites. This legislation proposes to change that.”
Ontario’s move to legalise and regulate private operators has been largely successful. Alberta is looking to replicate that model—avoiding the pitfalls while enjoying the benefits.
Responsible gambling measures
Minister Nally assured critics that responsible gambling tools will be part of the final framework. This includes age verification, betting limits, and access to support services.
Nally said, “Once the regulated market is established, Alberta’s government will be able to capture gambling revenues currently lost to unregulated sites often located outside of Alberta. This new revenue can be used to support First Nations as well as social responsibility initiatives and other government priorities.”
The bill is now heading to the Committee of the Whole, where every detail will be carefully reviewed word by word, clause by clause. If everything goes smoothly, we could see the new market up and running by late 2025 or early 2026. This means that online gamblers in Alberta might have new legal platforms to choose from within the next 18 to 24 months.
