The province acknowledges that Ontario’s iGaming model is working successfully
Alberta is considering a major shift in its online gambling industry by opening the market to private operators. The provincial government has introduced legislation aimed at regulating offshore gambling websites and apps, a move officials say could generate more revenue while strengthening player protections.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally emphasized that the goal is not to increase gambling access but to address an industry that is already thriving without proper oversight. He pointed out that Alberta’s government-run Play Alberta platform currently holds less than half of the province’s online gambling market, with the rest controlled by offshore companies that do not contribute to provincial revenues.
By regulating these operators, Alberta hopes to reclaim some of that lost revenue and reinvest it into public services.
Under the proposed legislation, a new Crown corporation would be responsible for setting standards for private online casinos, including safeguards to protect players. While the details of these regulations are still being determined, Nally referenced Ontario’s model, where more than 40 companies registered under provincial oversight after regulations were introduced in 2022. He expressed confidence that many reputable operators would choose to comply with Alberta’s framework once established.
Experts have highlighted both opportunities and challenges with the proposal. University of Calgary professor David Hodgins stressed the importance of responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and monitoring tools to identify risky behavior. Opposition critics have also called for additional support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
With Play Alberta reporting a significant increase in user sign-ups and betting activity in the past year, the province is positioning itself to expand its role in the online gambling space. If the legislation passes, Alberta could become the next major Canadian jurisdiction to welcome private gaming operators into a regulated system.
