Alberta plans to launch a regulated online gambling market in early 2026. Bill 48, passed in May 2025, allows private operators under provincial oversight, but real-money online gambling cannot begin until licensing, advertising rules, and tax structures are finalized.
The framework was established through the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48), passed in May 2025, with provincial officials confirming that final regulatory rules must be completed before licensed operators can offer real-money services. Earlier expectations pointed to a late-2025 launch, but the timeline was adjusted to allow more time for consultation and rule-making.
Legal Online Gambling in Alberta: Key Takeaways
- Alberta already has a legal, government-regulated platform called Play Alberta, operated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), where residents can legally play real-money games and wager on sports.
- The iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) was passed by the Alberta legislature in May 2025 and now only requires royal assent and regulatory rules before private operators can enter the market.
- Most aspects of the new regulated market – including licensing fees, tax rates, advertising rules, and responsible-gaming standards – are still being finalized and are expected to be set through upcoming regulations.
- Alberta’s regulated market launch is projected for early 2026 once the Alberta iGaming Corporation and supporting oversight framework are established.
- Until the fully regulated market opens, private online betting and casino sites remain accessible primarily through offshore platforms not licensed in Canada.
Current Status of Online Gambling in Alberta
At present, online gambling in Alberta operates under a limited structure.
Online Gambling Access in Alberta Today
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Legal online platform | Provincial-only |
| Private operators | Not yet licensed |
| Offshore platforms | Widely used |
| Provincial regulation | Limited |
| Market opening | Not yet authorized |
The passing of Bill 48 does not give direct access to the market. The province will first design and approve the regulatory framework for the industry after passing the law.
What Bill 48 Changes
The legislation creates the legal foundation for a private-operator iGaming market under provincial oversight.
Main Elements Introduced by Bill 48
- Authorization for private online casinos and sportsbooks
- Continued operation of the provincial platform
- Creation of the Alberta iGaming Corporation
- Legal basis for province-wide player protection tools
With this step, Alberta becomes the second province after Ontario to move toward a private iGaming model.
Alberta iGaming Corporation
The Alberta iGaming Corporation will act as the province’s conduct-and-manage body once the market opens.
Planned Responsibilities of the Alberta iGaming Corporation
| Area | Role |
|---|---|
| Operator approval | Licensing and oversight |
| Compliance | Monitoring regulatory rules |
| Reporting | Operational and financial data |
| Player protection | Province-wide safeguards |
| Coordination | Online and land-based systems |
A centralized self-exclusion program is confirmed and will apply across licensed online platforms and physical gambling venues.
Regulatory Decisions Still Pending
Several key elements are still under development and will be defined through regulations rather than the legislation itself.
Items Still Being Finalized
- Operator tax rates and fees
- Advertising and sponsorship standards
- Licensing and registration process
- Technical and compliance requirements
Consultations include private operators, retail casino companies, and First Nations groups.
Policy Context and Next Steps
Provincial officials have stated that a significant amount of online gambling already takes place through offshore platforms. The policy focus is to bring that activity under provincial rules rather than expand gambling access.
Steps Required Before Launch
- Final approval of advertising rules
- Cabinet decisions on taxation and fees
- Publication of licensing requirements
- Operational setup of the Alberta iGaming Corporation
It is anticipated that Alberta will officially launch its online gaming network by early 2026. Until that time, online gambling in the province remains limited to provincial offerings and offshore platforms.
How Alberta’s Approach Compares Within Canada
Alberta’s decision to delay market launch until rules are fully defined places it between two existing models in Canada. Ontario moved quickly in 2022 with a broad private-operator launch, then adjusted rules on advertising and player protection after the market was already active. Alberta is taking a slower route by setting the legal foundation first and leaving operational details to later regulations.
This approach reduces uncertainty for players once the market opens but requires more preparation time for operators. By confirming early that private companies will be allowed while postponing decisions on tax rates and advertising limits, Alberta keeps flexibility without committing to fixed terms too early. The final structure will determine how closely the province aligns with Ontario or develops its own regulatory path.
What Alberta’s Decision Signals for Gambling Regulation in Canada
Alberta’s move toward a regulated private iGaming market marks a second major provincial test of this model in Canada. With Ontario already operating an open market and Alberta preparing its own version, other provinces now have two reference points for managing online gambling activity within their borders. The timing also matters. Alberta is building its framework in light of national debates over advertising, player protection, and market oversight that have become more visible.
The outcome in Alberta will likely influence future policy choices beyond the province. Decisions on advertising limits, tax structure, and centralized self-exclusion could shape expectations for what regulated online gambling will look like at the national level, even without a single federal framework. As provinces continue to balance consumer protection with revenue control, Alberta’s approach adds another data point to how Canada may regulate online gambling in the years ahead.