We investigate the latest developments for a new Alberta online gambling framework that invites private operators to open iGaming websites. (Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay)
The Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has always been a bit of a grey area when it comes to online gambling.
Only one online casino and sports site had been allowed to ‘legally’ offer services to players in the Canadian province. However, gambling entertainment websites operating under the Curacao and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) have always accepted players from the province.
We first reported on the topic back in June 2024 when our news research team caught wind of rumors of an Alberta licensing authority.
Dan Keene, who is the VP of Gaming for the Alberta gambling authority, has commented that opening up its licensing framework to accommodate private operators was a possibility.
Fast-forward a little over three-quarters of a year, and it looks like a decision has all but been made.
Other gambling news websites are publishing news that a deal is close. Gambling news has an article titled Alberta Setting the Stage for Regulating iGaming, which is an interesting read. I always like reporting on their site! Also, Yogonet is on the act reporting via a news headline ‘Alberta moves to regulate private online gambling’.
As always, when I follow the news from reputable gambling websites such as Yogonet and Gambling News, I always dig a bit deeper into the topic to find out what’s rattling on the iGaming news grapevine.
I looked directly on the AGLC website news pages, but there is no official announcement yet. However, there is no shortage of well-known media sources online offering their take on the current situation.
New Alberta iGaming Corporation On The Cusp of Becoming Offcial
As with the Alchol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which created the iGaming Ontario (iGO) licensing framework to regulate online gambling, the AGCO seem to be planning on creating a subsidiary licensing authority for Alberta’s private iGaming operators.
Several news reports have mentioned that the new Crown corporation is an online gambling authority that will be named the Alberta iGaming Corporation under the province’s Bill 48: the iGaming Alberta Act. This is according to several reliable news sources, such as CBC.ca, Globalnews.ca as well as Yogonet and Gambling News.
The goal is to create a legal framework so reputable gambling sites that already supply Alberta citizens with online gambling can now do so legally without operating it was is effectively a grey market. On top of this, the province will ensure responsible gambling is a priority by creating a central responsible gambling system so players can self-exclude. However, it would not stop players who do self-exclude from accessing gambling sites operated overseas.
Proposed Regulation For The Time Bring: Right now, as of a 26 March news report – Alberta sets stage to regulate private online gambling by CBC Canada, we are only at the stage of the legislation being a stage of proposal.
How Will The New Alberta iGaming Corporation Affect Play Alberta?
Currently, the only ‘official’ online gambling site available in the Canadian province is Play Alberta. It’s a decent enough website and offers a good number of games. On top of this, players feel safe that they are gambling online at a casino that is bound by local laws. Right now, the official figure floating around is that 45% of those who gamble online in Alberta are members of the government-run Play Alberta site.
Of course it is reasonable to assume the other 55% are playing at what the AGCO and media refer to as ‘Grey Market’ online casinos and sports books. It is tough to predict whether players will sway away from Play Alberta. Still, I am sure those who use the government-approved website are doing so because they feel it is safer than risking the grey market option and may be persuaded to try something new.
On the Globalnews.ca online news report covering the AGCO’s plans to create the Alberta iGaming Corporation, it says “According to the province’s gambling regulator, Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis, $5.3 billion in wagers were made on the Play Alberta site in the 2023-2024 fiscal year covering casino games, sports betting and more”.
Which Online Casinos Are Likely to Open in Alberta?
As Alberta gears up to open its iGaming market to private operators, the big question on everyone’s mind is: Which brands will show up first?
If Ontario’s model offers any clue, we can expect to see major international names like Betway, Bet365, Unibet, LeoVegas, and 888 Casino looking to secure domestic licensing, in the case of Canada, provincial certification to operate. These brands already have experience operating in regulated Canadian markets and are familiar to Alberta players through their long-standing presence in the grey market.
Many of these companies operate under respected international licenses from jurisdictions such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and they’ve shown a clear interest in transitioning into legal frameworks when given the opportunity. That’s precisely what happened in Ontario, where dozens of operators moved quickly to acquire the iGO licensing certification and go live within a structured regulatory system.
If you would like to read our September news report covering the topic, take a look at Jack Bannon’s previous news report – Alberta Canada Private Online Gambling Firms to Operate in the Province.
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