When will online gambling expand in Alberta? What to know
Alberta is one of the last major Canadian provinces without a regulated online gambling marketplace featuring private enterprises, but with things soon to change, here’s what to know about when online gambling will expand in the region.
Most of the larger Canadian provinces have legalized and regulated gambling industries, with Alberta being an exception. A government-backed platform, PlayAlberta, was launched in 2020, but many players still preferr offshore and grey market alternatives. This was in large part due to the smaller variety of betting games and bonuses available on PlayAlberta.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission is now planning to launch a regulated online gambling marketplace for the province, and those waiting on information when it will happen won’t have to wait for much longer.
Alberta’s regulated online gambling plan, explained
The online gambling market in Alberta will reportedly include online casino games, poker, and online sports betting. Alberta’s regulated online gambling market is expected to emulate Ontario’s successful model, which was launched in 2022 and has multiple private operators offering their diverse platforms for bettors.
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Online gambling has already been legalized in Alberta through the iGaming Alberta Act, and the AGLC has also drafted regulations that future operators must meet. Registration for licensing is now opening for private operators to allow online gambling in the province to further expand, who must meet Alberta’s standards for licenses to be issued.
Gambling in Alberta will still be overseen by the AGLC, but iGaming Alberta Corporation will help manage the commercial marketplace.
When are private betting companies coming to Alberta?
According to ministers with the provincial government of Alberta, private betting companies and operators will be brought into the province in 2026, likely in the spring. It remains possible, however, that this introduction process could drag later into the year.
The agencies will regulate casino bonuses and promotions, and operators will be expected to implement responsible gambling measures on their own platforms. Accounts will need to be age-verified, deposit limits will be set in place, and citizens will be able to self-exclude from any participating platforms. This way, the province can ensure that adults aged 18 and above are gambling, and that players can limit their spending and time on the platforms if they should so choose.
Alberta reportedly loses millions of dollars each year to offshore and unregulated gambling operators, and the province has demanded that all unregulated operators cease operations.
The expansion of online gambling in the province stands to benefit both Alberta and its citizens, as the province will receive tax revenues from gambling activity and players will be better protected from unregulated platforms.
Most analysts estimate that annual revenue could be over $700 million for Alberta’s online gambling market, which see money go towards the annual online betting tax at $140 million given a 20% rate. The total tax rate for online casinos will be approximately 23%, with Alberta retaining 20% after deducting 3%. 2% of that will be going toward First Nations peoples, and 1% will go towards funding social benefit initiatives.
Feature image credit: Canva
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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