Alberta moves forward with online gambling reform via Bill 48
Bill 48 proposes creation of new Crown agency to oversee online gambling framework.
Key Points
- Aims to shift gambling from offshore sites into a safer, regulated system
- Player protection and responsible gaming to be prioritised
- AGLC will remain regulator under new structure
Alberta’s Government has introduced Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, which would lead to a regulated online gambling market in the province. The proposed law would set up a new Crown agency, the Alberta iGaming Corporation, to operate and manage private sector involvement in online gaming.
A regulated iGaming market in Alberta has long been anticipated.
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, said the point of the bill is not to create more gamblers but to make things safer for those already playing online.
“We need to modernise how Alberta handles gaming. This is really about protecting people, especially young Albertans, and making sure the market works in a safer, more responsible way,” he said.
If approved, the new framework would allow private companies to offer online gambling in Alberta under oversight from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), which would continue as the regulator. A key feature includes a province-wide self-exclusion system, helping individuals who want to block themselves from gambling across all venues and platforms. The minimum age to gamble will remain 18.
There is also mention of revenue staying in the province, rather than flowing to overseas operators. The Alberta Government has said funds could be reinvested locally, while also pointing to existing support systems like GameSense that encourage safer habits.
PlayAlberta remains the only current legal platform, but this bill could open the door to others, provided the legislation is passed by the legislature in the coming months.
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