Alberta, Canada, Passes Bill 48 for Regulated iGaming

Alberta, Canada, has passed Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, moving closer to launching a regulated online gambling market. Only Royal Assent remains. Bill 48 clears the way for private iGaming operators and sets the stage for a regulated market to rival Ontario’s in size and scope. The bill received its third reading this week 

Alberta, Canada, has passed Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, moving closer to launching a regulated online gambling market. Only Royal Assent remains.

Bill 48 clears the way for private iGaming operators and sets the stage for a regulated market to rival Ontario’s in size and scope. The bill received its third reading this week and now awaits Royal Assent – a routine step before it becomes law.

The new legislation allows Alberta to form the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a government-run body that will manage and oversee the province’s online gambling system. Similar to Ontario’s iGaming Ontario model, it will allow private companies to operate legal online casinos and sportsbooks under provincial oversight.

Currently, Play Alberta is the only legal online gambling platform in the province. Bill 48 will break this monopoly and open the door to private competition, making Alberta the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to embrace a competitive iGaming market.

While the bill’s passage is a major milestone, Alberta still faces several steps before the market can launch, including building a licensing system, drafting regulations, and ensuring player protections. The government has said the market may go live in late 2025 or early 2026.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction said:

“The difficult work begins now. Should Bill 48 pass, Alberta’s government will begin to work on setting up the Alberta iGaming Corporation, while we continue to meet with stakeholders and work with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission on establishing the broader regulatory framework that includes player protections.”

Concerns remain from First Nations operators, who are seeking clarity on how the new system will affect their existing casino agreements. Additionally, the province will need to carefully manage the shift from unregulated “grey market” operators, which currently attract much of Alberta’s online gambling traffic.

Ontario’s iGaming expansion sets an example, both for success and what to avoid. While its market generated over $1 billion, it was also criticized for regulatory complexity, the treatment of paid fantasy sports, and compliance burdens on operators. Alberta officials have hinted at a faster and more focused launch to avoid issues seen in Ontario.

Revenue from Alberta’s iGaming system will be collected by the new Corporation and directed into the province’s general fund. Licensing fees and taxes are still being finalized, but the funds are expected to support public services such as addiction treatment and social programs.