Alberta has moved ahead with plans to open its online gambling sector to private operators, introducing standards and financial terms that will govern commercial online casinos and sportsbooks. The approach follows discussions that began in 2024 and adopts a regulatory model similar to Ontarioās, which shifted to an open market in 2022. Until now, PlayAlberta has operated as the sole legal online gaming option in the province.
Alberta Outlines Rules for Market Entry
Legislation passed last year created the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) as the conduct-and-manage body for online gambling. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) will oversee regulatory responsibilities and continue running PlayAlberta. Unlike Ontarioās framework, AGLC will maintain dual roles as both operator and regulator.
AGLC published its Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming, an 85-page set of rules covering licensing, player protection, advertising restrictions, and integrity monitoring. AGLC is now accepting applications from commercial platforms and suppliers. Entry requires registration with AGLC followed by a commercial agreement with the AiGC. Companies seeking to supply gaming systems, payment services, or data tools will also be required to register and pay annual fees.
Private operators will pay a $50,000 application fee and a yearly registration fee of $150,000 for each iGaming site operating in Alberta. Supplier fees range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the service category. Industry groups had previously encouraged the province to adopt Ontarioās 20% tax structure on gaming revenue, and Alberta appears poised to follow that model. Before the 20% share applies, 3% of gross gaming revenue will be deducted, with 2% for First Nations initiatives and 1% for social responsibility programs.
Focus on Player Protection and Controlled Advertising
Provincial officials have emphasized the need for a regulated system because offshore operatorsĀ reportedly hold about 70% of Albertaās online gambling market. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said, āIt is our responsibility to step in, regulate the market and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans, particularly our youth,ā adding that āfor Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is to not start.ā
Nally told CTV News the new rules āwill likely take hold in late springā and said, āWe want to make (gambling) as safe and responsible as we possibly can.ā He also noted that commercial interest appears strong, saying companies āhave told us they want to be legalā ahead of the marketās opening.
New requirements restrict advertising practices. Marketing campaigns may not target minors, and companies cannot use professional athletes in promotional material. AGLCās standards specify that āadvertising and marketing materials must contain a responsible gambling message.ā Platforms may begin customer acquisition activities once they complete all registration and fee requirements.
The province plans to launch a centralized self-exclusion system that covers both online and land-based gambling venues. Nally described the system on CTV, stating that āwhen you hit that button, you will not just be self-excluded from all online sites, but from land-based casinos and racing entertainment centres.ā AGLC also mandates operator tools such as player time limits, betting limits, account activity statements, and intervention protocols when harmful patterns appear. Licensees will additionally be required to monitor wagering activity for integrity concerns and report irregular bets to an Independent Integrity Monitor.
AGLC is continuing to assemble the AiGCās leadership team. Interim roles are currently in place, while recruitment for compliance, operations, finance, technology, and legal positions is ongoing. Nally told local media he expects operators to enter the Alberta market within āa few months,ā though no firm launch date has been set.
Source:
“Alberta moves to regulate online gambling, welcomes in private betting companies“, ctvnews.ca, January 14 2026
