Online Gambling in Alberta: What Will Change After the Market Expands

Alberta is set to expand its online gambling sector by permitting multiple private operators beyond the current Play Alberta platform. This follows the enactment of Law No. 16 in May, empowering the provincial government to regulate iGaming activities.

The move aims to emulate Ontario’s model, which generated $1.48 billion in its first year with multiple operators. Play Alberta captures half of the market, with offshore sites like Bet365 and Bodog drawing considerable traffic.

"Eliminating the illegal market is our goal," said Minister Dale Nally. "A robust, regulated market is the solution."

While consultations on the new system are underway, no official launch date has been set. Nally stressed safety and accountability as priorities. Concerns have arisen about sharing player data with competitors like Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), which manages Play Alberta.

Experts, including Professor David Hodgins, have called for stringent security measures. Alberta is exploring self-exclusion tools and revenue-sharing arrangements to balance operator participation and public revenue.