From all indications, Alberta is taking the leash off its online gambling sector, as they’re all set to pass legislation to that end. Titled the “iGaming Alberta Act, Bill 48 lays the groundwork for regulating Alberta’s online gambling industry, officially stepping into the thriving iGaming market with a clear framework.
Reports coming in have described the proceedings as imminent after the Act received its third reading in the provincial legislature last week. At that point, the final step needed was receiving Royal Assent. Considering this is largely a formality, we can confirm the imminent nature of this bill.
What Will Bill 48 Change?
Bill 48 paves the way for the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new government body that aligns with Canada’s Criminal Code, overseeing all related operations of all found iGaming sites in Canada. By standard, the body will conduct and manage online lottery and online casino structures on the Province’s behalf.
Since the Alberta iGaming Corporation will operate subject to the it will operate online gambling services under the “conduct and management mandate.” In a nutshell, the following are development we have now come to expect from bill 48;
- Make Aberta the second province in Canada to allow private iGaming operators
- Establish the liberty for AiC to develop its own licensing systems
- Enable AiC establish its own consumer protection and regulatory frameworks
Fun Fact: In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Play Alberta processed $5.3 billion in wagers, generating $235 million in government revenue.
“The difficult work now begins.” “Should Bill 48 pass, Alberta’s government will begin to work on setting up the Alberta iGaming Corporation.”
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Service and Red Tape Reduction told Covers. His standpoint would be validated by many as the province faces several challenges before the market can be up and running.
As of now, projections are that it may not be a very smooth transition and understandably so. Firstly, the Corporation will have to gain some market ground controlled by the Play Alberta Platform. On the official side, the Alberta iGaming Corporation would have to undertake staffing, creation of consumer protection protocols, as well as drafting its regulations. Most importantly, the body would require meticulous licensing systems as top casino providers like Stonevegas casino from this review are big on prestigious licenses.
Timeline of Events
All things taken into consideration, officials are projecting the actual market launch may exceed 2025, creeping into early 2026. The coming weeks will present much to anticipate as Alberta is keen on becoming only the second province to licence private iGaming operators in the country. Will Alberta be rubbing shoulders with Ontario, having already provided a road map for other provinces to join the league?
One could say Alberta is already aiming to avoid the shortfalls and regulatory complexities of iGaming Ontario. This initiative is also evident with Corporation’s launch time, as attempts are being made to avoid missteps this early.
Fun Fact: Currently, unregulated online gaming sites account for approximately 55% of Alberta’s iGaming market. The introduction of a regulated market seeks to draw these funds into the legal framework.
Final Words
The Alberta iGaming legislation is a step in the right direction. It will protect Alberta bettors and foster an organized environment for gambling operators.
