Canada: Alberta Advances Online Gambling Reform with Bill 48

Canada.- March 28, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com Bill 48 proposes the creation of a new Crown agency to oversee the online gambling framework in the province.

Key Points:

  • Aims to shift activity from offshore platforms to a safer, regulated environment.

  • Prioritizes player protection and responsible gaming.

  • AGLC will remain the regulatory body under the new structure.

The Government of Alberta has introduced Bill 48, known as the iGaming Alberta Act, with the goal of establishing a regulated online gambling market in the province. If approved, the bill would lead to the creation of the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new agency responsible for managing and overseeing private sector involvement in online gambling.

The regulation of iGaming in Alberta has long been anticipated.

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, clarified that the purpose of the bill is not to increase the number of gamblers but to ensure a safer environment for those already participating in online gambling.

“It is essential to modernize Alberta’s approach to gaming. This initiative is focused on protecting citizens, especially young Albertans, and ensuring the market operates in a safer, more responsible way,” he said.

If the legislation progresses, private companies would be allowed to operate online gambling platforms in Alberta, under the supervision of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), which will continue as the regulator. A key feature of the reform includes the implementation of a province-wide self-exclusion system, allowing players to block themselves from gambling across all platforms and operators. The minimum age for gambling will remain 18.

Another significant point is the retention of revenue within the province, preventing funds from flowing to foreign operators. The Alberta Government has stated that these funds could be reinvested locally and highlighted the importance of existing programs like GameSense, designed to encourage safer gambling habits.

Currently, PlayAlberta is the only legal platform in the province. However, if the new legislation is passed, the market could open up to additional operators in the coming months.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com

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