Alberta Moves to Regulate Online Gambling and Protect Bettors

The Alberta government is moving forward with plans to regulate private online gambling platforms, aiming to retain revenue currently flowing to offshore operators while implementing consumer safeguards.

New Legislation Proposes Regulatory Oversight

Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally introduced new legislation that would establish a provincial Crown corporation to oversee online gambling regulations and introduce safety measures for players. While the specifics of these regulations are still under development, Nally emphasized that the intent is not to expand online gambling but to manage an industry that is already flourishing in Alberta.

“The reality is that online gambling is alive and well in this province,” said Nally. “Let’s suppose this legislation doesn’t ; that won’t stop online gambling from continuing to grow.”

Currently, the government-run Play Alberta is the only regulated online gambling platform in the province. However, it is estimated to for less than half of Alberta’s total online gambling activity, with the remaining market share going to offshore operators that do not contribute revenue to the province.

Capturing Revenue and Enhancing Consumer Protection

Nally noted that bringing more gambling activity under provincial oversight would allow Alberta to reclaim lost revenue and reinvest it into public services. The province has not determined the exact amount being lost to unregulated operators, but the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) regulator reported that Play Alberta processed $5.3 billion in wagers during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This represented a 21% increase from the previous year and generated $235 million in government revenue.

Play Alberta also saw a 27.5% rise in registrations in the same period, demonstrating growing interest in legal gambling options. Despite this, many Albertans continue to access offshore sites that operate without provincial regulation.

The proposed regulatory framework draws inspiration from Ontario, which became the first Canadian province to regulate private online gambling in 2022. Within its first year, Ontario licensed more than 40 operators, recording over $35 billion in bets.

While Alberta hopes for similar success, there is no certainty that offshore operators will under the new system. However, Nally remains optimistic, citing Ontario’s experience as an example. “It’s a simple case of ‘If you build it, they will come,’ and we know this because they told us that,” he said.

The Alberta government has also indicated that a voluntary self-exclusion program will be part of its regulatory safeguards, allowing individuals to bar themselves from participating in online gambling. A similar system already exists for land-based casinos in the province.

Concerns Over Responsible Gambling and Advertising

Experts have welcomed the move toward regulation but stress the need for strong consumer protections. University of Calgary clinical psychology professor David Hodgins, who also serves as research director at the Alberta Gaming Research Institute, s the self-exclusion program but urges the government to adopt a broader approach.

“The abundance of caution kind of approach, I think, is warranted,” said Hodgins. He emphasized that while many people gamble responsibly, a significant portion experiences serious financial and personal consequences.

Hodgins also advocates for additional safeguards such as spending limits and behavioral tracking tools, similar to those implemented in other jurisdictions. He further recommends close monitoring of the new system to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

While the government’s focus is on consumer protection and revenue retention, local charities and land-based casinos have voiced concerns about the impact of online gambling expansion. Michael Thompson, executive director of the Alberta Charitable Casino Operators, previously warned that following Ontario’s model could significantly reduce revenue for charities.

However, Nally countered these concerns by arguing that offshore gambling already draws money away from Alberta’s charities and local businesses. “That money is leaving the province. We’re saying, since it’s happening, let’s have it happen in a safer format than it currently is. And let’s keep some of the revenues to stay in the province,” he said.

Play Alberta currently captures an estimated 45% of the online gambling market, with revenue growing annually. The government anticipates that if the proposed regulatory framework is ed, it could be implemented by late 2025 or early 2026.

Source:

‘’Alberta aims to regulate online gambling market, capture lost revenue under new bill’’, thealbertan.com, March 26, 2025.