Alberta is finally entering the digital iGaming space with its long overdue iGaming Act — also known as Bill 48 —, a big change for online gambling in the Wild Rose Country. As the government gets ready to open the market to private operators, stakeholders across the industry are paying attention.
From consumer protections and tax to licensing and market oversight, the Act sets the stage for a new era of online gaming in Alberta. Here’s the lowdown on how it all works and what it means for the future of iGaming in the province.
The Fresh New Look of PlayAlberta Indicates Shifting Sands
In March 2025, PlayAlberta renewed its look with a fresh new logo and an improved app. According to Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), which operates PlayAlberta, lauded the brand’s upgrade, stating:
“Play Alberta is an entertainment destination for Albertans. Expanding the features available to them through the app continues to optimize their playing experience. I’m excited to see the brand evolve from where we started five years ago to what it has become today, celebrating a unique Alberta platform, with an identity that celebrates our province.”
The timing of PlayAlberta’s new look is indicative of Alberta’s soon-to-happen shift. Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, passed in May 2025. It proposes a dual-agency model where AGLC regulates the market and operates PlayAlberta. Plus, a new Alberta iGaming Corporation will manage relationships with licensed private operators. It’s the same model as Ontario, the only Canadian province that has fully opened its iGaming market.
Right now, PlayAlberta is the only legal online gambling platform under the AGLC. It’s estimated to hold about 45% of the market. The rest are grey-market operators, international sites that accept Albertan players without a local license. With the new iGaming Alberta Act, the province is poised to bring these operators into the legal fold through a formal licensing process, aiming to create a safer and more transparent online casino environment.
Key Takeaways From the iGaming Alberta Act
Although the official launch date of Alberta’s iGaming market is yet to be announced, there are a few things players and stakeholders can take away from the new gambling laws. Among them is that Bill 48 officially assigns the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) as the main regulator of the province’s iGaming market. In other words, it will be responsible for compliance and market fairness. This is the same as Ontario where the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) does the same.
On top of that, the legislation also creates a new entity, iGaming Alberta Corporation, which will be in charge of managing licensing, regulation, and day to day operations of the province’s private online gambling sector. The Act clearly separates regulatory (AGLC) from operational (iGaming Alberta Corporation) duties. This is the same as Ontario where AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO) are separate to avoid conflicts of interest.
While proposed changes to embed responsible gambling measures to Bill 48 were rejected, legislators have expressed their intention to address player protection measures through sports betting regulations. The province will roll out consumer safety protocols, including a central self-exclusion system, geo-location measures, and age verification to restrict access to 18+. Public education and support tools like GameSense will continue to promote responsible play.
With regard to licensing and tax rates, Bill 48 is yet to outline licensing costs or tax measures for operators. Alberta may follow Ontario where iGaming and sports betting is taxed at 20%. But these details will be finalized before the market opens to private operators.
Possible Steps for Prospective Operators While Awaiting Alberta iGaming Launch
As Alberta gets ready to launch its iGaming market, experts say early planning is key. Drawing on lessons learned from Ontario’s mature regulatory environment, experts recommend operators start by getting specialist advice for the licensing process. Although the province hasn’t published the application criteria yet, getting compliance consultants now means you can interpret the rules when they come out, complete readiness assessments and submit your licence application with minimal risk of procedural hiccups.
Just as important is setting up an anti-money laundering (AML) framework. With Alberta likely to adopt Ontario’s tough AML standards, operators should draft their risk assessments now, create internal policies and attestations and roll out employee training programs. Working with AML experts will keep you focused on the evolving provincial requirements from day one.
On the governance front, Alberta’s proposed regulations will likely mirror best practices in Ontario, requiring incident response plans, third-party risk assessments and SOC-compliant reporting. External audit teams can review your existing controls, identify gaps and deploy custom technology-risk reviews to strengthen your platform and be ready for any regulatory inspection.
Technology will make or break market leaders when play begins. Integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems give you centralised financial oversight and real-time operational visibility, while leading-edge cybersecurity tools, from identity verification suites to secure data channels, are non-negotiable for the platform and its users.
Ongoing assurance and accounting support will underpin regulatory confidence as regular independent audits help you close process gaps before they become problems. And although Alberta hasn’t finalised its tax rates and licensing fees, getting tax advice early means you can model the scenarios, maybe using Ontario’s 20% tax rate, and develop your strategy to balance compliance with profit.
By getting everything in sync on licensing, AML, governance, technology, assurance and tax planning now, iGaming hopefuls can navigate the Alberta regulatory landscape smoothly and be ready for market launch.
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