The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) recently appointed Larry Spagnolo as the new board chair effective Aug. 15, 2025. The announcement was followed by an official Order in Council from the Government of Alberta.
According to a statement, the AGLC said former chair Len Rhodes was not willing to extend his leadership to his third term after securing his leadership position since 2019. During his tenure, he achieved several milestones during his tenure. That includes 51% red tape reduction, significant growth in the cannabis industry, and embracing a balanced approach to regulatory oversight, social responsibility, and business development.
AGLC further commented that Spagnolo as new board chair is part of its efforts to build community support, promote responsible choices, and grow Alberta’s economy.
An Impressive Background in Technology and Community Leadership
Spagnolo is General Manager and Vice President of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA division and is vice chair of Athabasca University’s board of governors. He was previously senior executive at Zedi and Telus and is a board member at NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his immense community contributions.
The AGLC said Spagnolo’s technology expertise and corporate leadership will help guide its long-term strategy. His appointment will bring new thinking on innovation, growth and accountability as the commission works to support communities, responsible gaming and consumption and make Alberta a competitive and sustainable place to do business.
In a recent interview with Focus Gaming News, Spagnolo emphasized how his experience will benefit AGLC and Albertan players.
“My experience in business has grounded me in a number of principles, which starts with being a knowledgeable market leader and being able to stay in front of industry trends versus chasing them.”
He continued, “I value a communications driven approach, which I believe is an important aspect for our stakeholders, to fully understand the lengths we will go to support them. If we are not meeting their expectations, we will work to improve our stakeholder outreach and prioritize business-friendly policy. Moving forward, AGLC needs to be a leader when it comes to the latest technology, offering the best experience we can for all Albertans.”
Spagnolo Takes the Reins at a Critical Time for Alberta’s Gaming Industry
Bill 48, a.k.a the iGaming Alberta Act, passed its third reading in May 2025. As the bill awaits Royal Assent, legislators are busy consulting with First Nations and key stakeholders in the industry in a bid to design a framework that’s both inclusive and sustainable.
The consultations are to make sure the new online gaming model balances economic opportunity with social responsibility and Indigenous participation in Alberta’s gaming landscape. Once in place, the bill will create a competitive market for private operators under a regulated system and have the province capture new revenue and meet the growing demand for digital gaming.
AGLC’s Mandate Under Spagnolo’s Leadership
As Alberta moves from a government-controlled model to a regulated online market, Larry Spagnolo takes the AGLC reins with a clear directive: innovation without compromising public safeguards.
His tech and corporate background means modern, data-driven oversight — not just opening doors to private operators. But building the systems that ensure integrity, responsible play and Indigenous and community participation.
“The fast-paced and ever-changing igaming and retail casino industry will come with new hurdles and challenges that I am confident our team can overcome,” Spagnolo said. “Our role as regulator will be tested as the market expands, giving Albertans more choice for responsible play while at the same time protecting our youth.”
The next few months will be the test. Regulators must create licensing rules, consumer protection measures, and compliance tools that keep up with the fast-moving platforms. Equally important will be transparent revenue sharing and strong enforcement to prevent the harms that come with rapid market growth.
If Spagnolo’s experience scaling digital businesses and convening diverse boards is any indication, the AGLC may go for a phased, accountable rollout that attracts investment while protecting players. For Albertans, it means more choice. But for policymakers, it gives rise to a harder question: Can a competitive market deliver growth and responsibility?
And that answer is what will shape Alberta’s iGaming landscape for years to come.
About the Author
