Alberta is taking concrete steps toward a sweeping overhaul of its online gambling market, raising the question: can the province capture billions of dollars in offshore gambling revenue by adopting a model similar to Ontario’s?
Ontario’s decision to open its iGaming market to dozens of private operators has been one of the most significant regulatory shifts in Canadian gambling history. The province’s competitive framework has not only pulled players away from unregulated offshore websites but has also generated billions in revenue. In its third year alone, Ontario’s iGaming market recorded approximately CAD $3.2 billion in revenue, with more than CAD $642 million flowing into provincial coffers through tax contributions.
By contrast, Alberta currently operates under a much more conservative regime, offering residents only a single government-run option: Play Alberta, managed by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). The limited platform has struggled to compete with international operators, many of which offer larger game libraries, more attractive promotions, and faster payouts. As a result, Alberta residents continue to spend heavily on unlicensed platforms — activity that generates no provincial tax revenue and occurs outside of regulatory oversight.
Now, with Bill 48 — the iGaming Alberta Act — advancing through the provincial legislature, Alberta appears poised to follow Ontario’s lead and embrace a competitive, open-market framework.
Ontario’s Model: Billions Repatriated from Offshore
When Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market in April 2022, sceptics questioned whether legal platforms could compete with well-established offshore gambling operators. Three years later, the results are undeniable.
- $82 billion in wagers were placed in year three alone.
- Online casino games dominated, accounting for $2.4 billion of revenue for the fiscal year 2024 – 2025, nearly three-quarters of the total.
- Sports betting contributed $724 million, while online poker generated $66 million.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees the market, requiring all licensed operators to integrate responsible gambling measures such as spending caps, cooling-off periods, and real-time notifications. While critics feared regulation might encourage new gambling behaviour, the data suggests Ontario primarily succeeded in channelling pre-existing offshore activity into a legal, taxable framework.
Alberta’s Limited Market
In Alberta, the story looks very different. Play Alberta, the sole legal option, offers a restricted selection of games and modest promotions. With no competition to spur innovation, the platform lags behind offshore rivals in areas like mobile functionality, customer service, and payment options.
Unlicensed websites, often operating under international licenses from regulators in Malta, Curaçao, or the UK, have filled that void. These platforms are legal for Albertans to access but contribute nothing to the province’s budget. Industry analysts say the status quo results in tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars leaving the province each year.
Bill 48: Alberta’s Push for a Competitive Market
Introduced earlier this year, Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, has cleared its second reading in the provincial legislature. The legislation would establish a new Alberta iGaming Corporation, tasked with licensing operators, setting technical standards, and ensuring compliance.
Key provisions include:
- An Ontario-style competitive marketplace allowing multiple private operators to compete alongside Play Alberta.
- Consumer protections such as centralised self-exclusion, betting limits, age and ID verification, and real-time spending alerts.
- Oversight of anti-money laundering systems and random number generator integrity.
- A governance board of about seven directors appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
The bill now heads to a full committee debate, where clause-by-clause amendments will be considered. Industry observers predict the framework could launch as early as late 2025, though most point to Q1 or Q2 of 2026 as the more realistic timeline.
Diversifying Alberta’s Economy
Beyond capturing lost gambling revenue, proponents argue that a regulated iGaming sector could help Alberta reduce its reliance on oil and gas.
Ontario has demonstrated that the bulk of online wagers come from pre-existing demand, not newly created gambling activity. Redirecting that demand into a regulated market provides steady, predictable revenue that can be earmarked for healthcare, education, and problem gambling treatment programs.
Additionally, international operators competing in Alberta would likely invest in digital infrastructure, payment technologies, and customer service hubs, supporting job creation in the tech and service industries.
Avoiding Ontario’s Early Pitfalls
While Ontario’s model has largely been hailed as a success, Alberta policymakers are mindful of early missteps. Industry insiders caution that underestimating staffing needs, particularly for anti-money laundering monitoring, slowed Ontario’s rollout. Others highlight the importance of automation in regulatory processes to keep up with the sheer volume of wagers.
Alberta appears to be taking a more measured approach. The government has emphasised that getting it right outweighs getting it fast, signalling that the province wants to avoid operational hiccups when the market opens.
The Political Landscape
With the United Conservative Party (UCP) holding 47 of 87 seats in the Legislative Assembly, and the New Democratic Party (NDP) controlling 36, Bill 48 is considered likely to pass. The government has positioned the legislation as both a consumer protection initiative and a revenue diversification strategy, framing it as a win-win for Albertans.
Still, opposition members are expected to press for clarity on licensing fees, revenue-sharing formulas, and the allocation of gambling proceeds. Problem gambling advocates are also urging strict safeguards to ensure that expanded access does not lead to increased harm.
Targeting the Grey Market
Perhaps the most immediate objective of Bill 48 is to lure players away from offshore sites by offering a more attractive, regulated alternative.
Allowing competition among private operators is expected to generate significant marketing investment, improving awareness of legal options. Industry experts suggest that with a robust framework in place, most Alberta players will migrate to licensed platforms that provide both the entertainment value they seek and the consumer protections they lack offshore.
Timeline and Next Steps
Bill 48 will next be debated in committee, where lawmakers will hash out details ranging from tax rates to compliance mechanisms. Once passed, regulators will begin setting up the Alberta iGaming Corporation and opening operator applications.
If timelines hold, Albertans could see the first wave of private online sportsbooks and casinos by mid-2026.
Until then, gambling experts advise Canadian players to exercise caution. Many recommend choosing Canadian gambling sites that are already licensed in Ontario, as these companies follow strict protocols set by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario. Checking for licenses from respected regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, or Curaçao eGaming can also help players ensure safer play.
The Road Ahead
Alberta stands at a crossroads. The choice is between maintaining the status quo, where residents continue to spend heavily on unlicensed offshore sites, or embracing an Ontario-style open market that repatriates revenue, strengthens consumer protections, and spurs economic diversification.
With Bill 48 moving steadily through the legislative process, momentum is clearly building for reform. If successful, Alberta could become the second province to fully liberalise its iGaming sector, positioning itself to capture billions in revenue that currently flows offshore.
