Alberta’s online gaming bill clears second reading
A bill that would open up online gaming in the Canadian province of Alberta has passed a second reading and will now be considered by all members of the legislative assembly.
Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, was introduced by Minister of Service Alberta Dale Nally.
If passed into law, it would open the online gaming market in the province to private operators. Based on the Ontario-regulated gambling sector, the bill would create the Alberta iGaming Corporation, overseeing online gambling in the province.
PlayAlberta is currently the only legal sports betting platform in the province, overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission. However, it only accounts for 45% of the sports betting market, the rest being made up of unregulated overseas sports betting operators.
If the Alberta market followed Ontario’s example, up to 50 sportsbooks and online casinos could operate in the province’s expanded market.
Bill 48 still has a way to go before becoming law. Significantly, a number of essential details remain unresolved, as the bill’s text does not currently include details on licensing fees for private operators or what tax rates would apply.
These are set to be discussed by the Committee of the Whole, when lawmakers will propose amendments.
If the bill is approved, supporters hope the new Alberta market could launch late this year or in early 2026.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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