Alberta’s online casino industry is poised for transformation as the iGaming Alberta Act edges closer to becoming law. The landmark legislation passed its third reading in the provincial legislature this week, moving one step away from full enactment. Once signed into law, the Act will officially regulate real money online casino operations in the province.
The iGaming Alberta Act aims to establish a legal framework that enables private operators to enter Alberta’s online casino market under the oversight of a new provincial regulator. For years, Alberta’s digital gambling landscape lagged behind other provinces. Now, Alberta joins Ontario in modernizing its online gaming industry.
Under the new law, licensed platforms offering real money online casino games will operate in a transparent, safe environment. This marks a shift from the previous model, where players turned to offshore sites without regulatory safeguards. The government expects to launch the regulated market by early 2026.
The legislation’s passage reflects growing demand for a secure, competitive online casino Canada market. Analysts forecast that Alberta’s legal iGaming sector could generate over $1 billion in annual revenue by 2027. This would significantly benefit both provincial coffers and local communities through tax contributions.
Industry stakeholders have praised the Act’s clear regulatory structure and player protection measures. The law requires licensed operators to implement responsible gaming tools, identity verification, and secure payment systems. These elements promise greater consumer trust and a fairer online gambling environment.
iGaming Alberta Act’s Impact on Alberta Players and the Market
The iGaming Alberta Act positively impacts Alberta’s online casino gaming market and players by introducing clear rules, safeguarding users, and attracting reputable brands. Players will now have access to safer, more reliable platforms offering a wide range of real money online casino games.
Moreover, the law promotes competition, which means better bonuses, fairer odds, and improved customer service.
Ron Segev, one of the premier igaming lawyers, noted that the Alberta igaming market can blossom into a huge industry,
“If it’s managed properly, and it’s a truly open market with a regime that will allow the operators to advertise freely, although responsibly,” Segev added.
Ontario recorded CAD $82.7 billion in wagers and $3.2 billion in revenue for FY 2024-25, rising sharply from 2023-24. Specifically, wagers increased 31%, while gross gaming revenue jumped 32%, reflecting strong year-over-year growth in Ontario’s iGaming market.
Segev also noted that Alberta’s not going to be the same exact numbers just because of the populations at hand,
“… in terms of the percentage growth, I think we can expect the same, possibly more,” Segev added.
As Alberta finalizes the regulatory process, prospective operators are preparing for licensing applications. If enacted as expected, the iGaming Alberta Act will redefine online casino Canada standards and place Alberta at the forefront of Canada’s evolving digital gaming landscape.