The Canadian province of Alberta is gearing up for the launch of its own regulated iGaming market. With Ontario iGaming steadily growing, Alberta authorities hope to replicate a similar success while still protecting players from harm.
Alberta iGaming Is Just Around the Corner
With online casino gaming coming to Alberta later in 2026, the Canadian province unveiled a framework that would have player safety at its heart. As a result, the province will adopt a variety of measures to shield vulnerable groups from harm.
Among other things, Alberta iGaming will have a strong focus on robust regulation and high industry standards. As a result, licensees will be asked to incorporate modern player protection tools (such as deposit and time limits) into their platforms from day one.
Regulated online casino operators will also be required to make sure that their marketing materials do not target young adults and underage players. To that end, local operators will be prohibited from featuring professional athletes in their ads.
To top it all off, all legal gaming companies will be required to offer self-exclusion options for players who wish to put limits to their play.
When problem gambling does happen, operators will be required to reach out to players and help them get their habits under control.
Lawmakers Hope to Cushion the Black Market’s Impact
In addition to that, Dale Nally the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction of Alberta, emphasized that the best option for Albertans who do not wish to gamble should be not starting at all.
However, Nally also noted that those who wish to play currently have access only to unregulated offerings, forcing the government to step in and introduce a well-regulated option that prioritizes player protection.
In addition to protecting players, a legal online gaming market will allow Alberta to keep some of the money that is currently leaking into illegal platforms. Currently, the black market commands a market share of roughly 70%, according to estimates.
While Alberta’s iGaming market has yet to launch, the formalization of the rules means that commercial operators interested in offering gambling to local players can now reach out to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to apply for a license.