Alberta Sets New Rules for Licensed Gambling Market

Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), the body responsible for licensing and regulating Alberta’s upcoming online gaming and betting market, has updated its Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming to explicitly prohibit wagering on political events.

The change comes through the addition of Subsection 4.6.5 (p), which states:

“4.6.5 p) has been added to prohibit betting on political events (e.g., elections, by-elections, leadership contests).”

AGLC

The update, while relatively minor in scope, provides important clarity for prospective operators as the province prepares to open its regulated market.

Market Structure Taking Shape

Revenue generated from the new market will be overseen by the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a newly established entity tasked with conducting and managing online gambling in the province.

In the interim, AGLC will serve a dual role as both regulator and operator, continuing to offer online gaming through its proprietary platform, Play Alberta.

Alberta Aligns With Broader Regulatory Approach

Alberta’s decision to rule out political betting aligns with the broader approach seen in other regulated markets. Notably, Ontario’s regulated iGaming framework does not currently permit betting on political events through licensed operators.

While prediction market platforms—operating under separate regulatory frameworks—may offer event-based contracts tied to binary outcomes, these differ fundamentally from traditional sportsbook products and are not typically included within standard iGaming regulation.

Launch Timeline Approaching

AGLC noted that it remains committed to refining its policies to balance stakeholder needs with a robust regulatory environment.

Although no official launch date has been confirmed, the province is targeting a rollout of its regulated iGaming market around mid-2025.

The move will mark a significant shift in Canada’s gambling landscape, positioning Alberta as the second province after Ontario to introduce a competitive, multi-operator online gaming market.