iGaming Alberta Act introduced by Alberta Government

The online casino Canada landscape, specifically in Alberta, will soon be regulated by the local government. iGaming Alberta Act, or Bill 48, which creates the new Alberta iGaming Corporation which will oversee the proposed private-sector market. Bill 48 also gives commercial operators the chance to compete with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’ (AGLC) Play Alberta platform.

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, introduced the iGaming Alberta Act. He confirmed last year the creation of a new conduct-and-manage entity that’s separate from the AGLC to run the industry.

In a press release from the Alberta local government, Bill 48 designates AGLC as the regulator for online gambling. The AGLC will also be Play Alberta’s operator and market regulator, while Alberta iGaming Corporation would be the conduct-and-manage entity. This distinction is akin to iGaming Ontario’s role within their respective province.

What is the Goal of the iGaming Alberta Act?

Apart from establishing a regulating body for online gambling, the iGaming Alberta Act will also introduce consumer protection safeguards. This includes a centralized self-exclusion system to help individuals limit their gambling activities across all platforms. Moreover, Bill 48 also reinforces that the minimum legal age for online gambling is 18.

Under Bill 48, the Alberta Government will be given powers to collect gambling revenues currently lost to unregulated operators. The government would then reinvest it into the province,  promoting responsible gaming through programs such as GameSense.

Nally noted that the goal of the iGaming Alberta Act is not to create new gamblers, but to make existing online gambling safer,

“As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, it is important that we modernize Alberta’s approach to gaming to protect the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth. The legislation we are introducing, if approved, would take the first steps towards this,” Nally added.

Meanwhile, regulated commercial online casino operators commended the introduction of Bill 48. Adam Kates, VP of compliance at Canadian gaming and sports brand theScore, fully supported the initiative. She noted their company supports models that generate new revenue, protect consumers and shift wagering activity to the regulated market.

When Will Bill 48 be Implemented?

Even though the iGaming Alberta Act has been introduced, it still needs to pass the Alberta Legislature. Discussions for potential amendments might be in store, since the United Conservative Party possesses the parliamentary majority.

Such tenets for discussion would revolve around tax rates, and how many commercial operators and brands are allowed to operate. That said, Nally is optimistic that the iGaming Alberta Act can be passed either later on this year or even early next year.