The Canadian province of Alberta has moved one step closer to launching its new regulated iGaming market by inviting operators and service providers to apply for an online casino and/or sportsbook licence.
Currently in the province, PlayAlberta is the only licensed iGaming site available for players and they are under the direction and management of Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).
However, the AGLC are now inviting companies interested in gaining a licence in the state to come forward as they look to expand the regulated iGaming market in the province later this year.
Cutting down the black market in Alberta
Yet in a recent survey, approximately 30% of players in the province said they use PlayAlberta – meaning more than two-thirds of players use the unregulated market where player protection and social responsibility measures can be non-existent.
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction said: “For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is to not start.
“With unregulated iGaming widely available in our province, it is our responsibility to step in, regulate the market, and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans, particularly our youth.”
Regulations to follow as a licenced operator in Alberta
Companies who successfully gain a licence to operate in the province will have to abide by a range of regulations, including guarantees that their advertising products will not target minors. Plus, professional athletes will not be allowed to feature in any marketing material for any iGaming platform.
In addition, industry-wide measures to ensure players are protected will be a necessity on those websites that are successful with their license applications.
These typically include the option to self-exclude, apply time and deposit limits, as well as ensuring the operators intervene when signs of problem gambling arise.
“The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) and its members commend the Government of Alberta for implementing measures to protect its residents through the establishment of an expanded regulated iGaming market“, said CGA president & CEO Paul Burns.
Currently, the Alberta Government is unable to recoup revenue from approximately 70% of the iGaming market. In the 2024/25 financial year, PlayAlberta generated $275m in net sales.
It’s expected Alberta will follow the same rules as in Ontario when it comes to taxation, where operators will have to pay 3% of their gross gaming revenue before being allowed to retain 80% of their net sales.
Gambling operator licence fees in Alberta
Those iGaming operators who are interested in being credited with a licence will need to pay a $50,000 application fee and a $150,000 annual registration fee to the newly-formed Alberta iGaming Cooperation (AGC). They will also need to apply to the AGLC who will cover compliance iGaming issues.
It remains to be seen which operators will look to gain a licence in the province, but judging by the success and popularity of the Ontario province… sports betting and casino platforms will be ready and waiting!
