Can Alberta become the next Canadian province to legalize and regulate online poker? Well, the recent passage of Bill 48 opens doors to an online gaming market, allowing online casinos games, poker , and other gaming products in the region. The Bill will break the monopoly currently held by Play Alberta, setting the stage for a more diverse and inclusive gaming market, allowing private operators in the region to offer online gaming, including online poker games for those residents aged 18 or above.
In March this year, the Alberta Government introduced Bill 48, which now awaits a royal assent, meaning it is in the final stage of the Canadian legislative process. The provincial government has favored a regulated online gaming market, following Ontario – the first-ever province to regulate and allow its residents real money poker and casino games back in 2022.
Following the launch of the regulated market in Ontario, several leading operators have launched Ontario-specific platforms offering casino games, slots, and poker. Some reputed brands offering casino games include BetMGM Casino, PokerStars Casino, and JackpotCity Casino.
As Ontario found success after launching a regulated market, Alberta is following in the steps of Ontario Online Gambling to regulate and create a more diverse and inclusive market for gaming enthusiasts in the region.
Significance of Bill 48 for Alberta
While some online poker and casino games already run in Alberta, they exist in a grey market. The recent development could be a way for the legislators to gain more control over gaming operations, ensuring Alberta residents access and play games in a safe and responsible way.
With Bill 48 in the final stage just awaiting a royal assent, we can expect a significant transformation in Alberta’s online gaming landscape. If this final stage is successful, the launch of a regulated and more inclusive gaming market is expected later this year or early in 2026.
Alberta’s recent step towards a regulated and diverse iGaming market positions it as the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to embrace such an authentic model. This opens new opportunities not just for operators but for gaming lovers. That is not all, it also sets a precedent for other provinces of Canada to consider similar frameworks. Given below are some of the key advantages of the regulated gaming framework for Alberta:
1. Market Diversity Beyond Monopoly
Alberta’s online gaming or casino operations fall under the purview of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) holding monopoly for gaming operations in Alberta. Bill 48 puts an end to the AGLC’s monopoly over online gaming and introduces the Alberta iGaming Corporation tasked with overseeing gaming activities, licensing the operators, ensuring gamers’ safety through fair play and responsible gaming. This opens doors to private operators to enter a regulated market and offer more gaming options, including poker.
2. Economic Growth and Revenue Generation
The industry experts believe that Alberta’s regulated iGaming market can generate a substantial revenue ranging from $709M–$734M USD annually within three years. This will position Alberta as the top gaming market in North America, thus fueling economic growth in the region.
3. Reclaiming the Grey Market
The objective of regulating the online gaming space for Alberta is to reclaim the approximately 55% of gaming activity currently happening on unregulated platforms or in illegal venues. This will ensure revenue stays within the province and adds to the region’s economic growth.
4. Stronger Consumer Safety & Protection
The regulatory framework aimed at ensuring players’ safety and the game integrity through strict measures such as self-exclusion, strict age verification, responsible gaming and advertising standards for operators. These measures are meant to minimize the risks associated with online gaming.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
The good thing about Bill 48 is that it comes into play after a phased consultations with First Nations, iGaming experts, and advocacy groups. The idea is to ensure that future regulations are inclusive enough.
Can You Currently Play Online Poker in Alberta?
While live poker is regulated, online poker exists there in a grey market. However, things are likely to change after Bill 48, introduced by Dale Nally. The bill is awaiting a royal assent, which is the final step in the Canadian legislative process. If the assent comes in, online poker will be legal in the region and people will be able to enjoy online poker in a safe and responsible way without any fear from the authorities.
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Sources: CardPlayer & PokerHub
