What do prospective operators need to know about the iGaming Alberta Act?

Bill 48, or the iGaming Alberta Act, was introduced on March 26, 2025. The proposed legislation aims to establish the framework for a regulated gaming market in the province through the creation of the Alberta iGaming Corporation.

This opens new opportunities for iGaming operators looking to establish businesses in a privately regulated market in the province. However, it is important to understand the key takeaways from the legislation and take the right steps to ensure your business complies with potential regulations.

Let’s review the current state of the iGaming market in Alberta and the key takeaways from the iGaming Alberta Act. We’ll also discuss what steps prospective iGaming operators may need to take to comply with the province’s regulations if the proposed legislation is passed into law.

What is the current state of iGaming industry in Alberta?

The iGaming Alberta Act is an important step toward launching a regulated market in the province. Play Alberta is currently the only regulated gambling platform available under the oversight of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). AGLC estimates that Play Alberta holds approximately 45 percent of Alberta’s online gambling market.

However, numerous operators provide grey-market gaming in Alberta by offering their games to Canadian sports bettors and customers. Bill 48 would enable multiple private-sector operators to enter the iGaming landscape in Alberta. The passage of Bill 48 would also allow those operating in the gray market to license their business.

The regulatory framework proposed by the iGaming Alberta Act is similar to the regulatory framework established in Ontario. Ontario is currently the only province in Canada that allows multiple regulated iGaming and sports betting operators.

Bill 48 passed its third reading on May 8, 2025, and is now waiting to receive Royal Assent. The Act provides a dual-structure model where AGLC continues to regulate the market and run Play Alberta. The Alberta iGaming Corporation will be responsible for managing partnerships with private operators. While an official launch date has not been announced yet, further updates are expected soon.

What are the key takeaways from the iGaming Alberta Act?

It is important to keep these three key takeaways in mind if you are considering establishing an iGaming business in Alberta:

Regulatory framework

Bill 48 designates AGLC as the regulator responsible for ensuring market integrity and compliance in Alberta. This aligns with Ontario’s regulatory framework, which designates the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) as responsible for the regulatory oversight of the province’s iGaming industry.  

Bill 48 also seeks to establish the Alberta iGaming Corporation to oversee the operation of a private regulated market in the province. The iGaming Alberta Corporation will be responsible for regulating, licensing, and overseeing the operations of iGaming. The iGaming Alberta Act provides a clear separation of responsibilities in respect to the iGaming Alberta Corporation’s operational functions and the regulatory functions performed by AGLC.

This aligns with the changes introduced to Ontario’s regulatory framework by the iGO Act, which established the independence of iGaming Ontario (iGO) from AGCO. While iGO initially operated as a subsidiary of AGCO, the recent iGO Act separated the two regulatory bodies to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest.

Responsible gaming practices

While amendments were proposed to Bill 48 to support responsible gaming practices and player protection measures, these amendments were voted down. Despite the amendments being defeated, members of the Committee of the Whole expressed a desire to include responsible gaming practices in the province’s sports betting regulations instead of its laws.

Consumer protection protocols and social responsibility tools are expected to be established before the Alberta regulated market is launched. This includes access to a centralized self-exclusion system and restricting online gambling to those aged 18 and older. The Alberta government will continue to encourage responsible gaming practices through existing programs such as GameSense.

Tax rates and licensing fees

Bill 48 does not currently include set tax rates or licensing fees for prospective operators entering the Alberta market. However, Ontario currently taxes iGaming and sports betting at a rate of 20 percent and Alberta may opt for a similar tax rate.

What steps should prospective iGaming operators take?

Alberta’s proposed iGaming regulatory framework closely resembles the framework in Ontario, with some subtle differences. The following steps are based on the experiences of MNP’s iGaming Services advisors in Ontario to help your business comply with the potential regulations:

Get support for licensing and regulatory compliance management

An external advisor has the knowledge to provide step-by-step guidance throughout the licensing application process to set your business up for success. While details about how to secure an iGaming license in Alberta are yet to be released, an advisor has in-depth regulatory knowledge to help you meet the requirements. They can also provide readiness assessments so that you can be confident that your business is prepared before you apply for your license.

Establish an anti-money laundering (AML) program

iGaming operations are subject to strict AML regulations in Ontario — and operators in Alberta may be subject to similar requirements. It is crucial to develop a risk assessment framework, create policies and procedures, relevant attestations, and an AML training program for employees to ensure that your operation complies with potential regulations.

An AML advisor can help prospective operators develop an AML program in compliance with provincial licensing requirements. An advisor can also help your business navigate numerous regulatory obligations when your business begins to operate in the new Alberta market.

Governance and risk management

Develop a comprehensive incident response plan, assess your third-party risks, and ensure your reporting meets SOC standards and internal controls reporting as required by Alberta’s proposed regulatory framework.

An external advisor can help strengthen your business resilience with customized solutions such as internal audits and technology risk management. They can also help audit the efficacy of your controls and security to identify gaps and ensure your iGaming business remains compliant and secure.

Implement digital solutions

You need the right technology to make faster, smarter decisions and stay ahead of the competition when Alberta launches its iGaming market. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions can support your organization by providing real-time financial management, reporting, and operational insights. This allows you to manage data from one location and helps you integrate and streamline your business operations.

Cyber security solutions, including identity verification tools and secure data channels, are also crucial to protect your online gaming platform from threats. An external advisor can help you choose the solution that works best for your iGaming operation to make sure your platform is safe, your data is protected, and your players are secure.

Obtain assurance and accounting support

Regular audits are crucial to maintaining compliance and operational integrity. Bringing an external advisor on board can help you identify and rectify any gaps in your processes. This helps you document and solidify your operations to meet the proposed regulatory standards.

Customized tax solutions

More details about the taxation of Alberta’s iGaming market are yet to be released. However, a tax advisor has the knowledge to help simplify your potential tax needs. They have the experience to develop customized solutions that align with your business goals, ensuring you stay compliant and maximize your tax opportunities.

Take the next steps

For more information about how your business can meet the proposed regulatory requirements of Bill 48, contact a member of MNP’s iGaming Services team. We have considerable experience working with iGaming operators and can provide the insights, strategies, and solutions you need to achieve success in a rapidly evolving market.