Alberta Set to Expand Online Gambling Market, Targeting Grey Market Operations
Alberta is preparing to broaden its online gambling industry by allowing multiple operators to enter the market, aiming to replicate Ontario’s model.
The province’s current online gambling option, Play Alberta, managed by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), is the only regulated platform in the region. However, many Albertans are turning to offshore sites like Bet365 and Bodog, which operate in a legal grey area.
In response, the Alberta government recently passed legislation to regulate iGaming activities, opening the door for private companies to legally offer online gambling services within the province. This move follows a series of consultations that wrapped up recently, though the exact timeline for launching the expanded market remains undecided.
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally emphasized that the priority is to create a safer, more responsible gambling environment while curbing the illicit market. The province is closely studying Ontario’s approach, where a regulated sports betting program introduced in 2022 saw a significant shift from unregulated to regulated sites, boosting provincial revenues.
Experts, however, caution that the expansion could lead to increased gambling-related harm. David Hodgins, a clinical psychology professor and research director with the Alberta Gaming Research Institute, expressed concern over the potential social impact, stressing the importance of robust safeguards.
The province is considering several protective measures, including province-wide self-exclusion tools and mandatory loss limits for players, to mitigate the risks associated with increased gambling.
Alberta’s move is part of a broader trend in Canada to regulate and capitalize on the online gambling industry, aiming to bring offshore operations under provincial control while ensuring player safety.