Alberta's regulated online gambling market launches Monday with 20+ operators
Nearly 50 companies paid registration fees to enter Alberta's new iGaming system, the second province to open private online gambling following Ontario's 2022 launch.
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Alberta's regulated online gambling market officially launched July 14, becoming the second province in Canada to open private online gambling after Ontario did so in 2022.
Nearly 50 companies paid $200,000 in registration and permit fees leading up to the launch, though the Alberta Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Commission estimates closer to 20 are ready for customers. Before Monday, Albertans either used the government-owned PlayAlberta or accessed unregulated offshore sites.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the goal is player safety. "We know that while gambling will never be safe, people will be safer in the regulated space," he said. The system requires operators to let Albertans set their own time or wager limits. Alberta will collect 20 per cent of each company's revenue, with the provincial government forecasting a $76-million bump to coffers in the first year.
One per cent of gross online gambling revenue is set aside for problem gambling programs and treatment. Two per cent goes to First Nations, though how those funds will be distributed is still being determined.
Ontario's regulated market, which launched in 2022, has seen significant growth but also increases in people seeking help for gambling. A University of Toronto study found the rate of men under 24 calling Ontario's gambling helpline increased more than 300 per cent since 2022. However, Nally noted that problematic gambling behaviours existed before the market launched — the increase reflects greater awareness of available resources.
