Alberta has officially launched its new regulated online gambling market, opening the door for 22 registered platforms to operate legally in the province.
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The provincewide framework, which went live on July 13, aims to transition players away from grey-market websites and introduce stricter consumer safety guidelines. Government estimates show that before the launch, about 70 per cent of online gambling in Alberta took place on unregulated platforms.
“Alberta is taking an important step forward with the launch of a regulated iGaming market,” Dale Nally, minister of service Alberta and red tape reduction, said in a statement. “Our focus has been clear from the start: to protect Albertans, especially young people, and ensure that those who choose online gaming can do so in a responsible environment.”
Under the new regulations, registered operators must integrate mandatory player protection tools. These include customizable time and financial limits, gaming activity statements, and a provincewide self-exclusion program that spans online platforms, physical casinos and racing entertainment centres.
Additionally, operators are required to actively intervene if a user displays high-risk gambling behaviour and they face strict bans on marketing to minors or vulnerable demographics. Platforms that fail to comply risk losing their licence to operate in the province.
The provincial framework divides oversight duties between two bodies: the Alberta iGaming Corporation will manage the business operations of the market, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis will act as the regulator to enforce compliance.
The provincial government also announced a revenue-sharing model under the new system. Two per cent of the market’s gross gaming revenue will be allocated to First Nations initiatives, and one per cent will fund social responsibility programs, including gambling research, education, and addiction treatment.
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