Alberta Sets Out Regulated Online Gaming Framework Ahead of Anticipated Early 2026 Launch

The Government of Alberta has released details of a new regulatory framework for online gambling, ahead of the transition to a regulated private market later this year.

According to a government statement, unregulated online gambling is widely accessible in Alberta, with a recent survey showing that unlicensed operators account for almost 70% of online gambling activity, compared to the estimated 23-32% of the market Alberta's only legal platform, PlayAlberta, holds. 

Under the proposed framework, licensed Alberta online casinos will have to meet strict requirements on player protection and responsible gambling, including bans on advertising that target minors, along with restrictions on the use of professional athletes in gambling ads. 

The framework also introduces safeguards such as self-exclusion, financial and time-based limit tools, player activity statements, and mandatory intervention when signs of problem gambling are found.

In announcing the new framework, Dale Nally, the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister, said the province has a responsibility to regulate, saying, “With unregulated iGaming widely available in our province, it is our responsibility to step in, regulate the market, and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans, particularly our youth.” 

The framework also aims to enable Alberta to recover revenue currently lost to unregulated sites. Operators will also be able to review the rules ahead of the market’s launch before deciding whether to apply for a license. 

PlayAlberta announces NHL athlete partnerships

As the government prepares to regulate online gambling, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) has also been taking steps to promote safer gambling by partnering with two NHL stars. 

Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl took on ambassador roles with PlayAlberta, which the AGLC says will support awareness of existing responsible gambling tools, including GameSense and self-exclusion. 

The athletes will appear in ads promoting deposit and loss limits, reality checks, and voluntary breaks from online gambling. According to Dan Keene, the Vice President of Gaming at AGLC, the ads will serve a dual function. 

“Leon and Dustin are competitive, world-class professionals who give Play Alberta deeper opportunities to remind legal-aged Albertans of the responsible gambling features and tentpole matchups on the sports calendar,” Kneen commented. 

As part of the agreements, Alberta sports betting fans will have opportunities to enter draws for meet-and-greet experiences with the two players during the NHL season.

PlayAlberta reported more than 434,000 registered player accounts in 2024, and the revenue it generates is directed to Alberta’s General Revenue Fund, contributing to government-funded programs and services across the province.