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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Regulated Online Gaming

Alberta announces new rules in hopes of stronger protections for iGaming

Jan 15, 2026 | 3:20 PM

The Alberta government says it is taking action to build a safer, more responsible, regulated online gaming market.

Government officials acknowledge that unregulated online gambling is already widely available across the province, with some providers operating with limited or no player protection or social responsibility measures. Based on recent survey data, the province says unregulated operators are estimated to capture approximately 70 per cent of Alberta’s total iGaming market.

Under the new regulated market, the government says iGaming providers will be required to put player protection and social responsibility at the forefront of their operations. They say a newly established regulatory framework will ensure that Albertans and youth are protected when the regulated private iGaming market launches later this year.

“For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is to not start,” states Dale Nally, Minister, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, in a press release. “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.”

As part of the new rules and regulations, the government says gaming companies will be required to ensure their advertising does not target minors and that professional athletes are not used to promote gambling activities.

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At the launch of the regulated private iGaming market, officials say player protection measures such as system-wide self-exclusion and financial and time-based limit tools will be available. Operators will also be required to provide Albertans with gaming activity statements and to intervene when signs of problematic gambling behaviour emerge.

“The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) and its members commend the Government of Alberta for implementing measures to protect its residents through the establishment of an expanded regulated iGaming market,” adds Paul Burns, President & CEO, Canadian Gaming Association.

According to provincial officials, a regulated iGaming market will also allow Alberta’s government to recover revenue currently lost to unregulated gambling sites. They say industry operators will have the ability to review the regulations and determine if they want to operate in Alberta leading up to the launch of the regulated market.

Alberta government quick facts

• Currently, PlayAlberta is the province’s only legal, regulated iGaming site, which is operated by NeoPollard Interactive under the direction and management of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).
• This past year, PlayAlberta generated $275 million in net sales, an increase of $35 million from 2024-25.
• Based on a recent survey data, it is estimated that PlayAlberta captures only about 23-32 per cent of the total market, meaning players in Alberta are exposed to more unregulated iGaming websites that may not have social responsibility controls in place.