Alberta Advances Towards Regulating Online Poker

Alberta is on the verge of introducing a regulated online poker and iGaming market, following the passage of Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act. 

The legislation, which has cleared all legislative readings, now awaits formal Royal Assent from Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani before becoming law.

Introduced by Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally, the bill outlines the formation of a regulatory body—Alberta iGaming Corporation (AIC)—tasked with overseeing the licensing and operations of international online gambling operators within the province. The framework would include online poker, casino gaming, and sports betting.

Bill 48 received its first reading on March 26, 2025. It passed its third and final reading on May 7, 2025, and is expected to receive Royal Assent without further delays. 

Once proclaimed into law, Alberta will become the second Canadian province to establish a regulated iGaming environment, following Ontario’s model initiated in April 2022.

Under the proposed structure, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will retain oversight responsibilities for market integrity and regulatory compliance. It will also continue managing PlayAlberta, the province’s only state-run gambling platform.

The new framework will allow licensed private operators to offer their platforms legally within Alberta. This move is anticipated to transition many existing “gray market” operators into the newly regulated environment. The province aims to have the first licensed online poker and casino sites operational by early 2026.

A key feature of the bill includes the option for Alberta to enter shared liquidity agreements with other provinces, including Ontario. 

This provision would allow players in Alberta to compete on shared player pools, thereby increasing game volume and prize pool sizes for multi-jurisdictional poker events.

Alberta and Ontario officials had discussions at the iGaming regulatory conference held in London in February 2024. 

Minister Dale Nally reportedly stated that the goal of the bill was not to encourage new gamblers in the region but to regulate existing activity to improve safety and consumer protection. 

“As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, it is important that we modernize Alberta’s approach to gaming to protect the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth,” said Nally.

He emphasized that the introduction of Bill 48 represents an initial step in establishing a more secure and accountable gambling environment within the province.