Mixed Reaction to Alberta iGaming Legislation Proposals Bill 48
Alberta’s push to legalise online gambling through Bill 48 draws mixed reactions as lawmakers demand clearer regulation details, with Ontario’s thriving iGaming model serving as both inspiration and benchmark.
The move to legalise gambling in Alberta continues to gain momentum, and early discussions over the framework of the industry began in April 2025. Passing of the bill may seem inevitable, but according to reports, there is work still to be done.
Bill 48, a proposal by ministers outlining the future of digital gambling, was put on the table before Alberta’s lawmakers, who were concerned about a ‘lack of detail.’
Tentative Openings
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Minister Dale Nally placed Bill 48 before the provincial assembly in Edmonton. If passed, the legislation would create the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a body that would oversee any private sector casino and sportsbook operators looking to set up business here.
It follows a platform laid down in Ontario where a similar industry regulator oversees the new digital industry. Nally confirmed that the intention is to bring future, legal online gambling within the oversight of the provincial government. Nally acknowledged that some players were registering with unregulated platforms, and that is something the bill intends to address.
While the outline was welcomed, others who were present at the meeting claimed that the bill isn’t detailed enough. Members of the New Democratic Party called for specific information, including the government’s intended approach to gambling advertising.
The NDP also called for more details on revenue allocation and how operator compliance would be enforced.
Speaking on behalf of the New Democratic Party, MP Gurinder Brar argued:
Another NDP MP, Peggy Wright, added:
“To hear regulations are coming in due time just isn’t good enough in this instance.”
The Current Picture
Until now, residents of Alberta have just one outlet for online real money stakes. Play Alberta is the sole legal gambling site in the Province, and the only platform regulated by the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Authority.
By playing at Play Alberta, residents ensure that income stays in the province, but in the modern day, customers want more choice. Expanding the gambling landscape offers that choice, and the potential for expanding those revenue figures increases alongside.
Following Ontario’s Lead
Back in 2022, the Canadian province of Ontario opened its doors to legalised online gambling. When the industry was launched, an initial 13 operators were involved, and that number has since trebled in three years.
In terms of attracting income, Ontario’s decision has been a huge success and, in early 2025, monthly revenue has been measured at around the $280 million mark.
The province of Alberta will be aware of those figures, and will be aiming for a significant revenue boost of their own. Introducing legalised online gambling will also go some way to help keep citizens safe from any rogue platforms operating in the underground.
The Ontario blueprint is at the forefront of the new proposals, but while the drive to legalise online gambling in Alberta continues, reaction to Bill 48 indicates there is more work to be done before that proposal becomes law.