Alberta will soon be a hotbed of online gambling. The government-run PlayAlberta currently has a monopoly on regulated online gambling in the province, but Bill 48 will allow for new operators to enter the market on July 13, 2026.
Let's dig into the current "grey market" gambling rules governing Alberta online casinos and Alberta sports betting sites, as well as what is about to change. We'll then look at how players can responsibly wager at legal AB online casinos and sportsbooks in this new era.
Covers Expert Analysis"It establishes the Alberta iGaming Corporation to manage online gambling activities and negotiate operating agreements with licensed brands, while the AGLC maintains regulatory authority over standards, integrity, and responsible gambling protections."
Geoff Zochodne, Senior News Analyst
Legal online gambling in Alberta
There is currently only one option to bet online at a site regulated by an Alberta authority — PlayAlberta.ca. PlayAlberta was launched by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis in October 2020. The government-owned platform features live dealer games, online slots, iLottery games, sports betting, and more.
For now, you do still have the opportunity to gamble at sites that hold international licences from authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the Curacao Gaming Control Board. These operate in what is known as the "grey market" and are not illegal for Alberta players to access. While these Canada online casinos are available across most of the country, they are not subject to AB-specific regulations and do not pay tax to the province.
| Type of gambling site | Advantages/disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Regulated |
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Grey market |
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Bill 48 and the AIGC framework
PlayAlberta may be the single locally-regulated option currently available in Alberta, but its days of being the only show in town are about to end.
Bill 48 outlined a regulated framework for private operators to enter the market, and the bill received Royal Assent in May of 2025.
Bill 48 in focus
"Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, has created a new oversight entity, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AIGC). The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission will retain a 'regulatory oversight role.'
"The AiGC’s main role will be to ensure that operators comply with all federal and provincial legislation, and to promote responsible gaming in Alberta.
"The AiGC is expected enforce a similar tax on gaming revenues as Ontario, which taxes operators at 20%."
The regulatory framework for these new operators will follow a similar structure to that which governs Ontario casinos. First and foremost, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Alberta.
As far as Canada sports betting fans in AB are concerned, you can currently wager at the PlayAlberta.ca sportsbook, and you can play “sports betting games” at Sport Select. However, you can expect a much wider range of household names to become available when the regulated market launches.
Upcoming changes
Covers Expert Analysis"Over 55 operators have shown interest in entering the Alberta market, but only a few have started to pay the required fees thus far.
"Alberta residents are allowed to pre-register at select betting sites that will enter the market. For instance, Alberta residents can already pre-register at Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino."
Geoff Zochodne, Senior News Analyst
How to play legally
When Alberta gaming is expanded in the near future, signing up for a site is expected to be simple. You can even pre-register your interest with several casinos, such as Caesars, or sportsbooks, such as theScore Bet, to receive email reminders and marketing communications. However, you will not be able to play on these sites "legally" until launch day.
Here is a step-by-step look at how the sign-up process is likely to play out:
Verify eligibility
You must be over 18-years-old to gamble. You will also need to be located within the borders of the province.
Choose a regulated option
PlayAlberta is available now, or wait for AIGC-licensed operators to launch.
Create an account
You will likely need to enter your name, address, social security number, and phone number to create an account at one of these sites. You may also be asked for a copy of your driver’s license or other proof of citizenship.
Deposit
Deposit using a supported method like Visa, Mastercard, INTERAC, or PayPal.
Set limits and play
Set deposit and wagering limits, as well as any 'reality check' timers. Then begin playing games.
Withdraw funds
If you've won, withdraw funds using secure, supported methods.
Self-exclusion and AiGS player protections
In an effort to promote responsible gaming, the AiGC has introduced a self-exclusion platform (PlayAlberta already has one). This will allow gamblers to exclude themselves from being able to access legal AB gambling sites for a period of time. The duration is chosen by the user and typically ranges from six months to a lifetime. Some regions require users to apply for reinstatement after the self-exclusion period ends.
Alberta will also include additional behavioral monitoring methods to ensure users gamble safely. They will instruct operators to suspend an individual’s accounts if they continually chase losses or increase bet sizes. Session length and deposit limits will also be considered when enforcing responsible gaming.
Grey market sites in transition
While PlayAlberta.ca is currently the only definitively legal option in the province, plenty of gamblers in Alberta have been using grey market sites for years. According to the Edmonton Journal, the “grey market” is estimated to account for 70 percent of Alberta’s online gambling market.
At Covers, we are keen to stress the distinction between reputable grey market casinos and sportsbooks that hold internationally recognised licenses, and operators which do not adhere to industry standards regarding payout practices and customer support.
However, both forms of grey market casinos and sportsbooks will be sidelined under the Bill 48 revisions.
“It is imperative that we crowd these bad actors out by establishing a regulated market where operators must put player safety and social responsibility first through strict, enforceable rules,” Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said in the Edmonton Journal piece.
With this in mind, plenty of well-known operators such as Jackpot City Casino, Spin Casino, and Ruby Fortune are looking to make the transition from grey market to regulated in Alberta.
Users of grey market sites may not necessarily face penalties, but there will be plenty of PSAs in the coming months that underscore how regulated sites are much safer to use than offshore sites — and contribute more to the tax revenue of the province.
Alberta gambling FAQ
Yes, online gambling is legal in Alberta through Play Alberta. Bill 48 is set to expand betting options in the province.
Using offshore gambling apps comes with risk. You risk having your bank close your account for engaging in offshore transactions, and there have been many cases of offshore sites not paying out enough money, or not paying out at all. We recommend grey market operators licensed by international gaming boards, but do not endorse unlicensed offshore casinos.
You must be 18-years-old to gamble in Alberta.
If you place a wager at a reputable site like PlayAlberta and you win your bet, you should expect a payout.
The AIGC has not yet announced a launch date for private casinos and the regulated market.
If you are struggling with gambling, you can consider signing up for the AIGC’s self-exclusion program at https://www.selfexclusion.ca/s/. Self-exclusion will temporarily ban you from online gambling in the province.
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