Alberta Sets Strict Rules for Online Gambling: No More Gray Market Betting

January 15, 2026 – New provincial regulations will force operators to stop unregulated activity before entering the legal market

Alberta is taking a hard line on online gambling as it prepares to launch its regulated iGaming market, requiring operators to immediately cease all unregulated betting activities in the province.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) released draft standards this week that outline strict requirements for companies hoping to operate in Alberta’s upcoming competitive online gambling market, which will include both sports betting and internet casino games.

Zero Tolerance for Gray Market Operations

The new rules send a clear message to operators currently taking bets through offshore or unregulated platforms: clean up your act before entering Alberta’s legal market, or don’t bother applying.

“Registered Operators and registered Goods or Services Suppliers must cease all unregulated gaming activities in Alberta’s iGaming market,” the standards state. The rules also prohibit registered operators from partnering with any unregistered entities that would require provincial registration.

This represents a significantly shorter transition period compared to Ontario, which gave operators about seven months before cracking down on gray market activity when it launched Canada’s first competitive iGaming market in 2022.

Learning from Ontario’s Experience

Alberta appears to be learning from Ontario’s rollout. When Ontario opened its regulated market, some operators delayed their entry to avoid the province’s rules and revenue-sharing requirements while continuing to take bets from Ontario residents. This frustrated companies that played by the rules from day one.

By including the prohibition on unregulated activity from the outset, Alberta aims to create a level playing field and quickly channel betting onto provincially regulated platforms.

Dale Nally, Alberta’s iGaming minister, had previously indicated the province would pursue a shorter transition period. The draft regulations confirm this approach.

What the Rules Require

The 85-page document outlines comprehensive requirements for operators, including:

Players must be 18 years or older
Physical location verification to ensure players are in Alberta
Self-exclusion tools allowing players to ban themselves from all provincial sites
Anti-money laundering protocols
Suspicious wagering monitoring systems

Two-Step Process for Operators

Companies wanting to operate in Alberta must complete two key steps: register with the AGLC and sign a contract with the newly created Alberta iGaming Corporation, which will outline additional operator responsibilities.

The registration period has already begun, signaling that Alberta is moving forward with its plans despite not yet announcing a launch date for the market.

Why Alberta is Making the Move

Currently, most online gambling in Alberta happens on websites regulated offshore or in other jurisdictions—not by the province itself. This gray market activity represents significant tax revenue that Alberta isn’t capturing.

By creating a regulated market and requiring operators to transition quickly, the province hopes to bring this activity under provincial oversight, generate tax revenue, and provide better consumer protections for Albertans who gamble online.

The AGLC will serve as both the regulator of the new competitive market and continue operating Play Alberta, currently the province’s only authorized iGaming site.

What This Means for Bettors

Albertans who currently use gray market betting sites may see disruptions as operators work to comply with provincial standards. This could include voided futures bets or temporary service interruptions as companies transition to the regulated market.

However, once the market launches, bettors should have access to multiple licensed operators offering sports betting and casino games with stronger consumer protections and responsible gambling tools.

The AGLC emphasized that while implementing strict standards, the regulations are designed to provide “flexibility and efficiency” for operators while maintaining “an effective regulatory environment.”