When it comes to regulating gambling, Canada has a somewhat relaxed approach. The Canadian Gaming Association oversees the industry, but it’s up to individual provinces to enact and enforce any laws relating to online casino gaming, sports betting, traditional casino gaming, and other forms of gambling.

Canada’s online casino gaming laws are not totally clear, but individual provinces are starting to put this right. Ontario was the first and did so when it launched its own regulated igaming market in April 2022. Now some other provinces have followed suit, creating a safer igaming environment for players in those provinces. Below is a look at gambling in Canada compared to other parts of the world, at gaming laws in Alberta compared to other provinces, and at the future of the Canadian, US, and UK gambling industries.

Canada: a forever love of gambling

Gambling in some form or other has always been popular in Canada. Way back in the 1990s, research found six in ten Canadians (60%) gambled every month. Additionally, four in ten (43%) spent between 1 and 20 Canadian dollars on gambling. Fast forward to today and the Canadian gambling market is worth 14.2 billion US dollars as of January 2024, according to data on the website of consumer and market data company Statista.

It seems Canada enjoys wagering just as much as two other countries that love a gamble: the US and the UK. Data on the Statista website shows that 49% of US adults took part in gambling activities in 2023. Fifty-six percent said their attitude towards gambling had relaxed, compared to the 50% of 2019.

The UK returned similar stats for the same year. Forty-eight percent of adults reported engaging in gambling activity. Online casinos generated the most gross gambling yield in 2023, but it was the nation’s National Lottery that people played the most.

Alberta: following Ontario’s lead

The regulatory developments in Ontario have triggered movement in Alberta. In May 2024, Bill 16, the Red Tape Reduction Amendment Act, made it through the process and later received Royal Assent to become law. The act removes the monopoly of gaming by a single government entity and will allow private operators, licensed by Alberta’s provincial regulator, to provide online gaming services in Alberta, meaning players will have a choice of more than one Alberta online casino to play at.

The regulation transforms Alberta into one of the more liberal provinces when it comes to online gambling, others being Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Several provinces, such as Novia Scotia and Northwest Territories, have no provincially regulated online gaming sites. Some also restrict betting on horse racing and/or other types of sports betting, obliging citizens to use international betting sites for freedom from caps and betting on as many events as they wish.

What lies ahead for the Canadian, US, and UK gambling industries?

Canada’s appetite for gambling is clear, and the industry’s online sector is beginning to thrive. Ontario has enjoyed vast success by creating its own regulated market, one which, in just its first year, saw Canadians place billions in wagers and the industry itself generate more than a billion in total gaming revenue.

Canada can expect to see other provinces follow Ontario’s lead and allow private operators to provide services in the province under license. The purpose of the regulation is player protection. Any province that develops a regulated market will focus on this, so there will also be regulations around the advertising of gambling services.

The US

Gambling online is the future for the US, too, although states are slow to legalize it. As of September 2024, 38 states had legalized sports betting, following the US Supreme Court’s ruling that states could regulate sports gambling directly.

Despite allowing sports betting, some states only permit in-person betting, and only a few states allow online casino gaming. Operators believe online casino gaming is the future of gambling.

The UK

In the UK, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will get bigger and bigger. Companies have realized AI can enhance players’ experience and are embracing it more and more. For instance, sports betting websites can use it to crunch data and provide iGamers with stats and other data to make better betting decisions. They’re also understanding they can use AI to prioritize content players are likely to be interested in and to personalize their offerings and services to players’ preferences.

Canada enjoys gambling as much as America and the UK. Although laws around igaming are more of a grey area in Canada, some provinces are clearing the issue up by creating regulated markets and experiencing great success. As time goes by, more are sure to follow.

With plans to regulate its iGaming market, Alberta aims to deliver safer gaming experiences, greater variety for players, and stronger consumer protections.

Alberta is preparing to launch a regulated iGaming market, following Ontario’s successful model. By opening the industry to private operators, the province aims to increase competition, enhance consumer protections, and generate significant revenue. If implemented, this move could position Alberta as a key player in Canada’s evolving online gaming landscape.

The Alberta government has announced plans to open its iGaming market, following in the footsteps of Ontario’s regulated model. The move is expected to create a competitive online gaming environment by allowing private operators to enter the market, rather than keeping online gambling under the sole control of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). This shift aligns with the province’s broader strategy to modernize its gaming industry, offering more choices for players while generating additional revenue for public services.

Key stakeholders in this expansion include AGLC, which will oversee regulatory compliance and licensing, and private gaming operators looking to secure a presence in the province. While specific details about licensing requirements and revenue-sharing structures are still being finalized, industry experts anticipate a framework similar to Ontario’s, where operators must meet strict guidelines to ensure consumer protection. Although no official launch date has been set, Alberta officials have indicated that the market could open within 2025, pending regulatory approvals and final policy decisions.

Learning from Ontario’s iGaming Model

Ontario’s transition to a regulated iGaming market in 2022 has been widely regarded as a success, providing a model for other provinces like Alberta to follow. By allowing private operators to enter the market under the oversight of iGaming Ontario (iGO), the province created a competitive and transparent industry that offers players a safer and more diverse gaming experience. The shift also helped curb unregulated offshore gambling by giving players legal, well-regulated alternatives.

Since its launch, the market has seen impressive growth. In its first year, the province generated over $1.4 billion in gaming revenue, making it one of the largest regulated online gaming markets in North America. The competitive landscape has attracted dozens of operators, contributing to job creation and economic development while ensuring a steady stream of tax revenue.

Apart from financial success, regulation has strengthened consumer protection through responsible gaming measures, operator accountability, and stringent licensing requirements. This model has boosted government revenue and set a precedent for how other Canadian provinces, including Alberta, can structure their own regulated iGaming markets.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While Alberta’s plan to open its iGaming market presents significant opportunities, it also comes with challenges that must be carefully managed. One key hurdle is the regulatory framework, as the province must establish clear licensing requirements, tax structures, and operational guidelines to ensure a smooth transition. Policymakers will need to balance industry growth with responsible gaming practices, learning from Ontario’s experience to avoid potential pitfalls.

Responsible gaming will be another major focus, as increased accessibility to online gambling can raise concerns about addiction and player protection. AGLC will need to implement strict measures, including self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and public awareness campaigns to promote safe gaming habits. Ensuring that operators comply with these measures will be critical to maintaining consumer trust.

Industry and Player Expectations

This move has sparked interest among gaming operators and industry experts. Many see this as a natural progression following Ontario’s success, with expectations that the province will attract major operators eager to expand into a newly regulated space. However, industry leaders will be watching closely to see how Alberta structures its licensing process and tax rates, which will play a key role in determining the market’s competitiveness.

While Alberta is following Ontario’s lead, its approach may differ in key areas. Ontario operates through iGaming Ontario, a regulatory body that oversees private operators, while Alberta may take a more direct role through AGLC. Additionally, given Alberta’s smaller population compared to Ontario, the province may focus on a more controlled rollout rather than opening the market all at once.

For players, the expansion could mean access to a wider range of online casinos, better game variety, including a larger selection of online slots and table games, and more competitive promotions. With private operators entering the scene, expect an increase in sign-up offers, loyalty programs, and exclusive bonuses designed to attract new customers. If executed effectively, Alberta’s iGaming market could create a more dynamic and player-friendly experience while maintaining strong consumer protections.

What Alberta’s iGaming Future Could Look Like

Alberta’s plan to open its iGaming market marks a significant shift toward a more competitive and regulated online gaming industry. By following Ontario’s successful model, the province aims to create a safer and more dynamic gaming environment while driving economic growth. With private operators expected to enter the market under AGLC’s oversight, players will likely benefit from greater choice and enhanced consumer protections.

If Alberta successfully implements this framework, it could set the stage for other provinces to follow, further shaping Canada’s evolving iGaming landscape. A well-regulated market not only boosts provincial revenue but also strengthens responsible gaming initiatives and keeps players within legal platforms. As the industry awaits further details, Alberta’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether it will become Canada’s next major online gaming hub.