Alberta’s Current Casino Landscape and What Could Change?

Alberta’s casino landscape is set to change. While land-based casinos already exist all around the province, their legal online counterparts are much closer to becoming a reality. Up until now, the monopoly on online play has remained with Play Alberta. However, that won’t be the case for much longer. 

Bill 48, which introduced the possibility of online gambling, passed its third reading in the legislature earlier this year. To get a clearer idea of how it all works, BonusFinder has written about the changes to the laws in Alberta. The key point is that the Bill is now awaiting Royal Assent, the last key step in the process.

Also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, Bill 48 will not only legalize commercial online gambling. It also aims to establish the Alberta iGaming Corporation.

Following in Ontario’s Footsteps

For Ontario residents, this will all sound quite familiar. In 2021, following the legalization of commercial online gambling, iGaming Ontario launched. It played a key role in establishing the new online gambling environment in the province. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, bringing in billions in revenue each year. 

It’s not surprising, then, that Alberta is looking to follow in its footsteps. As seen by this review of Casino Rama’s impact in Orillia, there’s room for land-based and online casinos. Not only that, but they can significantly contribute to industries in the province, and an increased contribution to GDP follows.

In 2024, Ontario’s iGaming industry saw 32% revenue gains. While that’s only one marker, it’s surely a sign that the regulated market is a success. Now that it’s in its fourth year, it’s possible to look back and see how far it has come. It’s become one of the most competitive markets in North America.

Of course, a key part of the appeal is to tackle unregulated gambling in Alberta. The aim is to make online gambling as safe as possible for Albertans. Introducing a new body to oversee the industry is a vital part of that. The proposed body will have a structure similar to iGaming Ontario. 

Alberta’s Land-Based Casinos

Since 2021, Alberta has run a market-based facility licensing approach, which is how bingo halls, racing entertainment centres and casinos get their licences. It continuously reviews the market, assessing the current growth and potential opportunities. For now, there are no opportunities for new licences. However, that could change with the next market assessment. 

It looks, then, that the next big change in the landscape will be the introduction of commercial online casinos. That doesn’t mean that Albertans don’t have plenty of choice at the moment, though. Counting the current number of Alberta’s casinos, there are 30 different options to choose from.

The province has several chains providing entertaining opportunities. They include Ace Casino, which has an airport venue and the Blackfoot site in Calgary. There are also the Century Casino venues, which include the main Edmonton site as well as Century Downs, Century Mile and Century St. Albert.

Albertans can also enjoy casino resorts, such as Camrose Resort Casino and Bear Hills Casino & Travel Resort. The latter is one of six Host First Nations casinos, which operate on reserve land. Others include River Cree Resort & Casino, Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza, Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino and Casino Dene. 

Contribution to Key Industries

On the subject of Host First Nation casinos, it’s a good time to look at what the casino funds contribute to. They’re used for both charitable and religious programs in different ways to help the Host First Nation’s community. 

Projects include life skills training and community safety programs. The funds also go towards cultural events, education, medical aid, support for seniors and housing and infrastructure. The positive impact reaches into several sectors and lives.

Casinos also play a key role in tourism, which is one of many industries that make up the economic picture in Alberta. In 2023, the tourism sector contributed $10.8 billion to the GDP. The casinos not only bring in revenue, but also provide employment opportunities.

What Will the Future Hold

At the moment, there’s no official date for the introduction of legal commercial online casinos in Alberta. Royal Assent from Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani is the next step in the process, after which the government will proclaim the law into force.

Then, the real work will begin. Once the Alberta iGaming Corporation is established, the standards will need to be developed, which will enable it to put the regulatory framework in place. While there’s no set date for that, it’s likely to happen in 2026.

It will be the green light, then, for operators to register and apply for licences. They’ll need to meet the standards, and assessments will be in place to ensure players are protected. After that, the market will develop. Most importantly, the fun will begin for players in Alberta.