Alberta is preparing to take stronger action against online gambling operators that continue to serve customers in the province without a local license after October 13.
The deadline marks the end of a temporary transition period introduced when Alberta launched its regulated iGaming market on July 13. Operators that were already active in the province were given additional time, on a case-by-case basis, to apply for registration, meet regulatory requirements and move into the legal market.
Dale Nally, Alberta’s minister responsible for iGaming, said the province is prepared to use several tools against companies that remain outside the regulated framework. Speaking at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas on September 29, Nally indicated that enforcement could extend beyond the operators themselves.
Alberta Prepares Enforcement Measures
Possible measures include cease-and-desist notices and action involving payment processors. Alberta could also work with major technology platforms, including app stores and social media companies, where unlicensed gambling services or advertising are involved. Officials have not disclosed exactly how the enforcement campaign will operate.
The province expects the number of regulated iGaming sites to increase significantly around the October deadline. Nally said the market could have around 60 to 61 licensed sites by October 13, compared with roughly 35 at the beginning of October.
Alberta’s regulated market is designed to shift activity away from the grey market while introducing stronger player-protection and responsible-gambling requirements. The provincial government estimates that unregulated operators previously accounted for about 70% of Alberta’s iGaming market.