Alberta
Alberta adheres to the classic Canadian scheme: the province manages the game, and the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) profile body regulates, administers licensing and is responsible for the integrity of the sector. At the online channel level, there is one official entry point - PlayAlberta, launched and managed on behalf of the province; all proceeds from it go to the Alberta General Revenue Fund.
Who regulates and who "leads" the market
AGLC administers the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, "conducts and manages" provincial lotteries and ensures accountability and social responsibility in operations (licensing, standards, oversight, compliance audit). This is directly recorded in the mandate and materials of the regulator.
In practice, AGLC:- issues and administers licenses (casinos, bingo, raffles, pull-tickets, etc.), maintains policies and directories for the charitable sector;
- regulates slot and VLT segments, publishes technical and consumer information on games;
- monitors compliance and investigates violations.
Online Marketplace: PlayAlberta only
PlayAlberta. ca is the only regulated online site in the province. The regulator emphasizes that the PlayAlberta game leaves money in Alberta: revenue is credited to the province's general fund and supports public programs and services. The site has AGLC terms and conditions and a complete set of responsible play tools.
Responsible online play
Limits, self-exclusion, tutorials and other RG tools are available on the PlayAlberta account. This is a required online element embedded in the user path.
Age and tolerance
In Alberta, the minimum age is 18 + (including VLT/slots and online). Direct requirements are enshrined in the AGLC materials for VLT players and follow from the provincial regime.
Channels and Products
Lotteries and raffles: management and supervision - AGLC (including the charity sector with detailed guides and reports).
Casino and Gaming Halls: AGLC Licensing/Supervision, Equipment and Personnel Control.
VLT/slots: consumer rules, restrictions and RG requirements are published by AGLC.
Online play: PlayAlberta is the only legal site (casino, lotteries, betting).
Advertising and social responsibility
AGLC sets the framework for public advertising and communications, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups and compliance with federal requirements; violation of the rules entails sanctions. Materials and layouts have specific form factor and content limitations.
Economic effect
The province focuses on returning revenue to society: AGLC explicitly states the mission of maximizing financial returns while maintaining integrity and social responsibility; PlayAlberta revenues are transferred to the Alberta budget. (Exact amounts vary from year to year and are published in AGLC annual reports.)
What is changing: a vector for updating online regulation (2025)
In 2025, the government introduced the Bill 48/iGaming Alberta Act, an initiative to create a new regulated online gambling model in the province (including centralized self-exclusion and advertising requirements). At the time of publication in the spring of 2025, it was a legislative initiative with details to be finalized in by-laws; At the same time, the AGLC retains control and registration roles. Monitor bill status and regulatory updates if you update the online section.
The Alberta model relies on AGLC as a single regulator and administrator, as well as PlayAlberta's only officially authorized online channel, which has strict RG tools and transparent budget returns built in. For the reader, this means:- you can only play online legally in Alberta through PlayAlberta;
- terrestrial and charitable products undergo AGLC licensing/oversight;
- minimum age - 18 +;
- changes in online regulation are possible in 2025 (watch for Bill 48 status).