Alberta Targets Unlicensed Gambling Sites After October 13

Alberta is preparing to take enforcement action against online gambling operators that continue serving residents without a provincial licence after the October 13 transition deadline.

The deadline marks the end of a three-month grace period provided to operators that were already accepting bets from Alberta residents before the province launched its regulated iGaming market.

Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, said the government is prepared to use all available means to prevent unregulated gambling operators from continuing to operate in the province.

Nally did not disclose the specific measures Alberta intends to deploy, explaining that the government does not want to provide unlicensed operators with advance warning. He indicated, however, that Alberta could use enforcement tools that have not previously been applied in this area.

October 13 Marks End of Transition Period

Alberta launched its regulated online gambling market on July 13. Operators that had already been taking bets from Alberta residents before the launch were given an individual three-month period to complete registration, pay the required taxes and fees, or stop operating in the province.

That transition period expires on October 13.

The province held back from enforcement during the transition while existing operators worked through the registration process with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis.

Once the deadline passes, Alberta intends to concentrate on operators that continue serving residents without obtaining the necessary licence. The government’s stated aim is to stop unregulated gambling sites from operating alongside the province’s regulated market.

The transition arrangement allowed operators already active before July 13 to enter Alberta’s regulatory framework. October 13 will therefore represent the point at which enforcement can begin against those that have not completed the process.

Nally said Alberta plans to use every available option against operators that continue offering online gambling without registering with the provincial regulator.

Payment Providers and Tech Platforms Could Face Pressure

Among the measures being considered are cease-and-desist notices directed at unlicensed operators.

Nally also identified payment processors as a possible enforcement target where they facilitate transactions associated with unlicensed gambling sites.

Both methods have previously been used by several US states and Nally said Alberta will consider these options after the transition period expires.

The province could also examine the role of Google, Apple and social media companies. These platforms could be relevant to the distribution of unlicensed gambling applications and the promotion of such services online.

Nally has not said which measures Alberta would introduce first or established a timetable for enforcement following October 13.

Instead, the government has stated that it will make use of the tools available to prevent unlicensed gambling businesses from continuing to serve players in the province.

The enforcement preparations come as Alberta continues building its private online gambling market. The government has not revealed how many unlicensed operators could still be serving Albertans as the transition deadline approaches.

Number of Licensed Sites Expected to Rise

Nally expects the number of licensed gambling sites in Alberta to increase from approximately 35 to around 60 by October 13.

The provincial government reported that 31 regulated sites were operating as of September 14.

Betway, operated by Super Group, was among the operators that recently completed the transition into Alberta’s regulated market. Officials from the regulator have also indicated that more brands are expected to launch in the province in the coming weeks.

Some operators that previously served Alberta have informed the commission that they intend to leave rather than apply for licences.

Nally has said the market could ultimately accommodate as many as 70 operator sites.

The October 13 deadline will determine which operators that previously operated outside the regulatory system successfully enter Alberta’s licensed market and which leave the province or become subject to enforcement.

Players can check with the provincial regulator to confirm whether an online gambling brand is registered before opening an account.