Launch Without Bans on Facebook and Google: Alberta Opened a Legal iGaming Market

Canada has taken another step toward the legalization of gambling. The province of Alberta launched a regulated online casino market, becoming the second territory in the country after Ontario where international operators can officially operate. 

Alberta is one of the wealthiest regions in Canada. The population here has high incomes and a huge base of sports fans. Before the launch of the regulated market, more than 70% of players used offshore websites that did not pay taxes to the local budget. 

After the state monopoly of PlayAlberta ended, about 50 international companies immediately applied for a license. The list of already approved applications is published on the regulator's website in the "Approved Websites" section.

What Changes for Affiliate Marketing

For those who were driving traffic to Canada via gray-hat schemes, this is good news. Previously, one had to constantly fight bans in Facebook and Google Ads. Canadian moderators do not like offshore licenses of Curacao and Malta.

With the emergence of official AGLC licenses, the situation has changed. Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok Ads allow promoting licensed iGaming if the advertiser has local documents.

Advertising Rules in Alberta

A white-hat launch does not mean complete freedom. The regulator has established clear requirements for promotional materials:

• It is forbidden to use images of active or former athletes.

• Creatives must not appeal to minors: no cartoon characters and teenage trends.

• Every ad must contain a disclaimer about risks and contact information for problem gambling support services.

• Guarantees of earnings are prohibited — only entertainment content.

• Terms of bonuses and promotions must be transparent.

Alberta is a sports region. Betting will work well here, especially on Canadian football and hockey matches. If you already have working campaigns for Ontario, adapting them for Alberta will not be difficult. The main thing is to find white-hat offers in affiliate networks, prepare accounts for a legal launch, and start testing before the market is overheated by major players with large budgets.