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New Brunswick’s government is exploring legislation to regulate online gambling after provincial gaming revenues fell short. This move could change how players access and the consumer protections in the New Brunswick gambling market.
The finance minister says increased competition from offshore sportsbooks is a key factor in the decline. This has prompted officials to study regulation as a way to safeguard revenue and consumer protections.
Why the government is acting and what it means for the industry
New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) revenues were revenues were $5.7 million below forecast last year and about $8 million lower than two years ago. Finance Minister René Legacy flagged increased competition from unregulated online operators as a primary cause. Legacy told MLAs,
“You hit the nail on the head… It’s actually increased competition.”
He noted ubiquitous sports betting advertising and the presence of offshore sportsbooks such as Bet365 sportsbook, BetMGM sportsbook and FanDuel sportsbook that operate in a grey area in the province.
Single-event sports betting was legalized federally in 2021. Since then, provinces have had the authority to regulate online gambling. New Brunswick currently has ALC.ca as the only legal provincial platform.
Other provinces have moved ahead
Ontario opened a regulated private-operator market in 2022 and has reported substantial operator revenue. According to a report, Ontario’s licensed operators handled about $98.3 billion in wagers and generated $4 billion in gross gaming revenue in the 2025 calendar year.
Meanwhile, Alberta is preparing to launch regulated online gambling in July. The Holt government’s pre-budget document frames potential online gambling regulation as a way to “optimize existing revenue sources.” The aim is to oversee activity rather than promote higher betting.
Discussed regulatory options cover rules similar to Ontario’s ad restrictions and social responsibility measures. These include licensing offshore operators to capture tax revenue, expanding ALC’s live sports-betting offerings, and applying stronger consumer protection.
How regulation could affect New Brunswick players
- If the province licenses operators currently working offshore, players could see more regulated choices. This would mean access through verified, provincially supervised platforms rather than grey-market sites.
- Regulation typically brings consumer protections like identity verification, age checks, responsible gambling tools, and clearer dispute processes. The article notes Ontario’s market includes ad restrictions and social-responsibility measures as examples.
- ALC is also working to add live sports betting options. This may expand local offerings while keeping play inside a regulated environment.
If regulation proceeds, expect transitional rules on accounts, verification, and management of offshore activities. The government emphasizes it wants to oversee and safeguard existing activities, not promote increased betting. Any changes would likely include social responsibility safeguards.
What to watch as the province decides
Alberta’s planned regulated launch in July and Ontario’s earlier move remain reference points for any provincial rollout. In the coming days, keep an eye on formal proposals, legislative timelines, and announcements from the New Brunswick government and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Players should monitor official channels for changes to ALC.ca, licensing notices, and updates to responsible gambling tools.
