Share 
A newly passed Alberta law permits the province to sell the Play Alberta gambling platform, including customer data. This move raises immediate privacy concerns for Alberta online casino players.
Bill 31, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, creates an exemption to Alberta’s Protection of Privacy Act. This has drawn criticism from the province’s privacy commissioner.
What Bill 31 Changes
The legislature approved Bill 31 last week. This allows the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to sell the government-owned Play Alberta platform and associated customer information to a private company.
Under the Protection of Privacy Act (effective 2025), public bodies are normally barred from selling personal data. Alberta’s privacy commissioner, Diane McLeod, warned the new exemption “undermines those protections.” She said it could damage public trust in the law.
The move shifts a public gambling platform toward commercialization. This raises questions about regulatory oversight, data stewardship and potential monetization of player data. It may also set a regional precedent. Other provinces will watch this development closely.
What This Means for Alberta Players
The law references “customer information,” which typically includes registration details, transaction records, and play history. However, the exact scope wasn’t specified in the report.
Privacy risks include targeted marketing, third‑party data sharing or resale, and increased exposure if security controls change under private ownership.
Next Steps and Oversight
Alberta’s regulated gambling market launches July 13, affecting 434,000 Play Alberta users.
Players must review Play Alberta and AGLC privacy notices and request clarity from the AGLC on what data will be sold. They should also monitor communications for opt‑out deadlines or data‑access options under Alberta’s privacy rules. Review the privacy settings and use strong passwords.
In the meantime, wait for further comment from the privacy commissioner. There’s no public timeline yet for any sale, so watch for AGLC announcements and any guidance from Alberta’s privacy office.
