Lesson From Game of Thrones: Why Alberta Needs a “Small Council” for iGaming
In the fictional world of Westeros, the Small Council is the inner advisory body to the monarch. Each member has their own title and area of expertise. The Master of Coin, for example, is in charge of treasure and finances, whereas the Master of Ships commands the royal fleet.
This creates a more holistic approach and makes day-to-day governance more efficient. With iGaming coming to Alberta in 2026, the Canadian province is following in Westeros’ footsteps in the way it will regulates the sector. Hopefully this will lead to a well-balanced market offering entertainment and safety for players, and economic benefits for the region.
Overview of iGaming in Alberta
For a while now, government-run Play Alberta has been the only authorized online gambling website operating for residents of the province. Following the passage of the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) earlier this year, this is about to change. Starting in 2026, licensed, privately owned casinos and sportsbooks will also become available to players online.
Launching the best online casinos in Alberta entirely legally is expected to have many benefits, including limiting the influence of offshore platforms. Although unlicensed, they continue to operate in a grey area, and players commonly use them. At the same time, unregulated sites don’t contribute in any way, shape, or form, successfully avoiding taxes and local regulations.
Now, Alberta will get the chance to benefit economically from online gambling taxation. It will also be able to apply universal standards, regulations, and consumer protection policies for platforms operating on its territory, albeit digitally. This, however, is not an easy job and requires a solid strategy and the involvement of all stakeholders in the sector.
Complexities of Online Gambling Regulation
Regulating a rapidly growing online gambling market has proven tricky for many countries and jurisdictions worldwide. If regulations are too abstract and loose, they fail the consumer, and the same applies to setting excessive limitations and barriers. Here’s where forming a Small Council, similar to the one in Westeros in Game of Thrones, could be helpful.
Essentially, this would mean ensuring all stakeholders across the sector are represented and included in its regulation. A public health expert, for example, could offer their experience and professional advice on responsible gambling and harm prevention.
An industry representative could share valuable, real-time information regarding the market, current threats, and areas to improve. Lawmakers will be responsible for drafting new laws, and so on. This cooperation will help strike just the right balance needed for success.
It makes perfect sense, right? It’s not surprising that Game of Thrones has received 59 Primetime Emmy Awards. That’s more than many other shows, including The Sopranos, Frasier, and The Simpsons. Game of Thrones is only outperformed by the Saturday Night Live (SNL) TV show, which has won 87 times since airing for the first time back in 1975.
Alberta’s Real-Life “Small Council” Approach
While retail gambling venues will continue to be overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), online casinos will be regulated by the Alberta iGaming Corporation. This Crown corporation was established under Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, to oversee the operation and regulation of online gambling in Alberta.
The regulator will be governed by a board of directors, including up to seven members appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. They’ll bring expertise from different areas and make sure the Alberta iGaming Corporation operates with integrity, accountability, and in accordance with government objectives.
This will avoid unwanted, adverse consequences and keep the online gambling sector from becoming an inspiration for one of the episodes in the next season of Black Mirror. As you know, the popular TV show presents mostly modern cautionary tales. Unfortunately, when it comes to online gambling, a lot is at stake (no pun intended), including the well-being of gamblers.
Ensuring responsible governance, player protection, and transparency through this diverse and accountable board, and the Corporation as a whole, is crucial to preventing dystopian outcomes while creating a sustainable and fair gambling market in Alberta. We hope to see this become a reality for the Canadian province.
Conclusion
Finding the right balance in regulation will be key to a successful, entertaining, and safe online gambling market in Alberta. The province could use the example of the Small Council in Westeros in the popular Game of Thrones TV series or, better yet, a real-life example from the flourishing gambling market in Ontario.
From April 2024 to March 2025, the southernmost Canadian province reported gross gambling revenue (GGR) of CA$3.20 billion. This marks about 31% growth year-over-year, which is impressive. It’s clear that the potential is there. Now, it’s up to Alberta to make the most of it.