New Brunswick Moves to Regulate Live Casino Games as Province Considers Private iGaming Market

New Brunswick is moving to modernize its gaming framework by introducing legislation that would amend the Gaming Control Act and grant regulators explicit authority to oversee live online casino games. The legislative push comes as the province explores a broader shift toward a regulated private iGaming market, potentially mirroring the approach taken by Ontario and Alberta.

Currently, New Brunswick offers legal iGaming exclusively through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). However, government ministers have signaled openness to commercial expansion. In late October, the provincial government was reported to be exploring options to legalize commercial iGaming, according to the Telegraph-Journal. Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin emphasized that modernizing the Gaming Control Act is essential to keeping pace with industry evolution. "As gaming continues to evolve, legislation must keep pace to ensure games continue to be regulated and responsible, and that rules are effective and clear," Gauvin stated.

Live casino games, which encompass live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other table games, have grown in popularity across regulated North American markets. The provincial government indicated that the ALC itself proposed the live casino concept, with detailed regulations to be developed following the legislative framework's passage. Finance and Treasury Board Minister Rene Legacy framed the update as necessary modernization: "These updates will ensure that new gaming options are developed responsibly and continue to meet the needs of players in a safe and regulated way."

The regulatory move is partly a response to unregulated offerings currently available to New Brunswick residents. By establishing a regulatory framework for live casino games, the province aims to redirect player activity toward licensed, safer alternatives. "With a greater variety of online offerings, live casinos are growing in popularity. Regulating these types of games will provide a safer alternative to unregulated offerings in the province," Gauvin noted.

New Brunswick's approach reflects broader Canadian regulatory trends. Ontario's regulated iGaming market has demonstrated significant commercial viability, with online casinos capturing an 82% market share on CA$340.8 million in revenue as of September 2026, according to iGaming Ontario financial results. Live casino offerings fall within the casino category alongside online slots and other table games, representing a meaningful revenue stream within regulated markets.

The legislative initiative addresses a current gap in provincial authority. Existing Gaming Control Act provisions do not explicitly empower regulators to establish rules for live casino events, creating regulatory ambiguity that the new legislation would resolve. By granting this authority, New Brunswick can develop comprehensive safeguards and player protections before the market potentially expands to include private operators.

This development signals that Atlantic Canada's gaming landscape is entering a transitional phase. As more provinces examine private iGaming models, the question of whether New Brunswick will follow Ontario's fully competitive approach or adopt a hybrid model remains open. The live casino regulation framework may serve as an interim step toward broader market liberalization or represent the extent of provincial commercial expansion. Either way, the legislative action demonstrates that provincial governments increasingly view online gaming regulation not as a static issue but as an evolving policy area requiring periodic statutory updates.