New Brunswick Moves to Regulate Live Casino Games Amid iGaming Review

As New Brunswick evaluates the potential for an open, Ontario-style commercial iGaming market, the province has taken its first concrete regulatory step by introducing Bill 8 to bring live-dealer online casino games under official government oversight.

Province Explores Regulating Private iGaming Operators

On Oct. 21, the New Brunswick government confirmed it is “exploring options” to legalize commercial iGaming, according to reporting by the Telegraph-Journal. The review could lead the province to follow Ontario and Alberta in opening its digital market to private commercial operators.

Currently, New Brunswick offers legal iGaming exclusively through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC).

Legislation Targets Live-Dealer Regulations

Alongside its broader market review, the provincial government has introduced amendments to its Gaming Control Act to establish regulatory authority specifically for online live-dealer casino games.

Current provincial legislation does not grant authority to establish rules for the live-dealer category. Government officials noted the live-dealer concept was proposed by the ALC, with detailed operational regulations to be finalized at a later date.

“Reviewing and updating legislation is an important part of keeping New Brunswickers safe,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin. 

“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.”

“With a greater variety of online offerings, live casinos are growing in popularity,” Gauvin added. “Regulating these types of games will provide a safer alternative to unregulated offerings in the province.”

Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy emphasized that modernizing the Act prepares the province for shifting player habits.

“Modernizing the Gaming Control Act is about keeping up with how gaming is changing,” Legacy said. “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.”

Market Data Highlights Online Casino Growth

The push for live-dealer oversight aligns with wider trends across Canada’s regulated markets. In Ontario, online casinos command an 82% share of total market revenue. Live-dealer titles—including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat—are a key growth driver within the broader casino category alongside video slots.

By updating its legal framework, New Brunswick aims to build regulatory safeguards while preparing both public and potentially private operators for modern player demand.