Alberta launches regulated online gambling market with 50 approved operators
The province has become the second jurisdiction in Canada to implement a competitive licensing model for online gambling.
Canada.- Alberta has launched its regulated online gambling market, joining Ontario to become the second Canadian province to adopt a licensing system. The new framework allows private operators to offer online sports betting and casino products.
Fifty operators have completed the registration process with Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis, including DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet, theScore Bet, bet365 and BetRivers. The market is regulated by the Alberta iGaming Corporation, which oversees both online sportsbooks and casinos.
The launch marks the culmination of several years of legislative work aimed at creating a competitive and locally supervised industry. Alberta’s decision was largely based on the model introduced in Ontario in 2022, whose results helped build confidence that a similar approach could succeed in the province.
Local expectations
Alberta is targeting around US$ 1 billion in gambling revenue during the first year of operation, with further growth expected as the market matures. Although the market has launched near the end of the FIFA World Cup, with only the semi-finals and final remaining, the tournament is expected to provide an immediate boost to betting activity during the launch period.
Provincial authorities expect a high level of channelisation. According to government estimates, around 70 per cent of gambling activity in Alberta has been taking place through websites licensed in foreign jurisdictions, but AiGC chief executive officer Dan Keene has said he is confident the province can significantly increase the share of gambling conducted through the regulated market.
Nevertheless, an IPSOS study for 2025 estimated Ontario’s channelisation rate at approximately 83.7 per cent, meaning that nearly 16 per cent of players still use offshore operators.
