Alberta has entered Canada’s regulated commercial iGaming sector, with 22 operator websites launching as the province officially opened its competitive online gambling market on July 13. The rollout makes Alberta the second Canadian province after Ontario to adopt a multi-operator model for online betting and casino gaming.
More than 50 operators have already secured approval to conduct business in the province, although only 22 sites were active when the market opened. Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) will oversee the commercial market, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) continues as the provincial regulator.
The opening also established the largest day-one launch for a regulated online gambling market in North America based on the number of brands available.
New Rules Set Expectations for Operators
The province introduced a framework that requires licensed operators to meet responsible gambling standards from the outset. Platforms must provide financial and time limits, gaming activity statements and access to a provincewide self-exclusion program. Operators must also intervene when high-risk gambling behaviour is identified and cannot direct advertising toward minors or vulnerable people.
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally said: “Alberta is taking an important step forward with the launch of a regulated iGaming market. Our focus has been clear from the start: to protect Albertans, especially young people, and ensure that those who choose online gaming can do so in a responsible environment.”
Nally also addressed the responsibilities attached to a licence.
“We expect companies to operate responsibly and to meet our high standards,” he said. “This market is open, but operators are expected to earn the privilege of participating …
“To every operator entering Alberta’s regulated market, let me be very clear: operating in Alberta is a privilege, not a right. We expect every operator to put player protection and social responsibility at the forefront of their operations. If you meet those expectations, Alberta offers a fair, competitive, and well-regulated market. But operators that fail to meet our player protection and social responsibility requirements risk losing the ability to operate in this province.”
AiGC CEO Dan Keene said: “Alberta has built a thoughtful and collaborative iGaming framework that reflects the highest standards of player protection and responsible gaming.”
Operators and Suppliers Expand Their Presence
The opening attracted many operators already established in Ontario, including bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DAZN Bet, DraftKings, FanDuel and PENN Entertainment’s theScore Bet and Hollywood Casino brands.
DraftKings launched both its sportsbook and casino products alongside Golden Nugget Online Casino. Company co-founder and President of Operations Paul Liberman described Alberta as an important market and said the casino business remains DraftKings’ strongest vertical.
Several suppliers also confirmed launches alongside operator partners, including Pragmatic Play, IGT PlayDigital, Evolution, Light & Wonder, Aristocrat Interactive, Inspired Entertainment, Hacksaw Gaming and St8.
The Canadian Gaming Association welcomed the opening, stating: “Developing this market has taken significant effort, collaboration, and a shared commitment to responsible implementation.”
Alberta has set a target of reaching 75% market channelization by the end of the second year. The province will direct 20% of net revenue to its General Revenue Fund, while 3% of gross gaming revenue will support First Nations initiatives and responsible gambling programs.
Source:
“Alberta iGaming launch: Everything that happened on Day 1 as 20+ sites went live”, canadiangamingbusiness.com, Jul 13, 2026
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