On July 13, Alberta officially opened its iGaming market, welcoming 22 online platforms, including industry giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars. This launch marks Alberta as the second province in Canada to establish a regulated multi-operator online gambling environment, following Ontario.
The new framework replaces the previous monopoly system, where Play Alberta was the only legal online gambling option. However, the government-operated site will continue to operate alongside the newly licensed commercial platforms.
The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) has listed the approved platforms, which include:
- Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
- Caesars Palace Online Casino
- Horseshoe Online Casino
- Golden Nugget Online Casino
Notably, Play Alberta is not included in this list. The AiGC celebrated the launch with a ribbon-cutting event at Edmonton’s Royal Glenora Club, attended by industry leaders and government officials.
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, emphasized the importance of this regulated market in protecting Albertans, particularly the youth, ensuring that those who engage in online gaming do so safely and responsibly.
Prior to this launch, about 70% of Alberta's online gambling activities were conducted on unregulated offshore sites, which lacked consistent player protections. AiGC CEO Dan Keen stated that the corporation's mission is to create a well-governed online gaming market focused on the welfare of Albertans, rather than merely expanding the iGaming sector.
Under the new regulations, all licensed operators are required to adhere to responsible gambling practices, including age verification, deposit limits, time restrictions, and self-exclusion options. Operators will also be taxed at 20% on their net revenues, with funds directed to Alberta’s General Revenue Fund, allocating 2% to First Nations and 1% to initiatives aimed at responsible gambling and mental health support.
While 22 platforms launched on the first day, records indicate that an additional 28 brands have received approval and are expected to enter the market soon. Some of these upcoming operators include Bally’s, Super Group, Entain, Kaizen Gaming, and Apollo Entertainment.