Published on: September 22, 2025, 08:02h. 

Updated on: September 22, 2025, 08:02h.

• Exact launch date for Alberta’s igaming is still unclear
• Which Canadian provinces might follow Alberta’s lead?
• Could jurisdictions collaborate with Ontario’s AGCO for a quicker igaming rollout?

---

As the season transitions from summer to fall, the narrative surrounding Canadian igaming starts to unfold. The imminent launch of a new, Ontario-inspired, regulated market in Alberta is garnering significant attention, particularly from major operators such as FanDuel, Bet365, DraftKings, PointsBet Canada, and theScore Bet.

Anticipated Alberta Market Launch in 2026

The precise timing of this launch remains uncertain. During the Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto held in June, Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, mentioned that the province couldn’t confirm an exact date, but indicated it would be “early next year.”

When Casino.org inquired with Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, about any updates on the launch date, he noted that nothing new had come to his attention.

The Timing Remains Uncertain

“The province is making progress,” Burns stated. “There are several phases to navigate, and timelines for those phases haven’t been established. We are supporting them as best as possible to ensure they get it right. Regulatory standards will eventually be released, but we need to delve deeper into the process to gain a clearer understanding of the timing.”

So, for the most part, clarity eludes others, except perhaps those within the Alberta government. Similar to Ontario, home to the government-operated Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation running PROLINE, Alberta has its own regulatory body—the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), which manages the Play Alberta digital casino and sports betting platform.

Ontario’s regulator is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Alberta will establish its own regulatory framework when the new regime is implemented—the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a newly formed government entity established under Bill 48 (the iGaming Alberta Act).

Seeking Participation

What about other provinces in Canada? A prominent industry insider suggested an intriguing scenario: rather than launching their own regulator, other provinces could strategically accelerate their own entry by aligning with the AGCO after observing the revenue generated by Ontario’s igaming sector.

The Ontario model, which kicked off in April 2022, is widely regarded as a success.

In an era characterized by revenue uncertainties largely stemming from U.S. trade tariffs, provincial Ministers of Finance are undoubtedly eyeing Ontario’s igaming framework, eager to tap into that revenue stream.

Implementing the Ontario Gaming Framework

The insider indicated to Casino.org that it wouldn’t be surprising if we soon witness memorandums of understanding between Ontario and other provinces, allowing these jurisdictions to leverage AGCO’s expertise for launching their own markets.

Currently, Ontario boasts 50 licensed operators in its regulated market, and July highlighted a 4% month-over-month increase in total wagers (CA $7.56 billion). Ontario imposes a 20% tax rate on igaming and sports betting operators.

20% Tax Structure

“With Ontario serving as a valid case study, it’s clear there’s substantial opportunity. Why not replicate that success… let’s either duplicate Ontario’s approach or establish some cooperative framework with Ontario?” the source suggested. “This would allow for standardized regulations. The AGCO could potentially act as the regulatory authority in the other provinces, enabling them to collaborate on igaming.”

“There are pragmatic solutions for provinces to opt into the Ontario structure, benefiting not just the industry but also Ontario and the collaborating province, as this would provide residents with a regulated gaming framework and generate tax revenues.”

Burns agrees that this scenario is realistic, compared to other jurisdictions attempting to create their own regulatory setups.

Political Determination and Initiative?

“It’s entirely achievable,” he remarked to Casino.org. “It entirely relies on the determination and initiative of the provinces. It also hinges on practicality, especially for smaller provinces. Regulated gaming varies across provinces, prompting the need to explore compatible igaming models, specific to each jurisdiction, along with effective regulatory frameworks. Establishing harmonized regulations and technical standards across Canada is crucial for enhancing cross-border business operations.”

A unified regulatory landscape would empower smaller provinces to access products and innovations effectively. Additionally, sharing regulatory best practices nationwide would foster industry evolution, added Burns.

Identifying Consensus

“Is it feasible for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to establish separate igaming regulators, akin to Ontario and soon, Alberta?” he queried. “They didn’t opt for that with lotteries, so why replicate that approach?”

“However, every province does have gaming regulators. Could they look to another province for regulatory services? This topic is becoming increasingly relevant in Canada, especially amid current trade challenges, emphasizing the significance of seeking common ground.”

Golden Opportunities Ahead

The gaming industry has exemplified models, such as GLI’s independent laboratory testing for game technology, providing universal standards for sports betting and igaming testing and certification. 

Perhaps a provincial government might consider adopting another province’s regulatory framework to assist them. But is there the political resolve to move forward?

“The timing is optimal for such discussions,” asserted Burns. “I genuinely believe it’s a tangible possibility that warrants contemplation. Why shouldn’t a level of regulatory compliance be transferrable to another jurisdiction? While it may not apply to every province, it certainly could for several.”

Empowering Smaller Provinces within the Market

PlayNow, managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, serves as another illustrative case—Manitoba and Saskatchewan utilize PlayNow’s services under a commercial agreement to provide regulated igaming in their regions.

“These aren’t far-fetched ideas,” he concluded. “All of these strategies should be considered by governments. We are committed to facilitating these discussions, aiming for regulatory harmonization that simplifies operations across Canada while enhancing choices for smaller markets to access regulated products in a compliant environment. This concept deserves thorough evaluation.”