Published on: March 31, 2026, at 08:12h.

Updated on: March 31, 2026, at 08:15h.

• Alberta’s igaming market is gearing up, mirroring Ontario’s model
• Projected annual earnings to exceed $700 million upon market stabilization
• AGLC will oversee registration, while AiGC will manage and conduct operations

Alberta’s upcoming regulated igaming market, akin to Ontario’s system, is confirmed to launch on July 13, as disclosed by an industry insider to Casino.org. This follows reports from reputable industry sources such as Gaming News Canada, Covers, and Canadian Gaming Business.

Approval for iGaming Operators

This date has been shared with private operators planning to enter or currently analyzing the new market landscape. The Alberta government has not made any official announcements yet.

As reported recently, Alberta’s grey market operators have been given until July 13 to apply for licenses and settle fees with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), indicating a timeline for market activation.

The AGLC mentioned that an extension to October 13, 2026, would only be granted if an operator can prove a path to compliance not achievable before July 13, 2026.

A New Era for Canadian iGaming

Late submissions will not be regarded as valid reasons for extension. Operators should be ready to pay an application fee of $50,000 and an annual registration cost of $150,000 in Alberta. The province will enforce a tax rate of 20% after accounting for First Nations and responsible gaming deductions.

“Non-compliance with these guidelines may lead to a determination of ineligibility for iGaming registration in Alberta,” stated the bulletin from the government.

Grey market operators must ensure all outstanding bets are resolved or canceled before halting unregulated activities. This encompasses settling any open wagers, refunding player account balances, and notifying players about account closure procedures and timelines.

20% Tax Structure

Private operators will now compete alongside the government-run Play Alberta igaming platform. The registration process for new operators began on January 13, with the AGLC releasing its regulations.

Under the new igaming regulatory framework, the AGLC will oversee the registration and licensing, while the newly established Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) will manage operational aspects.

Prominent igaming brands such as DraftKings, PointsBet Canada, Betty, Soft2Bet, Betway, NorthStar Bets, Bet99, BetMGM, theScore, Caesars, and BetRivers are among the early entrants.

Initial forecasts suggest that Alberta’s igaming sector could achieve revenues of over $700 million annually at full maturity.

The Future for Grey Market Operators

With the launch date set, the future of the grey market in Alberta, which currently has a significant presence, will be intriguing to observe. Presently, records indicate that offshore operators hold an 88% market share in Alberta, with Manitoba at the same percentage. Only Saskatchewan surpasses these provinces at 93%. Blask, an AI analytics platform, tracks industry metrics and market share trends with a focus on both domestic and offshore operators.

Alberta’s population stands at just over 5 million. In contrast, Ontario, which has had an open, regulated igaming market since April 2022, accommodates over 16 million residents and currently features 47 licensed operators.

In 2025, Ontario’s private market recorded a handle of over $98 billion, generating more than $4 billion in net adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR), of which 20% is designated to the provincial treasury.