Published on: May 21, 2026, at 10:46 AM.

Updated on: May 21, 2026, at 11:38 AM.

• Alberta’s Minister Dale Nally inaugurated a significant gaming summit in Toronto by providing an eagerly awaited update regarding the province’s shift to an open commercial market.
• Currently, more than 70 private iGaming platforms are set to enter Alberta, with 37 operators officially securing provincial licenses.
• The official launch date for Alberta’s open iGaming and sports betting market is confirmed for July 13, 2026, marking the closure of the unregulated grey market.

During his address at a gaming summit in Toronto, Alberta’s Minister Dale Nally revealed that he had initially aimed for the province’s open iGaming market launch to occur this month.

Confirmed Launch Date

In his keynote at the SBC Canadian Gaming Summit, Nally, serving as the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, confirmed the previously anticipated launch date for the competitive igaming market—July 13.

“I intended to launch sooner,” Nally stated. “We were prepared to go earlier, targeting May. However, operators expressed their preference for a delay. After consultations with the industry, we settled on July 13 as the ideal date. I am confident that we will be fully prepared.”

Interest from 70 Operators

The upcoming commercial framework in Alberta has attracted significant private interest. Nally stated that 37 operators have submitted their registration fees to join the state-controlled Play Alberta platform, with potential growth to around 70 brands as the market evolves.

Unlike Ontario’s four-year framework, Alberta’s market will feature a unique financial structure. While Ontario retains a flat 20% from operator revenues, Alberta will implement an 80-20 split but channel 3% of the provincial funds for Indigenous community support and responsible gambling initiatives.

An additional distinction is that Alberta will have a centralized self-exclusion platform available at launch, while Ontario only recently introduced its BetGuard program, despite having an established igaming market for four years.

Extensive Preparation Period

“We recognize that online gambling is thriving, and as a government, there are two paths you can take,” Nally explained.

“You can ignore it completely. Our stance is different. We believe we have a duty to the citizens of Alberta, which means ensuring that gambling is as safe and responsible as possible, attainable only through regulation.”

“We are simply addressing a market demand,” he continued. “Much of our initiative is derived from Ontario’s experience, but we are adapting it to suit Alberta’s unique context. The optimal way to tackle illegal gambling is by fostering a legal market that is healthy and responsible.”

Nally added: “Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. Our motto is ‘strong and free,’ and it embodies our identity, showcased on our license plates. We embrace significant ventures, from constructing pipelines to the coast to enhancing oil and gas revenues.

“Our government is committed to doing things on a large scale, and this initiative is a pivotal part of that. We aim to regulate and legalize online gambling that is already prevalent, thereby ensuring it is safe and responsible,” he concluded.