Published on: January 20, 2026, 02:08h.

Updated on: January 20, 2026, 02:08h.

• CEO of Alberta iGaming Corporation hints at a market debut in spring or summer during ICE Barcelona
• Alberta is reportedly one week away from launching APIs for a centralized self-exclusion platform
• Contracts for operators are expected to be drafted within the next four to six weeks

According to Dan Keene, the Interim CEO of Alberta iGaming Corporation, there’s a possibility of launching Alberta’s new iGaming market by spring or summer. This was revealed during a roundtable at ICE Barcelona today.

Sources from the industry indicate that Keene emphasized that the Alberta government aims for a market opening by spring or summer. This strategic timing would allow for a buildup to the new NFL season, which is known for substantial betting activity.

The Alberta iGaming Corporation was established under the iGaming Alberta Act, or Bill 48, which was enacted by the provincial government last year to oversee the new iGaming landscape. New operators will be required to sign an agreement with Alberta iGaming Corporation after obtaining a license from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

Currently, the only legitimate platform for online betting in Alberta is the provincial site PlayAlberta.ca. However, there’s a thriving gray market, with multiple licensed offshore sportsbooks accessible to Albertans without AGLC approval. The gaming net operating income in Alberta reached $1.57 billion in 2023-24, the highest in seven years. Notably, 64.6% of Albertans aged 15 or older reported engaging in gambling activities within the past year.

Fast-Approaching Launch for Alberta Market

Sources revealed that Keene informed industry stakeholders that Alberta is merely a week away from introducing APIs for a centralized self-exclusion system. In addition, operator contracts are slated to be prepared in the next four to six weeks. This centralized self-exclusion system has been identified as a crucial component of the upcoming iGaming framework.

In contrast, Ontario’s iGaming market has been active for almost four years, with discussions about implementing a self-exclusion system for players anticipated this year from iGaming Ontario.

Drafting of Operator Contracts on the Horizon

Recently, reports indicated that Alberta is initiating pre-registration for operators interested in the market, proposing a tax rate of 20% on 97% of gross gaming revenue (subject to deductions for First Nations funding and social responsibility initiatives). Consequently, the effective tax rate is close to 22.4%.

In Ontario, operators face a flat 20% tax on their non-adjusted gross gaming revenues.

Operators will also incur fees of $200,000, comprising a $150,000 annual licensing fee and a one-time $50,000 application fee.

A senior insider from the industry mentioned to Casino.org that some operators were surprised by the Alberta government’s approach, particularly regarding the relatively high tax rate and associated rollout. He expressed that the unexpected requirement for a SOC audit (an independent evaluation of security controls to safeguard customer data and systems) would significantly hike market entry costs by at least $1 million, potentially even $2 million.

Surprise Costs for Operators

“The necessity for a SOC audit seems unwarranted,” the source remarked. Many European operators they communicated with claimed to have never encountered such an audit.

“For large operators, this may not be an issue, but for smaller or mid-sized companies, absorbing a $1 million or $2 million hit upfront will be challenging,” he continued. “The province has been somewhat misleading regarding its proposed tax rate. Once you factor in three points off the top, the operational tax rate feels more like 22.5%, which isn’t ideal.”

When evaluating potential market entries, operators weigh numerous factors.

The consultation process in Alberta was inadequate,” the insider commented. “There wasn’t proper dialogue with operators about how the business structure would operate. Discussions focused primarily on responsible gaming and centralized self-exclusion, neglecting to address cost implications. Initial claims about a 20% tax rate seemed questionable, leading to unease among potential entrants.”

FanDuel, BetMGM, theScore Bet, BetRivers, DraftKings, and NorthStar Bets are likely to be among the initial operators entering the Alberta market.