Alberta has officially launched its newly regulated igaming market at 12 a.m. Mountain Standard Time today, July 13, welcoming 22 operators to the platform. Notably, FanDuel announced that its inaugural sportsbook bet was placed on France to advance to the World Cup final.
The Calgary Stampeders enter McMahon Stadium prior to a CFL match against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018, signaling the launch of Alberta’s igaming market. (Image: Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Earlier today, the formal unveiling of the regulated igaming market was conducted by Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, alongside Dan Keene, CEO of Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC).
Official Market Launch
Nally emphasized that approximately 70% of online gambling activities in Alberta had been conducted through unregulated operators, which often lacked sufficient player protection measures.
“Remaining inactive was not a viable option,” Nally stated. “Albertans were already engaging in gambling. What we are establishing today is a regulated framework prioritizing player safety and responsible gambling.”
“Moreover, we will ensure that individuals in Alberta facing gambling issues have access to treatment, which will be funded by the operators. This is the ethical approach.”
Safety as a Catalyst for Growth
Under Alberta’s new regulatory framework, operators must first register with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) before launching their services. They then enter into commercial agreements with the AiGC, which manages the framework on behalf of the province.
A total of 50 operators have registered with AGLC and paid applicable fees, including a one-time application charge of $50,000 and an annual registration fee of $150,000 per brand. Earlier this month, Nally projected the government’s expected igaming revenue to reach $76 million in the first year.
From this, 2% of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will be allocated to First Nations, accompanied by 1% directed toward social responsibility initiatives.
Operators Ready to Thrive
“In the unregulated model, igaming revenue exited the province entirely,” Keene remarked.
A representative from FanDuel confirmed that the first casino game played on its platform was Huff N’ Even More Puff.
Additionally, BetRivers successfully launched on July 13, marking a significant entry into the market.
“BetRivers has established itself as one of Canada’s top-rated casino applications, thanks to stellar App Store reviews and ratings from players in Ontario,” stated Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive.
“Alberta represents the next chapter in our journey, and we are eager to provide the same premium experience from day one to make BetRivers the preferred casino for Canadian gamers.”
Launch of Leading Brands
BetRivers has been licensed and in operation in Ontario since 2022, focusing on a casino-centric approach.
Caesars also went live shortly after midnight local time with its trio of digital gaming platforms: Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino.
“This moment is pivotal for our digital operations as we launch our three branded platforms concurrently in Alberta for the first time,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.
“This rollout underscores our dedication to offering top-notch gaming experiences supported by robust technology, all within a responsible gaming framework. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Alberta iGaming Corporation leading up to this launch.”
Revenue and Taxation Framework
The inaugural wager in Alberta via Caesars Sportsbook was a $1 bet on France to triumph over Spain in penalties (+1100).
On the supplier front, IGT PlayDigital introduced over 130 games to Alberta’s commercial igaming landscape, featuring popular titles like Cash Eruption, Cleopatra, Magic Treasures, and Dragon, along with Everi names like Black Diamond Deluxe and Cash Machine.
Nally explained that the government opted for a 20% tax rate on GGR to ensure broader participation from operators, as a higher rate could deter them from entering the market.
Channelization Focus
“Finding that ideal balance was crucial,” he noted. “New York State imposes a 51% tax rate, and they recorded only four operators at their market launch in 2022. In contrast, we have 22, indicating we’re close to achieving an optimal tax rate.”
“Ultimately, this initiative isn’t just about generating revenue; it’s about channeling as much of the illicit market into the legitimate, regulated sphere.”
