Alberta introduces regulatory framework for iGaming market launch in 2026

• Provincial government introduces regulatory framework on 15 January, following discussions that began in 2024.
• Unregulated operators currently control approximately 70% of Alberta’s online gambling market.
• Framework modelled on Ontario’s system, with revenue tax set at 20% before allocations to First Nations and social programmes.

Alberta has introduced its regulatory framework for a commercial iGaming market, paving the way for private operators to enter the province later in 2026.

The announcement on 15 January marks a key step towards establishing Canada’s second regulated online gambling market following Ontario’s 2022 launch.

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, confirmed the framework’s release. He referenced the province’s extensive unregulated market, which captures roughly 70% of online gambling activity.

“For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is not to start,” said Nally.

“With unregulated iGaming widely available in our province, it is our responsibility to step in, regulate the market and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans, particularly our youth.”

PlayAlberta, operated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), currently stands as the province’s only legal iGaming platform. Provincial surveys indicate PlayAlberta captures between 23% and 32% of the market, leaving offshore and unregulated sites dominant.

Market structure mirrors Ontario model

The province passed the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) in May 2025, establishing the legislative foundation for the market. The framework creates the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) as a Crown corporation responsible for market oversight and conduct-and-manage functions. AGLC will serve dual roles as both regulator and operator of PlayAlberta.

This structure closely follows Ontario’s model, where iGaming Ontario manages commercial operations whilst the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario handles regulation. Ontario welcomed its first private operators on 4 April 2022 and now hosts 48 licensed operators running 82 gaming sites.

Operators seeking entry to Alberta must complete a three-stage application process through AGLC. Registration fees include a one-time payment of $50,000 and an annual fee of $150,000 for each iGaming site. Platform providers and gaming suppliers face a $15,000 annual fee, whilst other suppliers such as payment processors pay $3,000 yearly.

Revenue allocation and tax framework

Alberta will retain 20% of gross gaming revenue before making specific allocations. The province will deduct 3% before applying the 20% tax rate: 2% supports First Nations initiatives and 1% funds social responsibility programmes including gambling research and problem gambling treatment.

PlayAlberta generated $275 million in net sales during 2025, representing an increase of $35 million from the previous year. Industry analysts at JMP Securities estimated in 2024 that Alberta’s gambling market could exceed $700 million annually once the commercial market launches.

Player protection measures take centre stage

The regulatory framework mandates a centralised self-exclusion system allowing individuals to block access across all online gambling platforms and land-based venues simultaneously. This system launches alongside the commercial market.

Advertising rules prohibit targeted promotions to high-risk individuals and minors. The framework specifically bans the use of current or retired athletes in gambling advertisements. All marketing materials must include responsible gambling messaging.

Licensed operators must implement player protection tools including deposit limits, wager limits and cooling-off periods. The framework also requires operators to establish controls for identifying suspicious betting activity and report findings to an Independent Integrity Monitor.

Timeline and market expectations

Nally told the Edmonton Journal he expects operators to enter the market “within a few months”. The minister initially hoped to launch the market by the end of 2024 but shifted the timeline to 2026 to ensure proper regulatory development.

Operators currently serving unregulated markets must cease all activity in Alberta before qualifying for licensure. Third-party marketing services working with unlicensed operators are also excluded from partnerships with licensed platforms.

Multiple gaming executives have expressed interest in the Alberta market during recent earnings calls. Industry representatives highlighted the province’s demographics: Alberta has Canada’s youngest adult population, highest per-capita GDP and highest per-capita gambling spend.

Industry perspective on framework

Martin Lycka, Entain SVP of American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, praised Ontario’s regulatory model during the 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit. He described it as the “platinum standard of iGaming regulation” and a solid framework for other provinces to follow.

The Alberta framework follows similar patterns to Ontario’s approach but includes distinct elements such as the dual role for AGLC as both regulator and PlayAlberta operator. Once fully registered and approved, operators can begin advertising and customer acquisition immediately ahead of the market’s formal launch.

The province has not announced a specific launch date, though regulatory amendments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation published in January 2026 suggest preparations are advancing towards commercial operations later this year.