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Alberta has officially launched its regulated online gambling market, becoming the second Canadian province after Ontario to permit private-sector online sportsbooks and casino operators under a provincial framework.
The new system went live at midnight on July 13, following months of preparation by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). Provincial officials confirmed that the market was fully operational as launch day began, marking a significant shift in how online gambling is offered in Alberta.
The province attracted strong industry interest ahead of the launch. Nearly 50 operators completed registration and paid the required fees, while dozens of suppliers and technology providers also secured approval to participate. Operators must not only register with AGLC but also enter commercial agreements with AiGC before offering services to customers.
Among the companies that completed the process are major international brands including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Betway, PointsBet, theScore Bet, bet365 and BetRivers.
Alberta Targets Grey-Market Gambling Activity
Provincial officials have consistently framed the new market as a consumer protection initiative designed to bring online gambling activity into a regulated environment.
Before the launch, Albertans seeking online gambling options largely relied on the government-operated PlayAlberta platform or accessed offshore and grey-market websites that operated without provincial oversight.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the province recognizes that unregulated operators cannot be completely eliminated, but believes a competitive legal market offers the most effective response.
“We know that we can’t shut down the internet, but the best way to deal with the black market is to have a healthy, regulated market,” Nally said according to The Canadian Press.
The government estimates that roughly 70% of Alberta‘s online gambling activity previously occurred through unregulated or grey-market channels. Under the new framework, Alberta will collect 20% of operator revenue. Nally recently projected that the province could receive an additional $76 million during the first year of operation.
At the same time, he emphasized that financial returns were not the primary motivation behind the initiative. “It never has been,” he said. “This has been about putting players’ safety and player responsibility first.”
The regulatory changes have already affected some companies. Estonia-based Coolbet announced plans to leave Alberta because of the new framework, while prediction market platform Polymarket recently blocked access for Alberta residents.
Operators and Suppliers Move Into the New Market
The final list of approved participants continued to evolve right up to launch. A late regulatory update added Kaizen Gaming’s Betano brand to the roster of licensed operator platforms, allowing it to enter Alberta from the first day of operations. Betano previously expanded into Canada through Ontario in 2022 after building a strong presence in markets such as Brazil and Portugal.
Prior to Betano’s approval, regulators had listed 49 approved platforms operating under 32 companies. Several suppliers also joined the market shortly before launch, including GameCode Americas, Technologies HUB and Quinel Limited.
Major operators moved quickly to activate their products. bet365 confirmed that both its sportsbook and casino offerings became available immediately and highlighted a new partnership with the Canadian Football League.
“Canada is a key market for bet365, and cementing our brand’s presence in Alberta marks another milestone in our long-term commitment to Canadian sports fans,” said Head of Development Trip Stoddard.
Caesars simultaneously launched Caesars Sportsbook and Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in the province. Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, described the rollout as a “defining moment for our digital business.”
DraftKings entered the market with both its flagship sportsbook and casino platform and the Golden Nugget online gaming brand.
On the supplier side, companies including Pragmatic Play and Light & Wonder announced that their products and integrations were ready from launch day.
Pure Canadian Gaming, which operates seven land-based casinos across Alberta, also joined the online sector through a sportsbook partnership with Kambi. CEO Brad Belhouse expressed confidence in the company’s local position, stating: “We were here before they arrived, and we’ll be here long after the market settles.”
Responsible Gambling Measures Introduced From Day One
Player protection remains a central component of Alberta’s regulatory model. The province requires operators to offer responsible gambling resources, including tools that allow players to establish personal limits on deposits, wagering and playing time. Companies must also monitor customer activity for signs of potentially harmful gambling behavior.
One percent of gross online gambling revenue will support problem gambling programs, treatment services and educational resources. An additional two percent has been designated for First Nations initiatives, though officials are still determining how those funds will be distributed.
Alberta has also launched a centralized self-exclusion system from the start of the market. Registered operators must promote the program and honor self-exclusion requests, including refunding or voiding unsettled future wagers if a player enrolls before those bets are resolved.
The province additionally requires operators to obtain RG Check accreditation and comply with advertising restrictions that prohibit targeting minors and limit the use of professional athletes in gambling promotions.
Research released ahead of the launch suggests many Canadian players place significant value on regulation. A YouGov study commissioned by Tonybet found that 74% of surveyed Canadians would not place bets with an operator lacking a Canadian license.
Tonybet, which now operates in Ontario, Kahnawake and Alberta, also reported that its Canadian registrations nearly doubled year-over-year in 2025, while gross gaming revenue increased by 69%.
Separate research commissioned by Betty Gaming Canada found that 61% of Albertans viewed online gambling as safe after learning about the province’s regulatory framework, with safety and security ranking among the most important factors when selecting a platform.