Alberta Ready to Legalize Sports Betting and iGaming by 2026

Alberta is gearing up to revolutionize online gambling with plans to launch a competitive iGaming and sports betting market by 2026. The province is taking inspiration from Ontario's successful iGaming model. On March 26, 2025, the provincial government introduced Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, which would open the door for private operators like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel to enter the market by early 2026.

Currently, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) runs Play Alberta, the province's only authorized online betting platform. However, Play Alberta only holds 45% of the market, with the rest flowing to unregulated "grey market" sites. Alberta hopes to capture this lost revenue and provide a more secure, competitive environment for players.

Alberta’s New iGaming Plan

Bill 48, introduced by Minister Dale Nally, is Alberta’s path to a regulated, open iGaming market. It will establish the Alberta iGaming Corporation, which will oversee private operators, similar to Ontario’s approach. The market will feature competing sportsbooks and online casinos, offering everything from NHL betting to slots.

This move aims to replicate Ontario's 2022 iGaming launch, which now boasts 50 operators and generated $726 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. Alberta hopes to catch up by tapping into the approximately 55% of its market currently controlled by unregulated sites like Stake, which attract players with better odds and live streaming.

Minister Nally has made it clear that the goal is to reduce black market gambling and offer a regulated, competitive alternative with consumer protections, such as a single self-exclusion program and an 18+ age limit. Bill 48 has passed its second reading in April 2025 and is now in the final stages, with a planned launch in late 2025 or early 2026.

Economic Upside and Market Potential

Alberta's iGaming expansion isn’t just about gambling; it has potential economic upside. With a population of 4.3 million, the province is smaller than Ontario’s 14.5 million, but Albertans bet more per capita, making it a juicy market for operators. 

According to Covers.com, an American investment firm, Alberta can be North America’s eighth biggest iGaming market, and bring in over 700 million dollars annually by year three.  Ontario's market earned $790 million for the government in its second year and created 15,000 jobs.

By implementing a competitive model, the revenue generated from the grey market sites that do not pay taxes will be redirected to Alberta’s coffers. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’s Play Alberta sends profits to the General Revenue Fund to support public programs. However, it’s losing money to unregulated competitors. 

Alberta recognizes the need to step up its game. By bringing on brands like Bet365 and theScore Bet, among other heavyweights, Alberta hopes to capitalize on the roughly $1.48 billion Ontarians wagered in 2023 (as per iGaming Ontario). X posts from @ParlayJobs highlight the excitement, noting Bill 48’s progress as a win, bringing “more choices for consumers.”.

Responsible Gambling and Consumer Protection

Alberta places a significant emphasis on responsible gambling. Bill 48 requires operators to monitor for unusual betting patterns to detect potential gambling issues, for instance, a punter jumping to $100 after only betting $5. This was something Nally praised in an interview with the CBC.  

The province is set to implement a self-exclusion program allowing players to restrict themselves from using all platforms. Experts are raising concerns as well. David Hodgins of the Alberta Gaming Research Institute told CBC that more operators could increase the gambling harm unless they heed strict oversight.

The government has also looked to Ontario’s advertising rules, which limit celebrity endorsements and bonuses to dampen youth appeal. But after Alberta cut the Problem Gambling Resources Network’s funding, there was criticism that it could impair the support system as the betting industry expands. Nonetheless, the AGLC’s GameSense program tries to educate players and provide resources to ensure not just a fun but a safe experience.

Indigenous and Stakeholder Involvement

Alberta’s approach stands out for its inclusivity. According to Alberta.ca, the government has consulted First Nations communities, some of whom want to partner with operators or launch their platforms. Others wish to passively share in the revenue. These talks, which began in 2023, are to ensure that Indigenous peoples benefit from the growth of the market. The existing casino operators and racing entertainment centers are also involved in discussions on how they can play in the online world.

This collaborative spirit extends to industry players. TheScore Bet and BetRivers, operated by PENN Entertainment and Rush Street Interactive, respectively, are setting their sights on Alberta. Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, stated to SportsBettingDime that a launch in Q1 2026 is a “fair estimation.” PointsBet Canada’s interest in the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor also showcases the province’s business-friendly attitude.

Challenges and What’s Next

Despite Alberta’s iGaming initiative being relatively strong, it’s not a done deal. The last hurdle for Bill 48 is final approval, while regulations allocating operator taxes will likely be higher than Ontario's 20%. Another hurdle is enforcement against grey market sites, which Nally admitted could be tricky. “A delay from our original target of 2024 launch to 2025–2026 shows the government’s caution.” Nally has also stressed the need to get this prioritized in discussions with stakeholders.

Public opinion on the new market is mixed. Some people are excited about the new opportunities, while others are concerned about the social impact of increased gambling. As Alberta moves forward, finding the right balance between generating revenue and protecting players will be key.

Final Thoughts

Alberta wants to create a competitive online gambling and sports betting market by 2026. This will help it generate revenue, protect its players, and compete with Ontario. The foundation has been developed by Bill 48, which will allow private operators to join Play Alberta. This could potentially turn the province into a $700 million iGaming market. Alberta’s new market could be a game-changer.

There is more news about the gambling world, We recommend you read this article: Singapore Grants Marina Bay Sands Casino a 3-year License Extension.