By Tatiana Martins, journalist at G&M News.
Currently, Alberta is preparing to open its online gambling market to private operators. The Canadian province is poised for a strategic evolution that presents significant opportunities for business and investment in the global gaming industry. With a robust existing base in land-based gaming and a rapidly expanding digital landscape, Alberta is emerging as a compelling market in the Canadian gaming ecosystem.
From strong foundations to strategic expansion
Alberta’s gaming sector has long been a contributor to the province’s economy, with net operating income reaching an impressive CAD 1.57 billion in the 2023–24 fiscal year, the highest in seven years, driven by solid performance across traditional casinos, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and online gaming channels. Online casino net sales alone grew more than 450% over the past three years, signaling a shift in consumer behavior towards digital platforms ahead of regulatory modernization.
This strong development provides a foundation for further growth as Alberta moves beyond the long-standing government-run PlayAlberta platform and opens the doors to private operators under a regulated framework.
A regulated iGaming market: what’s changing in 2026
In January 2026, Alberta unveiled its iGaming regulatory framework, making it the second Canadian province to formally welcome private online gambling operators, following Ontario’s market success. The new structure, established under the iGaming Alberta Act, creates the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) to oversee private market entry, while the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) assumes regulatory responsibilities.
Operators interested in offering online casino and sports wagering can now begin the application process, positioning Alberta as an attractive new destination for iGaming companies and suppliers. The framework incorporates strong player protection measures such as centralized self-exclusion systems and safeguards against targeting minors or high-risk individuals, emphasizing social responsibility alongside market growth.
Leveraging market potential and consumer demand
Despite Alberta’s current landscape, a significant portion of online gambling activity remains outside the regulated system. Recent reports estimate that unregulated operators account for approximately 70% of the online gambling market, a gap that presents a ripe opportunity for compliant operators to get ready to enter the province.
This shift mirrors broader trends seen in other regulated Canadian jurisdictions: after Ontario’s open market launch in 2022, the province welcomed more than 45 licensed operators and achieved rapid growth in player engagement and industry revenue. While Alberta’s population is smaller, its higher per-capita GDP and strong economic fundamentals provide a promising backdrop for operators seeking expansion in North America.
A positive outlook for stakeholders
For the B2B gaming community, Alberta’s transition to a regulated iGaming ecosystem offers several compelling advantages:
- New commercial opportunities for casino and sportsbook operators entering an expanding market.
- Enhanced consumer protection frameworks that can increase player trust and long-term engagement.
- Revenue retention benefits, allowing the province to capture proceeds previously lost to offshore sites and reinvest in public programs and services.
As Alberta opens its doors to private operators and embraces regulatory innovation, the province stands to become a dynamic hub within Canada’s gaming landscape, offering growth, diversification, and a platform for companies to connect with a sophisticated and enthusiastic player base.
This evolution marks a positive chapter for gambling in Alberta, one where compliant operators and strategic partners can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry in a market with robust economic momentum and clear potential for sustainable expansion.