Alberta is set to usher in a new era for online gambling when its regulated iGaming market officially launches on July 13, opening the door for private operators to compete alongside the province’s existing government-run platform, PlayAlberta. The move positions Alberta as the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to adopt a competitive online gambling framework designed to give players access to regulated sportsbooks and online casinos while strengthening consumer protections.
The new market is expected to attract several well-known operators that already have experience in Ontario and other regulated jurisdictions. Licensed brands will be required to meet strict standards around responsible gambling, game integrity, anti-money laundering measures, and player fund protection. The goal is to provide Albertans with a safer alternative to unregulated offshore gambling sites while ensuring operators contribute tax revenue and licensing fees to the province.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see how Alberta’s rollout compares to Ontario’s successful launch in 2022. While Ontario’s market quickly became one of the largest regulated iGaming jurisdictions in North America, Alberta has the advantage of learning from that experience and implementing a framework tailored to its own population and gaming landscape. Much of the legal framework rolled out by Ontario has been adopted by Alberta.
The July 13 launch is expected to increase competition, expand betting options for consumers, and mark a significant milestone in the continued evolution of Canada’s regulated online gambling industry.
Structure of Alberta’s new market
The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), a crown corporation, will conduct and manage Alberta’s new regulated online gambling market in accordance with the iGaming Alberta Act.
Roughly 70% of online gaming in the province happens on unregulated sites, according to the AiGC, which has the mandate to transition players to a secure and locally governed market with accessible responsible gambling tools via a centralized self-exclusion program.
Revenue generated from Alberta’s regulated iGaming market is reinvested to benefit Albertans through public programs and services. AiGC will collect a 20% tax from operators in addition to 3% of gross gaming revenue for Indigenous relations and social responsibility.
Albertans wishing to participate in the new iGaming market must be 18 years of age or older.
Which online sportsbooks and casinos are licensed?
Roughly 50 online betting operators/suppliers are already licensed and will be launching their platforms and services on July 13 or shortly thereafter.
Some of the most well-known sports betting brands to launch shortly in Alberta will include:
- bet365
- theScore Bet
- BET99
- Caesars
- Bally’s
- BetMGM
- Betty
- BetVictor
- Betway
- DraftKings
- DAZNBET
- FanDuel
- Sports Interaction
- PointsBet
- BetRivers
- TonyBet
- 888
What will happen to existing to online gambling accounts?
Users of the PlayAlberta online gambling platform will be unaffected by the launch of the new iGaming market, as it will exist alongside private operators.
However, online bettors located in the province of Alberta that were previously gambling with unregulated online gambling operators will need to check with those operators regarding potential upcoming changes to their accounts.
Many of them will be transitioning to the new regulated market and will require updated terms and conditions (KYC – Know Your Customer), and in some cases, existing bets may need to be settled before July 13 and the launch of the new market.
For example, if a bettor on an unregulated gambling site placed a bet in June on the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup, that bet will likely be voided and the bet amount returned to the customer. The bettor could then place that wager again, albeit likely at different odds, once the operator successfully transitions to the new online gambling market and launches in the province.
Users may also have to update any existing apps, or perhaps even download new versions of the gambling platforms.
Tips for Responsible betting
AiGC-approved operators must provide tools to help you keep your play balanced and within your control. You can set personal limits on your time and money before you begin playing. These options are standard features on every regulated iGaming site in Alberta.
Canada Sports Betting also has an excellent beginner’s guide to betting that is a great launching point for anyone looking to indulge in the new Alberta market.
Some basic tips and guidelines for new bettors include:
- Set a budget and stick with it. Set a fixed disposable income amount you are comfortable spending (daily, weekly, yearly). Once you reach that limit, stop playing. Never chase your losses. Use responsible gambling tools to assist with this strategy.
- Take regular breaks. Don’t overindulge, especially when trying new online gambling platforms for the first time.
- Avoid gambling when tired, anxious, or using drugs and/or alcohol. Don’t gamble when your judgement is impaired.
Take advantage of bonus offers and inducements
There are strict guidelines that operators need to follow regarding the advertising of bonus offers and inducements, but it’s a good idea for new bettors to visit the landing pages and apps for any new operators they intend to gamble with for lucrative offers.
These could include sign-up bonuses, no-risk bets, or deposit bonuses/boosts.
Taking advantage of these generous offers is a great way to start your journey into regulated sports betting in the province, but be sure to read the terms of conditions of these offers so that you fully understand the requirements. These operators have excellent customer service teams ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding bonus offers or navigating their particular platforms or bet types.
What sports can you bet on in Alberta?
Sports bettors in Alberta can wager on any of the four major North American sports leagues (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB) in addition to dozens of other fringe sports, including tennis, soccer, Olympic sports, WNBA, PWHL, motor sports, MMA, golf, lacrosse, cricket, or even table tennis or darts, among many others.
Albertan sports bettors will also have access to a plethora of betting markets on their favourite local teams, including the Edmonton Oilers (NHL), Calgary Flames (NHL), Edmonton Elks (CFL), Calgary Stampeders (CFL), Cavalry FC (CPL), and the Calgary Roughnecks (NLL).
Regulated online sportsbooks will offer thousands of different betting markets to users, so you’re bound to find something you want to wager on. They’ll even offer novelty markets on politics, pop culture & entertainment, weather events, and celebrity happenings.
Why you should bet with a regulated sportsbook
When you gamble with a regulated platform, you gain several core safety and operational guarantees:
- Deposit and Winnings Protection: Your deposited funds and won payouts are legally protected and fully secure.
- Data Security & Privacy: Strict encryption standards are enforced so your personal and financial information remains confidential.
- Game Integrity: The AiGC mandates that games provide fair, transparent competitive odds without behind-the-scenes manipulation.
- Safer Gambling Resources: Operators are required to provide user-friendly limit-setting features, such as mandatory deposit limits, time limits, and cooling-off periods to keep play responsible.
- Dispute Resolution: In the rare event of a disagreement, operators are required to maintain clear transaction and gameplay records to help you resolve the issue.
- Advertising Transparency: Regulated brands are prohibited from making false claims or misleading statements in their advertising.
- Proceeds Stay Local: Operators are taxed by the Alberta Government and the proceeds go to local programs and services.
