Canada's online gambling market has been on the rise in recent years. While much of the conversation in North America has been focused on the slow rollout of legal online...
Alberta prepares to launch 2026 iGaming framework
On January 14, 2026, Alberta lawmakers introduced a regulatory framework to open the iGaming market of the province following discussions that began in 2024.
At the moment, PlayAlberta, managed by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), is the only legal iGaming option in the province.
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dave Nally, stressed that the unregulated market makes up over 70% of Alberta’s iGaming market, which is why he has been advocating for the legal market launch since 2024.
Nally stated:
“For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is not to start. 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.”
The iGaming Alberta Act was passed in 2025, which followed the introduction of a new provincial body called the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), responsible for supervising the market. Meanwhile, the AGLC will act as a regulator.
To enter the legal market, operators will have to register with the AGLC and then enter an agreement with the AiGC.
20% of iGaming revenue will be held by Alberta, 2% will be sent to support First Nations, and 1% will fund social responsibility initiatives.
Additionally, the framework will have a centralized self-exclusion tool, as well as advertising rules that prohibit targeting high-risk individuals and the use of current or former athletes.
Senator Percy Downe of Charlottetown and Senator Marty Deacon of Waterloo have addressed the Prime Minister, urging him to put a ban on betting advertising, as it has created...
