Alberta to Launch Regulated Online Gambling Market on July 13
Alberta will launch its regulated online gambling market on 13 July 2026, becoming the second Canadian province after Ontario to allow private operators to offer iGaming and sports betting services.
The launch date was confirmed in a letter from the office of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally. According to the letter, some operators required more time to complete technical, operational and compliance preparations.
Alberta amended its Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation on 13 January, introducing rules for licensing, advertising and social responsibility. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission has since opened registration for operators and suppliers.
Companies must complete a two-stage process before entering the market. They first need regulatory approval from the AGLC and must then sign a commercial agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation, which will oversee market operations.
Operators that have already registered are now working on technical requirements, including integration with Alberta’s centralised self-exclusion system. Final operating agreements and AiGC policies are expected to be issued by 15 April.
Alberta has not yet published an official list of approved operators. However, major brands such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers and theScore Bet are expected to apply, alongside several international companies.
The province’s model will be similar to Ontario’s regulated framework, although Alberta will prohibit betting on elections and introduce a province-wide self-exclusion system before launch.
The stakeholder letter stated:
Many operators need additional time to prepare for operational, technical and compliance requirements.
