The 2026 iGaming Framework for Alberta is Ready for Launch
Alberta has used Ontario as a model for regulations for their commercial operations since 2024. It will not be long until Commercial iGaming operators can make their way into Alberta. The provincial government introduced a regulatory framework for an open Alberta iGaming market on Wednesday. Currently, PlayAlberta is the only legal iGaming option available to gamblers, and it is managed by Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis. The unregulated iGaming market makes up 70% of the province’s online gambling market.
Dave Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, has stated, “It is our responsibility to step in and regulate the market and hold private providers to the highest standards to protect Albertans.”
Since opening the online gambling market, officials have said it will be modelled on Ontario, which has welcomed operators since 2022.
The Alberta Framework
All operators and suppliers will be required to register with the AGLC for a three-part application process. After that process, operators will enter an agreement with the AiGC. Since Ontario’s launch, the province has welcomed over 45 operators; Alberta looks to welcome the same number of operators. Alberta will keep 20% of their iGaming revenue, two percent will go to support First Nations, while one percent will fund social responsibility, such as gambling research.
Included in the framework will be a centralised self-exclusion system, which also includes advertising rules that will prevent ads targeting high-risk individuals. All advertisements can not include any athletes, current or retired.
Demographics in Alberta
Alberta has the youngest adult population in Canada, with the highest per capita GDP as well as the highest per capita spending on gambling in Canada. PlayAlberta managed to generate $275 million in net sales in 2025, even though it has only captured between 23-32% of the market. As Ontario is the Platinum standard of iGaming regulation, Alberta is heading in the right direction.
