Alberta gears up for Ontario-style igaming market soon

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The Alberta government is in the middle of introducing an open, competitive, regulated igaming market in the province.

With all the energy and media coverage going towards a tariff battle between the US and Canada, the spotlight has shifted somewhat from the launch of a new Alberta igaming market.

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However, according to COMPLETE iGAMING sources, operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and theScore Bet will soon be able to compete with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’ PlayNow platform – the only legal igaming platform players can go to now.

It originally looked like market launch would be in summer 2025. Then it was reported there were delays in the process, and a new regulatory regime and a market launch wouldn’t be until 2026.

This fall – especially betting on the NFL season – has been looking more and more like an improbability. So, any news is good news for those industry folks eyeing the Alberta market. Industry tax rate is an issue – the Ontario market is at 20%.

A senior industry source told COMPLETE iGAMING there has been movement lately. “They’ve had a couple of false starts there,” the source said. “But that process is about to kick off. Stay tuned for the introduction of some legislation in Alberta soon. The folks in Alberta have been burned a few times on timing. It had been far too optimistic. They don’t want to commit to a timetable. They want to do it right, take all the steps.”

Bottom line: Alberta is moving down the path to a new Ontario-style market, as Ontario comes up on its third anniversary.

Brandon Aboultaif, spokesperson for Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, said: “It is no secret Alberta has been working on an igaming strategy. We are currently working through the government’s decision-making process. Should there be legislation, briefings for industry and the media will be provided when the legislation is tabled in the legislature. Unfortunately, a specific timeline cannot be provided at this time.”