Part 2 – Betting on Alberta: The Economic Opportunity Behind Alberta’s iGaming Market

The Opportunity: Building on an Established Market

Alberta’s transition to a competitive iGaming market builds on an already well-established gaming economy. Government-run gaming operations in the province generated approximately $1.49 billion[1] in net gaming revenue in 2024–2025, reflecting lucrative and sustained player demand. The introduction of a competitive online market is expected to expand on this foundation by bringing additional products into the Canada regulated gaming market.

This transition builds on Alberta’s existing iGaming presence through PlayAlberta, the province’s government-operated platform launched in 2020. PlayAlberta generated approximately $235 million[2] in net sales in fiscal year 2023–2024, reflecting sustained player engagement and year-over-year growth since launch.

While PlayAlberta established a regulated online presence, a significant portion of online gaming activity in Alberta continues to occur outside the regulated framework. Based on recent survey data referenced by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (“AGLC”), unregulated operators are estimated to account for approximately 70%[3] of Alberta’s total iGaming market, underscoring the scale of existing offshore activity and the opportunity for increased channelization under a competitive model.

The introduction of a competitive online market is intended to expand participation, attract additional operators and suppliers, and recapture activity into a regulated environment – a shift closely tied to the evolving framework of Alberta online gaming regulations.

Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, a major First Nations gaming destination, highlights the established land-based foundation of Alberta’s gaming economy.

Land Based Gaming and First Nations Participation

Alberta has historically operated a predominantly land based gaming model, supported by a well-established network of casinos, racing entertainment centres, and video lottery terminals distributed across the province.

Major gaming destinations include River Cree Resort and Casino, Grey Eagle Casino, Cowboys Casino, and the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. Most notably, in 2024, Indigenous Gaming Partners acquired Pure Canadian Gaming, bringing multiple large scale Alberta casino operations under Indigenous ownership. This development reflects the broader reality that First Nations are a central and longstanding part of Alberta’s gaming landscape, with deep involvement across both traditional and online gaming operations.

Multiple First Nation operated casinos currently operate under the province’s First Nations Gaming Policy, and Indigenous communities have been deeply involved in land based gaming for decades.

Alberta’s iGaming framework explicitly recognizes[4] First Nations as key stakeholders in the market. Under the proposed model, 2% of gaming revenue (calculated before operator and government revenue splits) will be allocated to support First Nations participation and community priorities, reinforcing the government’s stated objective of ensuring that market growth benefits Indigenous communities alongside operators, government, and players.

The Regulatory Framework

Alberta’s iGaming market is being implemented through a clear separation of regulatory oversight and market operations. The AGLC continues to serve as the province’s gaming regulator and is responsible for registration, compliance, and ongoing oversight of online gaming activity. Market operations, including relationships with private operators, are managed by the Alberta iGaming Corporation, which conducts and manages online gaming on behalf of the province.

From a legislative perspective, the iGaming Alberta Act and related amendments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act establish the legal foundation for the market. Legal requirements apply to both operators offering games directly to players and suppliers providing goods or services to those platforms. These measures are supported by new regulations and AGLC standards, reflecting Alberta’s stated objective of a modern, efficient, and forward looking regulatory framework.

Alberta’s well-established economic landscape sets the stage for a massive commercial shift as the province launches a competitive iGaming market.

What Comes Next

Alberta’s transition to a competitive online gaming market signals the emergence of Canada’s next major regulated gaming market. By building on an established gaming economy, integrating First Nations participation, and opening the market through a competitive but structured framework, Alberta is positioning online gaming as the next stage in the province’s gaming landscape rather than a speculative departure.

With registration now open and market launch expected later in 2026, understanding the regulatory mechanics of entry is the next critical step.

Coming up in Part 3 of this series, we turn to the key legal and regulatory terms registrants need to understand, including core provisions of the iGaming Alberta Act, the accompanying regulations, and the practical requirements for registration.

Ready to Enter Alberta’s iGaming Market?

Segev LLP’s Gaming & Betting team has been at the forefront of Canadian gaming and betting law for more than a decade. We bring a deep, practical understanding of the regulatory frameworks that govern Canada’s gaming markets, informed by hands-on experience across market entry, compliance, and operations.

Registration is now underway, and applications are being accepted by Alberta’s gaming regulator. Early engagement can help operators and suppliers position themselves effectively ahead of the market’s expected launch later in 2026.

If you have any questions regarding Alberta igaming market entry considerations, our Gaming & Betting team would be glad to hear from you. Contact Segev LLP at 1-800-604-1312 or https://segevllp.com/contact-us/.