The rollout of Alberta’s regulated iGaming market is one of the most anticipated developments in the Canadian gaming sector for 2026. As the province prepares to become the second in Canada to launch commercial online gambling, the exact timeline for the debut remains a point of contention. While initially slated for late 2025, the launch was pushed back to early 2026 following the passage of the iGaming Alberta Act in May.

Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta, Dale Nally, the driving force behind this initiative, shared his vision for the project at the 2025 Canadian Gaming Summit. At that event, Nally revealed that discussions with his cabinet colleagues on critical issues such as advertising, tax rates, and regulatory frameworks would continue into the fall. Despite the anticipation, there has been little public update since then, leaving the industry and potential operators waiting for further details.

The Alberta iGaming Corporation: Key to Market Structure

When the market does open, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) will oversee both the operation of Play Alberta and the regulation of the market, similar to the roles of Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. In addition, a new Alberta iGaming Corporation will handle the market’s conduct and management, echoing iGaming Ontario’s role. The corporation, established by the iGaming Alberta Act, is currently in the process of being formed, and officials expect the final regulatory details to be released in early 2026.

Nally’s office provided an update, stating that conversations are ongoing with iGaming industry stakeholders to ensure the market’s launch aligns with regulatory best practices. The focus is on creating a safe, regulated space for operators, complete with player protection measures like system-wide self-exclusion.

Operator Timelines and Unanswered Questions

As the launch date approaches, operators eyeing Alberta’s iGaming market are adjusting their timelines. PointsBet’s CEO, Sam Swanell, expects the market to open by the second quarter of 2026, while other major operators like Betway and Jackpot City’s parent company Super Group have suggested that the latter half of 2026 is more likely. Much remains unclear, including the tax rate, advertising rules, potential collaboration with Ontario for liquidity pooling, and other details critical to operators planning to enter the market.

Nally confirmed that Alberta’s iGaming market will adopt a model similar to Ontario’s, allowing for a mix of regulated online sports betting and casino gaming. However, without clarity on essential aspects such as advertising regulations and tax policies, operators remain cautious in their plans. The potential for changes in federal law regarding advertising, with senators pushing for national restrictions, adds another layer of uncertainty.

Political Turmoil and Its Impact on the Launch

Complicating matters further, Nally is currently facing a recall petition in his constituency. The petition, filed by a local resident, is part of a broader push against government policies, including the controversial use of the notwithstanding clause to mandate striking teachers back to work. If enough signatures are gathered, Nally could face a recall vote, potentially shifting his focus away from the iGaming rollout.

While Nally has defended his actions, claiming the petition is driven by an activist group, the recall process has intensified his political challenges. The outcome of the recall effort could significantly impact the timeline and progress of Alberta’s iGaming market, with political instability possibly affecting the regulatory process.

A Look Ahead for Alberta’s iGaming Market

Despite these hurdles, Alberta’s entry into the regulated iGaming market holds significant potential for both operators and consumers. With an emerging market poised to attract major operators already active in Ontario, Alberta could become a key player in North America’s gambling landscape. The development of a robust regulatory framework and the creation of the Alberta iGaming Corporation will shape the market’s structure, while the finalization of key regulatory issues will determine how the market operates in practice.

Source:

Alberta iGaming Regulations Coming Soon, Hopes Minister’s Office, canadiangamingbusiness.com, November 28, 2025