Alberta Expects $76M From First Year Of Regulated iGaming

Alberta says tax income is not the reason behind its new online gambling model, but the province still expects a clear revenue lift once private operators enter the market on July 13.

Good to know

• Alberta expects about $76 million in extra revenue during year one of its competitive iGaming market.
• A total of 47 iGaming operators had registered with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission as of last Friday.
• Alberta will keep 20% of regulated iGaming operator revenue after set asides for First Nations and responsible gambling.

Alberta Sets Revenue Forecast Before July Launch

Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally told the Edmonton Journal that Alberta expects an estimated $76 million revenue bump from the first year of its regulated online gambling market.

That figure comes on top of money already generated by Play Alberta, the government owned sports betting and iCasino site. Play Alberta reported about $275 million in net sales for the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2025.

Private competition begins on July 13, when Play Alberta starts sharing the legal market with online sports betting and internet casino brands. DraftKings and FanDuel sit among the bigger names expected to enter Alberta.

Alberta will become the second Canadian province to allow private sector iGaming competition, following Ontario in 2022. Ontario generated about $87 million for the province in its first year of open iGaming.

Operators Already Have Alberta Players

Alberta is not starting from zero. Nally said survey data shows about 70% of current iGaming activity in the province already happens outside Play Alberta. The new framework aims to bring more of that play under Alberta rules, with local oversight, registered operators and tax collection.

“We can’t turn off the internet,” Nally said.

The revenue model gives Alberta a direct share of the market. Before operators receive their portion, 2% of total gross revenue goes toward First Nations and 1% goes toward responsible and problem gambling programs. Alberta then keeps 20% of operator revenue, leaving operators with about 80%.

“For the first time, operators will be paying for the (responsible gambling) treatment, and I feel strongly that this is the right thing,” Nally said.

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