Alberta Poised to Launch iGaming & Sports Betting Third-Party Platforms
Canada’s Alberta province has announced it will bring competition to its government-controlled iGaming and sports betting platform in the spring or summer of 2026.
Ready, Set, Launch
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s (AGLC) “Play Alberta” will soon have company as the province has announced it has invited third-party platforms to join the fray. The launch is scheduled for the spring or summer of this year, according to government authorities.
The interim chief executive of Alberta iGaming Corporation, CEO Dan Keene, said on a recent Gaming News Canada podcast that third-party operators should be ready to launch when the government gives its approval.
Rush Street Interactive (RSI) CEO Richard Schwartz is eager to throw his company’s hat in the ring under its BetRivers brand, stating, “This represents a significant opportunity for us to leverage our success in other North American online casino markets, particularly given our strong performance in Ontario and our established and growing brand recognition across Canada.”
Penn’s well-known Canadian media brand and Ontario sportsbook, theScore, will also be well-positioned to enter the Alberta gaming market. Many other operators, including industry powerhouses DraftKings and FanDuel, along with BetMGM, have also expressed interest and are likely to launch on the announced date.
Why the Change?
It has been reported that Play Alberta is only capturing 30% of the market, with many gamblers opting to use offshore sportsbooks and their online casino platforms.
There is no dearth of dissatisfaction with the government-run gaming app, despite the platform showing a $235 million net revenue for the last fiscal year, a $35 million increase over the previous fiscal year.
Estimates reveal that Alberta could generate approximately $700 million in annual revenue at maturity, which would make it one of the largest gaming markets in North America.
Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, has not yet stipulated a limit for the number of online gaming operators, but much of the framework is predicated on Ontario’s blueprint, which has successfully regulated multiple operators and generated significant revenue for the province.
