Alberta Online Sports Betting Market to Launch Q1 2026, Private Sportsbooks Expected to Enter
Alberta's online sports betting market is set to expand significantly with plans for an open iGaming market launch in Q1 2026, according to Canadian Gaming Association CEO Paul Burns's announcement at the NEXT NYC conference.
Oilers fans cheering in Edmonton arena
Currently, PlayAlberta is the only legal online sportsbook operating in the province through the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). The upcoming market expansion will likely mirror Ontario's model, welcoming major operators such as:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- theScore Bet
Expected benefits of the open market include:
- Enhanced betting options for consumers
- More competitive odds
- Potential partnerships with local sports teams like the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers
- Significant economic benefits through a projected 20% tax rate
- Reduction in grey market betting activity
The new framework will likely follow Ontario's regulatory structure, potentially including similar restrictions on inducements and marketing. While Alberta's population of 5 million is smaller than Ontario's 15 million, the market expansion is expected to generate substantial gambling revenue for the province.
This launch date comes after several previous postponements, including an earlier targeted launch in Q4 2024. Implementation details and potential impacts from recent US-Canada tariff disputes are still being evaluated as the province moves toward the Q1 2026 launch.
Professional teams that could see potential sportsbook partnerships include:
- NHL: Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers
- CFL: Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks
The market's final structure and regulations will continue to develop as the province works toward the early 2026 implementation date.