TLDR Alberta will launch its regulated iGaming and sports betting market on July 13, 2026, becoming the second Canadian province after Ontario to allow private operators Nearly 50 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and bet365, are seeking licenses to operate in the province Over 70% of online gambling in Alberta currently happens through unregulated offshore sites that pay no provincial taxes Operators in the current grey market must cease operations by July 13 or face losing their license permanently Online poker liquidity sharing beyond Alberta’s borders remains unresolved, pending a Supreme Court decision on an Ontario case
Alberta is about to become the second Canadian province to open its doors to privately operated online gambling and sports betting.
The province confirmed July 13, 2026, as the official launch date for its regulated iGaming market. The date was shared in a letter from Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally to industry stakeholders.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation about when the market would go live. It also sets the clock ticking for dozens of operators hoping to secure a license before launch day.
According to the letter, contracts between Alberta iGaming Corp and the operators are expected to be drafted by mid-April. Some operators had reportedly asked for more time to meet all the requirements in their agreements.
Nearly 50 Operators Are Lining Up for Licenses
Around 50 companies have expressed interest in getting licensed to operate in Alberta. Major names like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, bet365, and theScore Bet are among those expected to launch.
Some operators that have never previously offered services in the province have already been approved to accept player pre-registrations. However, real money deposits and wagers will not be allowed until July 13.
This will be a major shift for Alberta’s