If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ll know that it’s a pivotal moment for the iGaming industry in Canada right now. With the province of Ontario already in its 4th year of online casino regulation, Alberta now appears to be ready to follow suit, and its own legal, regulated online casino market is currently tipped to open as soon as early 2026. Legislators in the province recently passed Bill 48 (otherwise known as the iGaming Alberta Act) which proposes to open its online gambling market to private operators – a historic decision which would give Canadian players plenty more platforms to choose from.
Bringing online gambling under proper regulation can make the activity safer for players, generate tax revenue, and increase consumer choice. Evidently there are significant changes on the horizon within Canada’s iGaming industry, and Alberta may soon have a much more significant role to play on a national level. To understand what this means for the wider iGaming landscape in Canada, we spoke to Jemma McColgan, Senior Content Editor at Casino.org, to find out her expert opinion on the latest developments. It’s clear that Jemma McColgan is an online casino expert with years of experience under her belt, and she offered some fascinating insights into the upcoming changes to the online casino industry in Alberta.
Q: Alberta certainly appears to be a hot topic at the moment , as it could be opening its doors to online casino and sportsbook operators as soon as 2026. What’s your take on the current situation in the province? Where do you think Alberta currently stands, particularly in terms of gaming regulation and industry preparation?
JM: I think Alberta can become an invaluable asset for the iGaming industry in Canada, and the opening of its own regulated market would be a landmark moment for the wider national industry. It seems like everyone’s particularly excited about the possibilities for Alberta, especially since Ontarian legislators and regulators have done a lot of the groundwork on Canadian soil already. That should certainly help this new market to start on the best possible footing – Alberta can surely learn from the successes and challenges on display in Ontario in the last few years, and with these solid foundations, it shouldn’t take long for Alberta to attract plenty of leading operators. In terms of preparedness, it does seem like the province is already in a pretty good position.
Q. There are already plenty of comparisons being made between the two provinces, and Ontario has clearly become the benchmark for other new Canadian iGaming markets. However, as we know, each province will have its own unique strengths and challenges. What do you think sets Alberta apart?
JM: There’s a lot of positive indicators on display which point to the overall success of a regulated online casino market in Alberta. For operators, I think the province’s pro-business stance and relatively low operating costs will be a major incentive, as well as the clear existing demand for better gaming options. Its geographical location is also a plus – it looks like Alberta could become the leading iGaming hub in the west of the country, with Ontario heading up the Canadian market in the east. There’s also a lot to be said for the exciting tech scene in the province right now, especially in areas like Calgary and Edmonton. Having access to that innovative environment and a talented local workforce could be huge for gaming operators, and it looks like the regulated iGaming market is arriving at a great time for collaboration and growth in the sector.
Q: If regulators in Alberta choose to follow Ontario’s regulatory model, it looks like there could be a considerable number of gaming platforms to choose from in the near future. How can players get the most out of their experience, and what kind of things should they be looking out for as Alberta’s iGaming scene progresses?
JM: It’s definitely an exciting time to be an online casino player in Alberta! Whilst we’re still not entirely sure what the regulatory framework will look like, any changes to the legal landscape will have major implications for players in the area. Over the next 12 months, it’s worth keeping up with the latest developments to understand the big picture. Over at Casino.org we’re posting regular updates to our Alberta online casino guide, and as the landscape changes, our recommendations will change too. Above anything else, it’s important for players to consult sources of trusted expert guidance before they sign up to an iGaming platform. Our team of experienced Canadian gambling experts can help players narrow down the options, and we apply rigorous testing methods to find the platforms which offer the best security measures, promotions and overall user experience.
Q: There’s a lot of complexities involved in a regulated iGaming market, and there will undoubtedly be ongoing growing pains to tackle along the way. What do you see as the biggest challenges for regulators and legislators in Alberta – and what might the more positive outcomes be if they play their cards right?
JM: It’s all about balance. Regulators will need to ensure that their approach is business-friendly, whilst at the same time working hard to protect players and promote responsible gambling. It’s a fine line, and there are bound to be challenges and setbacks along the way, but luckily there are already lessons to be learned from Ontario. If Alberta gets the balance right, there could be some impressively positive outcomes from a regulated market. As we know, the figures coming out of Ontario have surpassed the expectations of most experts in the industry. The economic potential is massive, and the province could hugely benefit from the amount of public funding that could be generated through iGaming tax revenue. We can also expect to see considerable job creation within the market – that’s great news for Canadians, especially given the instability of the global economy right now. It won’t all be smooth sailing, but the potential benefits are huge.
