Alberta iGaming projected to generate $390 million in Year 1 revenue

The Alberta iGaming market is in its early stages following its launch on July 13, 2026. But already, officials close to the matter are expecting solid tax revenue numbers. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally shared the government's projections for the market's first year. The forecast shows the province's online casinos and sportsbooks collectively generating C$76 million in taxes and $390 million in gross revenue.

Minister Nally's projections for Alberta online casinos and sportsbooks focus on tax revenue. Operators pay 3% of their revenue to the social responsibility fund and First Nations. They pay an additional 20% in taxes to the province. When reversing the math, the $78 million in tax revenue translates into $390 million in gross revenue.

However, Nally stressed that he's more concerned with protecting players than generating taxes.

"We know that gambling will never be safe, it will never be responsible," Nally told Edmonton Live. "But there are ways to make it a little safer, and there are ways to make it a little more responsible."

The province's regulators—Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC)—have stressed responsible gambling from the beginning. They require online casinos in Canada wanting an AGLC licence to provide certain responsible gambling tools to customers, such as deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits.

The Energy Province previously only had one regulated online gambling site, the government-run PlayAlberta. All other operators accepting Albertans prior to July 13, 2026, were considered grey-market gambling sites.

Rather than ban these online casinos and sportsbooks outright, the AGLC chose to include them in the licensing process. One key requirement is that these sites had to quit accepting Albertans until receiving a licence and before the market's launch date. 

This decision allowed industry heavyweights like bet365 and Betway to enter the market. They'll help boost the province's tax revenue numbers while operating alongside other big names, such as BetMGM Casino Alberta and DraftKings Alberta.

Rather than trying to compete with numerous offshore brands, regulators chose to bring them into the fold. As Nally said, "We can't turn off the internet." 

Bettors must be 18 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers in Alberta. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals at the AGLC's GameSense website or helpline (1-833-447-7523). 

Jeremy Olson