Canada: Alberta Launches Regulated Online Gambling Market

Canada's province of Alberta officially launched its significantly expanded online gambling market today, July 13, 2026. This move makes Alberta only the second province, after Ontario, to allow private operators in a regulated market. This step could prompt other provinces and territories to introduce similar online gambling reforms.

Alberta's decision to regulate, four years after Ontario made the plunge, could have a ripple effect across the country. In the US, it is a known pattern that states observe the laws of their neighbors. When these markets are established and generate tax revenues, it often motivates them to legalize as well.

Numbers and facts

Alberta, with its almost five million inhabitants, is already attracting significant interest. Nearly 50 operators have applied for licenses from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). These include major brands such as BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Lesser-known names like Betty and PureCasino are also in the mix.

According to revised projections from H2 Gambling Capital, Alberta is expected to generate approximately C$850 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in its first fiscal year. For comparison, Ontario's regulated market recorded just over C$1.48 billion in its first year. For Alberta's second year of regulation, H2 Gambling Capital predicts an increase to C$1.7 billion in GGR, totaling almost C$2.8 billion within less than two calendar years. Over 20 percent of this is expected to flow back as tax revenue, with 2 percent allocated to First Nations and 1 percent to problem gambling supports.

H2 also anticipates that Alberta's regulated market will shift activity from offshore sites to regulated platforms, from the current 32 percent to 87 percent. An Ipsos study in Ontario already shows that over 90 percent of residents gambled on regulated sites.

Background

Other Canadian provinces continue to struggle with online gambling. While revenues are growing, a significant portion of activity still occurs with offshore providers. British Columbia's Finance Minister Brenda Bailey reported that the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has captured just over half, 51 percent, of the province's online gambling market. Similarly, Loto-Québec President Jean-François Bergeron admitted in early 2025 that the lottery only captures about 50 percent of the online gambling market. A lobby group advocating for an open market in Québec claims the province loses over $300 million annually in tax revenue to offshore sites.

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) only captures about 34 percent of the online gambling market across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. While this represents a 12 percentage point increase compared to 2023 and 2024, it is still modest. ALC CEO Dallas McCready expressed openness to an Ontario-style market in 2025.

“I think the government recognizes that some people are making the decision to play on illegal sites,” McCready said. “There are conversations recognizing that activity, and at some point, we’re hoping they’ll allow us to compete. But it’s a decision of the policymakers and what they think is best for their people. It’s really not my place to question or challenge that.”

The Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC), an alliance of provincial lottery corporations, emphasizes the importance of player protection. Molly Cormier, Executive Director of the CLC, stated that the success of a regulatory framework should not be measured solely by market growth. Factors such as consumer protection, reduction of gambling-related harm, and combating unauthorized gambling activities are crucial.

Why it matters for German players

While Canada opens and regulates its online gambling market, the clock is ticking differently for German players. The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has introduced strict rules in Germany to protect players and channel the market. For German players, this means they can only play with providers listed on the GGL whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). These casino operators have been thoroughly reviewed by the German supervisory authority.

Mandatory requirements, such as a deposit limit of a maximum of 1,000 euros per month and a stake limit of 1 euro per spin on slot machines, are intended to prevent gambling addiction. The central blocking system LUGAS (Cross-State Gambling Supervision System) is another pillar of player protection. It records all gaming activities nationwide and allows players to self-exclude if they have problems. For German players, this means a high degree of security and control, but also restrictions in the game offering. Unlike in Canada, where private providers compete for market share, the offerings in Germany are highly regulated and often more restrictive.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The developments in Canada underscore the need for robust regulatory frameworks. For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, this means they must continue to meet the high requirements of the GlüStV 2021. The focus on player protection, responsible gambling, and combating illegal offerings is critical to their business. While Canada discusses channelization rates and the recapture of offshore players, German licensed casinos strive to gain players' trust through transparency and adherence to strict rules. Experiences from Canada, especially the economic benefits and improved channeling of players away from the black market, could also provide impulses for further optimization of the German gambling market in the long term, without jeopardizing the high standard of player protection.

“The Coalition exists to advance priorities that remain important regardless of the market model,” said Molly Cormier, Executive Director of the Canadian Lottery Coalition.

This statement applies unreservedly to the German market as well, where protective measures are crucial.