Alberta Pushes Back Regulated iGaming Launch to 2025
The Canadian province of Alberta has delayed the launch of its regulated iGaming market to 2025. This follows months of speculation about the launch date after an open-market model, like Ontario’s, was first mentioned in June at the Canadian Gaming Summit.

Launch Delayed
Despite earlier hopes for a sooner launch, the government needs more time to talk to stakeholders. Brandon Aboultaif, Press Secretary to the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, said they need to get the iGaming strategy right and ensure fairness and transparency for everyone.
“As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally and in Alberta, we want to ensure a conducive business environment while protecting the health and safety of Albertans, particularly our youth. We want to get our iGaming strategy right by ensuring fairness and transparency to everyone”, he said.
Aboultaif further explained that industry stakeholders had expressed the need for continued conversations to provide more input on the model. “We are doing just that. Further engagements will also help to identify opportunities to align the strategy with our red tape reduction priorities”, he added.
Timeline Issues
Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), pointed out the practicalities of getting Alberta’s iGaming strategy rolled out in the originally proposed timeframe. “I think there was a growing concern about just how they were going to get everything done in the time required. I think the government is evaluating its timelines and making sure they can meet all of the objectives they’re setting out for themselves, and they’re giving themselves a few more months to be able to do the work.”
He also suggested Alberta look at the Ontario Superior Court case involving the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà (MCK), which challenged the legality of Ontario’s iGaming framework. The ruling against the MCK is useful to understand regulatory compliance and will help shape Alberta’s framework.
While the timeline for Alberta’s iGaming market has been pushed back, the commitment is still there. Burns said Alberta taking more time is good, they’re going to get it right.
“The timeline has paused but I don’t believe there’s any less commitment to getting this done. I just think there’s a very good commitment to getting it right. There’s a lot of work to do. They recognise that, they understand that and they’re taking more time to get it right. That’s the encouraging part,” he stated.