Alberta’s Grace Period Has Ended: What Changes for Operators and Affiliates From October 14

As of October 14, 2026, gray-market operators in Alberta no longer have a grace period. The regulated market opened on July 13, and the transition period ended on October 13. Anyone who has not registered with the AGLC and signed an agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation must leave the province. We’ll break down who managed to enter the market, who left, how much it costs to enter, how the rules differ from those in Ontario, and what this means for operators, providers, and affiliates.

Key Takeaways

• The market launched on July 13, 2026, with 22 websites. As of October 13, there were already 45 brands listed in the Alberta iGaming Corporation registry. Prior to the launch, the government estimated that unregulated operators accounted for about 70% of online gambling in the province;
• The model is based on the Ontario model. The AGLC regulator registers companies, and the state-owned corporation AiGC signs commercial agreements with them. The rules governing bonus advertising, the ban on athletes in advertisements, and the requirements for affiliates have been adopted from the Ontario standards almost word for word;
• The economics are different. The entry fee is a one-time payment of $50,000 and an annual fee of $150,000 per site, compared to $100,000 per year in Ontario. The province takes 20% of net revenue after a 3% deduction from GGR. By 15M’s calculation, that’s about 22.4 cents for every dollar of GGR.

Timeline: From Bill to Open Market

It took Alberta a year and a half to open up the market. Until July 13, the only legal online casino in the province was the government-run PlayAlberta. All amounts listed below are in Canadian dollars.

Table 1. Timeline of the Alberta market launch. Sources: 1–3, 13–15, 17.

Model: Regulator, Market Operator, and PlayAlberta

In Alberta, as in Ontario, there are two agencies. The AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis) is the regulator. It registers operators and suppliers, sets technical standards, monitors compliance with regulations, and reviews advertising content. The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) is the commercial arm. The AiGC enters into contracts with operators and is responsible for anti-money laundering (AML), player complaints, finances, and revenue reporting.

There are two steps to getting started. First, registration with the AGLC: a background check, a compliance review, and integration with the centralized self-exclusion system. Then, a commercial agreement with AiGC. Registration alone does not grant the right to accept bets.

“The Alberta iGaming Corporation is well prepared to conduct and manage the regulated market on behalf of the province,” said Dan Keene, CEO of the Alberta iGaming Corporation, on the day of the market launch.

PlayAlberta isn’t going anywhere. The site is run by the AGLC, with NeoPollard Interactive as the operator. According to government data (January 2026), PlayAlberta generated $275 million in net sales over the past year, $35 million more than in 2024–25. However, surveys indicate that it accounted for only 23–32% of the market. The rest went to gray-market operators.

Money: How Much Does Entry Cost, and How Much Does the Province Take?

The AGLC fee structure is straightforward, but it is calculated on a per-site basis. Operators pay a one-time application fee of $50,000 and an annual registration fee of $150,000. Platforms and providers of critical gaming systems pay $15,000 per year, while other providers (e-wallets, betting lines, integrity monitoring, and testing laboratories) pay $3,000. Providers are not required to pay an application fee.

The revenue-sharing structure is a two-tiered system. First, 3% of GGR goes to funds: 2% for First Nations programs and 1% for responsible gaming. The remainder of net revenue is split 80/20: 80% goes to the operator, and 20% to the province. Gowling WLG advises incorporating this specific sequence into the model, rather than a flat 20%.

Let’s assume $100 in GGR (based on 15M). $3 goes to the funds, leaving $97. 20% of that is $19.4. In total, the province and the funds take $22.4, leaving the operator with $77.6 before expenses. The exact basis depends on the deductions specified in the AiGC agreement; its final text has not been made public.

The provincial budget is being cautious in its projections for this revenue. According to Covers, the 2026–29 fiscal plan projects $75 million in revenue from AiGC for the 2026–27 fiscal year and $109 million for 2028–29. By comparison, Ontario received $262 million from its market in 2025–26.

Added to this are compliance costs. SOC 2 Type 1 certification is required at the outset. Within two years, ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type 2 certification, as well as RG Check accreditation, are required. Within 90 days of launch, all games must be certified specifically for Alberta.

Alberta vs. Ontario: What’s the Same, What’s Different

Table 2. Market Comparison. Sources: 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 21–27.

The main takeaway from the table is that while the provinces have the same regulatory requirements, the entry costs and the government’s share vary. An operator that is already compliant with Ontario regulations has almost nothing to change. However, it will need to recalculate its unit economics.

Marketing: Rules Borrowed from Ontario

The key rule is identical to the Ontario regulation word for word. It is prohibited to advertise bonuses, credits, and other incentives in public media, including targeted and algorithmic advertising. Offers may only be displayed on the operator’s website or via direct marketing (email, SMS, social media messages) to those who have explicitly given their consent. The word “free” is prohibited if the player is risking their own money; “risk-free” is prohibited if they could lose anything. The key terms of the bonus must be immediately visible; the rest must be no more than one click away.

General brand advertising without a specific bonus is permitted, but must include a responsible gaming message. AGLC requirements: the AiGC logo must appear on advertisements for approved operators, a link to the 211 Alberta helpline must be included, and no current or former athletes may be featured, except in responsible gaming videos. The AGLC does not regulate advertising frequency; complaints regarding the volume of advertising are directed to the CRTC.

“For Albertans who choose not to gamble, the best option is to not start,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, explaining the rationale behind the regulations in January 2026.

There are also restrictions within the product. The Turbo mode, Quick Spin, and Slam Stop are prohibited for slots. Wins that do not exceed the bet amount must not be accompanied by sound or animation. The player’s net balance in Canadian dollars must be visible during the session.

Affiliates: No Registration, But There Is Responsibility

The AGLC price list does not include a category for affiliates, so, based on the documents, partners do not need to register separately. However, the regulations place the responsibility on the operator. The operator is liable for the actions of third parties acting on its behalf. And the operator is required to ensure that commission-based partners do not promote websites in Alberta that are not registered with the AGLC.

This is the same mechanism as in Ontario. There, AGCO Standard 1.21 describes it in almost the same terms, and some marketing affiliates may not be required to register (AGCO decides on a case-by-case basis). In practice, a single gray brand in a partner’s portfolio puts all of their agreements with legal operators at risk.

Another risk involves prediction markets. On August 28, the AGLC endorsed the position of Canadian securities regulators (the CSA and CIRO). Contracts on the outcomes of sports and entertainment events are regulated by the AGLC under the Criminal Code. Marketing such products to Alberta residents without the regulator’s approval falls into the same gray area.

Who Came and Who Left

At launch, there were 22 sites in operation; by September 14, according to government data cited by RG.org, there were 31. As of October 13, there were 45 brands listed in the AiGC registry. Among them are FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, bet365, Caesars (three brands), theScore, Betway, BetVictor, PlayOJO, Sports Interaction, TonyBet, and the casino brands Jackpot City, Spin Casino, and Royal Vegas. Nally had expected about 60 sites by the deadline. The registry is still behind this projection, but some of the brands may appear in the coming days.

Those whose business models didn’t work out have left. Coolbet blocked access for Alberta residents on July 12. LeoVegas, owned by MGM Resorts, decided not to enter the market and to focus on Ontario instead.

Providers are following in the footsteps of operators. On September 7, Games Global announced its registration with the AGLC. Its slots, like Gold Blitz, 12 Masks of Fire, and Fishin’ Pots of Gold, as well as live tables from its partner studio, OnAir Entertainment, are now available in Alberta.

“The opening of Alberta’s iGaming market is an exciting opportunity for Games Global,” said Mark MacCombie, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Games Global.

After October 13, the province promises to crack down on illegal operators. At G2E on September 29, Nally, according to RG.org, referred to cease-and-desist letters and working with payment processors as the government’s “two levers.”

What does that mean?

To operators. Calculate the entry fee for each brand. Three websites amount to $150,000 in application fees and $450,000 annually – that is, $600,000 in regulatory fees alone in the first year. In your model, use 22.4% of GGR, not 20%. If you’re still accepting bets from Alberta without registration, after October 13, you risk being found unsuitable, which means the door to the province will be closed to you.

To providers. Registration for the platform costs $15,000 per year; for others, it’s $3,000. The technical requirements are more important. Ninety days after launch, games must be certified specifically for Alberta. The ban on Turbo and Slam Stop features may require separate game builds. Content already certified for Ontario can be ported the fastest: Games Global entered the market with the same franchises.

To affiliates. The Ontario compliance stack is almost entirely suitable. Bonuses can be promoted only through opt-in channels, and athletes may appear only in responsible gaming videos. The minimum age in Alberta is 18, not 19; this should be taken into account when targeting. The main rule is a clean portfolio. A partner promoting an unregistered brand in Alberta risks losing all contracts with regulated operators.

Methodology

The data is as of October 13, 2026. All amounts are in Canadian dollars. The number of sites varies depending on the method used. At launch, the government counted registered sites; the AiGC registry shows brands, while the AGLC shows company registrations. Therefore, the figures 22, 45, and 50 represent different values, not a contradiction. The province’s effective share of 22.4% is calculated by 15M using the model described on the Alberta government’s website and by Gowling WLG, and will be refined following the publication of the AiGC operator agreement. Quotes are from public statements; translated by the editorial staff.

Sources

1. Government of Alberta, “Alberta’s regulated online iGaming market launches” (July 13, 2026) – 22 websites, approximately 70% of the unregulated market, 2% + 1% of gross gaming revenue (GGR), and quotes from Dale Nally and Dan Keene. https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=964899986602F-FBD7-3239-7AA6F8A85C1546FC
2. Government of Alberta, “Clear rules, stronger protections for iGaming” (January 14, 2026) – regulatory requirements, ban on the use of athletes in advertising, PlayAlberta revenue of $275 million and a 23–32% market share, and a quote from Dale Nally. https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=955016431C096-EB5E-67CC-AFE0D481D61EF7F0
3. Government of Alberta, “Bet safely, bet with confidence” (March 26, 2025) – introduction of Bill 48, establishment of the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), and designation of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) as regulator. https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=930414847AA8F-934F-E05C-B168A90C72CD7803
4. Government of Alberta, “Alberta’s iGaming strategy” – 80/20 revenue-sharing arrangement based on net revenue after the 3% GGR deduction, and approximately 70% of the market operating in the unregulated sector. https://www.alberta.ca/albertas-igaming-strategy
5. AGLC, “iGaming” – roles of AGLC and AiGC, advertising requirements (AiGC logo, 211 Alberta, restrictions on athletes), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and self-exclusion. https://aglc.ca/igaming
6. AGLC, “Application Guide for iGaming Registration” – two-step application process and three stages of registration. https://aglc.ca/igaming/application-guide-igaming-registration
7. AGLC, “iGaming Operator and Goods or Services Supplier Registration Fees” – fees of $150,000 / $50,000, $15,000, and $3,000. https://aglc.ca/sites/aglc.ca/files/aglc_files/AGLC%20iGaming%20Registrations%20and%20Fees.pdf
8. AGLC, “Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming” (revised June 18, 2026) – bonus advertising, use of athletes, third parties and affiliates, minimum gambling age of 18, and prohibition of turbo and slam-stop features. https://aglc.ca/sites/aglc.ca/files/2026-06/26-06-18%20SRIG_0.pdf
9. AGLC, “iGaming Guidance Document – FAQs” (May 15, 2026) – bonus promotions on operators’ websites and through consent-based communications, and general advertising rules. https://aglc.ca/sites/aglc.ca/files/2026-06/AGLC_iGaming_Compliance_Guide_FAQs_2026-05-15.pdf
10. AGLC, “iGaming Guidance Document – Event Contracts” (August 28, 2026). https://aglc.ca/sites/aglc.ca/files/2026-08/AGLC%20iGaming%20Guidance%20Document%20-%20Event%20Contracts.pdf
11. AGLC, “Internet Gaming Go-Live Compliance Guide” (March 2026) – SOC 2 Type 1 certification at launch, with ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type 2 certification required within two years. https://aglc.ca/sites/aglc.ca/files/aglc_files/Internet%20Gaming%20Go-Live%20Compliance%20Guide_1.pdf
12. Alberta iGaming Corporation, “Registered iGaming sites” – 45 brands as of October 13, 2026. https://www.abigaming.ca/players/registered-igaming-sites/
13. Gowling WLG, “Alberta iGaming: Get in the game before July 13” (April 16, 2026) – 9 out of more than 55 applicants, the 3% GGR deduction followed by the 80/20 revenue split, 90-day certification period, RG Check accreditation, and October 13 deadline. https://gowlingwlg.com/en/insights-resources/articles/2026/alberta-igaming
14. Blakes, “Alberta’s Regulated iGaming Market Launch Date Announced” (April 1, 2026). https://www.blakes.com/insights/alberta-s-regulated-igaming-market-launch-date-announced/
15. CDC Gaming / Complete iGaming, “Alberta’s iGaming market launches with 50 licensed operators” (July 13, 2026) – registration figures of 50 / 58 / 14 / 15. https://cdcgaming.com/brief/albertas-igaming-market-launches-with-50-licensed-operators/
16. Covers, “Alberta Projects Millions in New Sports Betting, iGaming Revenue” (February 27, 2026) – projected revenue of $75 million in fiscal year 2026–27 and $109 million in fiscal year 2028–29. https://www.covers.com/industry/alberta-budget-sports-betting-icasino-gaming-tax-revenue-february-2026
17. Covers, “Alberta Passed a Sports Betting and iGaming Bill. Now What Happens?” (May 8, 2025). https://www.covers.com/industry/alberta-passed-a-sports-betting-and-igaming-bill-now-what-happens-may-8-2025
18. RG.org, “Alberta vows iGaming crackdown on unlicensed sites after Oct. 13” (October 3, 2026) – 31 websites as of September 14, approximately 60 projected, and Dale Nally’s remarks at G2E. https://rg.org/en-ca/news/gambling-industry/alberta-vows-igaming-crackdown-on-unlicensed-sites-after-oct-13
19. Yogonet, “Coolbet to exit Alberta ahead of province’s regulated iGaming launch” (July 7, 2026) – Coolbet and LeoVegas. https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/07/07/125267-coolbet-to-exit-alberta-ahead-of-province-39s-regulated-igaming-launch
20. G3 Newswire, “Games Global continues North America expansion with Alberta market entry” (September 7, 2026) – quote from Mark MacCombie. https://g3newswire.com/games-global-continues-north-america-expansion-with-alberta-market-entry/
21. Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), “Internet Gaming Fees” – $100,000 per website, and supplier fees of $3,000 / $15,000. https://www.agco.ca/en/lottery-and-gaming/internet-gaming-fees
22. AGCO, “Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming” – Standards 1.21 and 2.05, and minimum gambling age of 19. https://www.agco.ca/en/book/export/html/245361
23. AGCO, “Internet Gaming Suppliers Application Guide” – marketing affiliates and case-by-case registration determinations. https://www.agco.ca/en/lottery-and-gaming/responsibilities-and-resources/internet-gaming-suppliers-application-guide
24. iGaming Ontario, “Over 90% of Ontario igaming players choosing regulated market after 4 years of growth” (May 21, 2026) – 91.1%, $103 billion in wagers, and $4.2 billion in revenue. https://igamingontario.ca/en/news/ipsos-channelization-study-year-4-results
25. iGaming Ontario, “BetGuard, Ontario’s new tool to opt out of online gaming, is now available” (May 14, 2026) – BetGuard self-exclusion system, $262 million contributed to the province in fiscal year 2025–26, and more than 75 websites. https://igamingontario.ca/en/news/betguard-centralized-self-exclusion-ontario-igaming
26. iGaming Ontario, “Market performance report now available by month” (January 22, 2025) – regulated market launch on April 4, 2022. https://igamingontario.ca/en/news/market-performance-report-now-available-month
27. Covers, “Ontario’s Annual Haul from Online Sports Betting, iGaming in Nine-Figure Territory” (April 1, 2024) – provincial revenue share described as “roughly 20/80.” https://www.covers.com/industry/ontario-budget-igaming-revenue-online-sports-betting-april-2024