When Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market in April 2022, many observers weren’t sure how smoothly it would run, or whether residents would embrace it so quickly, but the uptake proved significant. Under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, private operators were invited to apply for licences and run their platforms under strict oversight. The idea was to create choice while also collecting revenue for the province. What followed was a remarkable surge in activity. Players who had been using offshore websites now had local options, and the provincial government could finally benefit from an industry that was already thriving in the shadows.
Alberta’s More Restrained Stance
Alberta, by contrast, has stayed fairly cautious, perhaps overly so if you ask some industry watchers. For now, Play Alberta remains the only legal online gambling site operating under provincial authority. While the site does function reasonably well, many players argue it feels limited when compared to the broader selection available just one province over. The games are fewer, the promotions are modest, and the overall sense of competition simply isn’t there. Alberta’s government has spoken about the need to weigh the risks carefully, yet with so many residents eager for more options, the slower pace leaves an opening for alternatives outside provincial control.
Options to Fill the Gap
Players in all Canadian provinces, including Alberta, want to play online games. Insights from Viola D’Elia have shown that while online casinos aren’t legal in Alberta, there are alternative options like offshore sites that allow players to access online casinos. They’re legal alternatives for players to enjoy while provinces like Alberta still haven’t made a decision. Many of these options are new in Canada and offer hefty welcome bonuses, quicker ways to deposit and withdraw funds, and hundreds of game titles. They’re a great option because they often feel more flexible and generous compared to what a government-only model can provide. No matter what Alberta decides, players always have access to these online casino games. The only real difference is for the province itself. While iGaming still isn’t legalised, the province loses out on tax revenue that could be generated if this industry were in operation.
Financial Opportunity for Alberta
Revenue is one of the most persuasive arguments for Alberta to reconsider its position. Ontario’s regulated market recorded billions of dollars in wagers during its first year, which translated into hundreds of millions in provincial revenue. That money did not come from creating a new habit but rather from capturing activity that had long been taking place elsewhere. For Alberta, which depends heavily on oil and gas revenues and has been talking about diversification for decades, regulated iGaming could become a reliable stream of income. It would also encourage new jobs in technology, customer service, and related sectors that often get overlooked.
Ontario’s Revenue Breakdown: More Than Just Big Numbers
Ontario’s iGaming success is often described in broad terms, but the details tell a much clearer story. In its third year, between April 2024 and March 2025, the market produced about 3.2 billion Canadian dollars in revenue, built on more than 82 billion wagered across licensed platforms. Most of this came from online casino games such as slots, live dealer tables, and bingo, which accounted for close to 2.4 billion, or roughly three-quarters of total revenue. Sports betting contributed around 724 million, while online poker added just 66 million, showing how dominant casino play has become in Ontario.
The numbers also matter because of where they lead. The province has collected more than 1.4 billion in tax revenue since the market opened, with 642 million in the third year alone. That figure has grown steadily from 280 million in year one to 480 million in year two before reaching its most recent peak. This is not abstract income but funding that can be directed toward services like healthcare and education. By laying out the details, Ontario shows other provinces that regulated iGaming can become both a reliable and expanding source of public revenue.
Why Regulation Matters
Ontario’s success shows that regulation is not about creating demand from thin air. People are already gambling online, whether governments like it or not. By licensing platforms and setting boundaries, Ontario has managed to keep players within a safer, more transparent environment. Licensed operators are required to provide tools that encourage responsible play, such as the option to set spending limits or request cooling-off periods. Financial reporting is also stricter, which means the money changing hands is properly monitored. Alberta could design similar rules, ensuring that players who already engage online do so with more protection.
Giving Players More Choice
Players in Ontario now enjoy the benefit of choosing between dozens of online casino sites, and this competition drives operators to constantly improve. Better graphics, smoother mobile play, a wider variety of payment methods, and attractive promotions are all part of the package. Alberta’s residents, by contrast, remain limited to what Play Alberta offers, and when a single site has no competition, there is little incentive to expand or innovate. Many Albertans respond by simply taking their play offshore, which means the province loses both revenue and oversight. Choice matters, and Ontario’s system demonstrates why.
Innovation and Modernisation
Another lesson Alberta could take from Ontario lies in the way private operators push technology forward. The best platforms often add new features quickly, whether that involves live dealer streaming, cryptocurrency transactions, or loyalty programs that feel more tailored to individual players. Government-run sites rarely update at that same pace, partly due to bureaucracy. If Alberta opens its market, it would likely attract international operators willing to invest in local tech infrastructure and customer support. This could spill over into broader benefits for the digital economy in the province, not just for gambling but for related services as well.
Alberta’s Path Forward
Alberta’s decision is not about creating something entirely new. The demand already exists, and the players are already active. The real question is whether the province wants to regulate it, keep money within its borders, and provide stronger protections for residents, or whether it prefers to let offshore sites remain the main choice for those who want more than Play Alberta offers. Ontario’s experience has proven that a regulated system can work. For Alberta, the opportunity is there to take a measured approach, one that acknowledges the risks but also recognises the significant benefits that come with doing so.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling carries risks, so you should only play within your means. If you’re struggling with a gambling addiction, reach out for help from a professional at the National Gambling Helpline through this phone line: 1-626-960-3500. All gambling websites and guides on this website are 19+. Check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal in your area. Not valid in Ontario.
Check these websites for free gambling addiction resources.
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga
https://www.cprg.ca/
https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
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