Alberta's iGaming Market: What to Expect in the Coming Changes
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September marks a fresh start for gambling enthusiasts, with the NFL season kicking off on September 5 as the Ravens face the Chiefs. The NBA and NHL are also gearing up, while MLB heads into playoff mode. The Canadian Football League is intensifying as teams vie for playoff spots before the regular season ends on October 26.
In Alberta, there's an extra buzz this fall — a new open and regulated iGaming market, similar to Ontario's, is on the horizon. Minister Dale Nally promises a speedy rollout, while Jay Snowden, CEO of PENN Entertainment, expects the launch in early 2025.
Alberta's new market is anticipated to mirror Ontario's, with AGLC and AGCO partnering for its organization. Major players like PointsBet Canada, theScore Bet (PENN), Betway (Super Group), and NorthStar Bets have already expressed interest. Currently, Play Alberta controls 45% of the market with 313,000 users, but a shift is coming.
Despite a smaller population than Ontario, Alberta's higher betting frequency and influx of young residents suggest significant growth in sports betting and online casinos, potentially making it the eighth-largest market in North America.