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The AGLC officially opened registration doors to iGaming operators and suppliers in January 2026. And with it came industry top brands, many of which are already operating in Ontario’s open market, publicly confirming their intentions to complete the process ahead of Alberta’s market launch.
Alberta iGaming Corporation Interim CEO Dan Keene sat down with the Gaming News Canada Show to discuss where things stand for Alberta online casinos. As the point person overseeing the rollout, he covered topics from the corporation’s recruitment drive to responsible gaming frameworks and what operators can expect on the road to market launch.
Inside Alberta’s iGaming Market Opportunity
Alberta isn’t just another provincial market. It’s one of Canada’s most economically robust regions, with high disposable incomes and strong interprovincial migration. Frankly, the population has even been engaging with offshore gaming sites for years.
Keene was quick to point out that this isn’t about growing the online gambling market from scratch. The goal is simpler and more responsible than that. The focus is on bringing Albertans who are already playing online into a regulated environment where their funds are protected, their data is secure, and world-class responsible gaming tools are actually accessible to them.
Keene said,
“The companies are not new to Albertans,” said Dan Keene. “What they will be is channelized to a regulated marketplace which has parameters, securities, and regulations that have been built from an industry and Alberta perspective, with some funds from this operation going back into the general revenue fund in Alberta.”
Building the AiGC From the Ground Up
One of the more fascinating aspects of Keene’s current role at the AiGC is that he’s essentially building the plane while flying it. AiGC has publicly posted four senior positions, including a Chief Compliance Operations Officer (CCOO), CIO, CFO, and General Counsel, with interviews already underway. Director-level roles in AML and HR have also been posted.
Of more interest regarding the Corporation’s recruitment drive was that they were in search of a diverse team. Candidates were being vetted for a genuine blend of regulatory expertise, private sector commercial thinking, and compliance know-how. Once that core leadership team is in place, the expectation is that they’ll build out their own teams beneath them.
Taking the Best of Ontario, Making it Albertan
Alberta has had the advantage of watching Ontario’s market develop over the past four years. The AiGC, alongside Alberta lawmakers, has leaned heavily on that template. Keene also mentioned that the Canadian Gaming Association and its CEO, Paul Barnes, have also been instrumental in shaping Alberta’s approach.
That said, he was keen to reiterate that the Alberta iGaming market won’t simply be Ontario with a different logo. Alberta has its own advertising rules, its own revenue structure, and its own social responsibility priorities driving the process. The revenue structure includes a 2% allocation to First Nations communities and 1% ringfenced for responsible gaming.
Responsible Gaming and Advertising
Keene emphasized that social responsibility isn’t a footnote in Alberta’s model. Rather, it’s the foundation. Sure, the advertising standards broadly mirror Ontario’s framework, with restrictions on celebrity endorsements and firm rules around not targeting minors.
But the AiGC wants to go a step further, using its own logo as a visible trust mark across operator advertising. According to him, the AiGC logo should signal to Albertans that they are playing securely with well-vetted regulators and that a portion of the revenue flows back into schools, roads, and community services.
“We want to let Albertans know that when you see the AiGC logo on these advertisings that, you’re playing securely, with world-class providers, with integrity, and your funds are secured.”
“And by the way, when you see the AIGC logo that you’re a portion of those funds are staying to support Albertans to build schools, roads, and hospitals and fill potholes uh and also support the very critical elements of responsible gaming uh from a research, education, and prevention side of things, which are absolutely critical to what we’re doing.”
What Comes Next for Alberta iGaming Market
Alberta iGaming registrations are open, and momentum is building. From the interview, Keene’s message to upcoming Alberta iGaming operators and suppliers is clear. Visit the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Commission (AGLC) for the requirements and submit the application.
Once the AGLC approves registration and gives the operator the due diligence handshake, the AiGC will be ready to welcome them through the next steps. Keene added,
“I would say don’t wait. We’re targeting a spring/summer launch, and there’s just tremendous momentum that’s happening, so stay tuned.”
