Alberta is moving ahead with plans to expand online gambling, a shift that is already raising concern among some First Nations leaders who rely heavily on revenue from brick-and-mortar casinos.
The province is aiming to launch its new iGaming system on July 13 after passing the iGaming Alberta Act, which establishes a framework allowing private companies to operate under provincial regulation. Officials say the goal is to bring structure to a market where a significant share of betting already takes place through offshore or unregulated platforms.
The expansion comes as global gambling operators prepare to enter the province. Companies such as DraftKings are already positioning themselves for Alberta’s opening market, viewing it as part of a broader North American push into newly regulated jurisdictions.
Concerns from First Nations over casino revenue
Despite the economic ambitions behind the plan, the proposal is drawing criticism from Indigenous leaders who warn it could undermine land-based casino revenues that support essential community programs. One First Nations chief told CBC News the province has not gone far enough to protect communities that depend on casino income.
If this goes ahead the way it is, it’s going to have a devastating impact on our communities,” the chief said.
Casinos on First Nations land play a central role in funding local services, employment, and economic development. Leaders fear that easier access to online gambling could reduce foot traffic at physical venues, cutting into a key source of revenue.
Province points to regulated growth and competition
Provincial officials argue the shift is necessary to modernize gambling regulation and capture activity already happening outside the legal system. Alberta is seeking to follow a model similar to Ontario, where multiple private operators compete under provincial oversight rather than a single government-run platform.
The broader policy shift is part of a wider strategy to expand regulated gambling markets across Canada. Alberta’s approach is also being watched as part of a growing national trend toward opening online gambling to private operators.
“This is part of economic reconciliation,” Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said in an interview with CBC News.
“We’re not trying to take anything away from First Nations. We’re trying to grow the pie,” he added.
Under the proposed model, about 2 percent of online gambling revenue would be directed to First Nations groups, alongside funding for responsible gambling programs.
Shift mirrors broader North American policy changes
Alberta’s move also reflects broader policy changes across North America, where several jurisdictions are expanding or restructuring regulated betting markets.
For example, Wisconsin recently advanced legislation allowing expanded mobile sports betting tied to tribal gaming agreements, highlighting how governments are increasingly negotiating gambling frameworks that include Indigenous participation.
Uncertainty ahead of launch
Forecasts suggest Alberta’s online gambling market could grow rapidly once launched, potentially generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Still, for First Nations leaders, the central concern remains how revenue will be divided and whether the growth of online gambling will come at the expense of existing casino operations that currently sustain many communities.
Discussions between the province and Indigenous groups are expected to continue as the July launch date approaches.
Featured image: Chris Robert/Unsplash
