Alberta’s online gambling market produced C$122.1 million in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue during its first 80 days of operation, the Alberta iGaming Corporation reported Friday.
Online casinos led the way in September, accounting for 75.6% of revenue, or about $42.8 million, according to AiGC data. Live casino also brought in about $2.8 million, while Alberta sports betting generated roughly $11 million, or 19.5% of the total market.
“Early results indicate that Albertans value the strong oversight and greater accountability offered by a regulated market,” AiGC CEO Dan Keene said in a statement. “We hope to continue educating Albertans about the risks associated with illegal offshore sites and move them onto regulated platforms where they have rights and recourse when iGaming.”
Revenue has grown each month
Revenue increased in each month since Alberta online casinos and sports betting launched July 13:
- July: $22.2 million
- August: $43.3 million
- September: $56.6 million
AiGC noted the figures reflect operators joining the market gradually and do not represent the full market. The corporation did not break down revenue by vertical for July and August.
Alberta’s market launched with 15 iGaming operators and grew to 24 as of September 30, with several more expected to join by the end of the year. AiGC counted 388,585 active player accounts in September, with each account generating an average of $146 in revenue.
“Regulation matters,” Keene added. “This is a market where approved iGaming Operators are held to high standards of accountability, and where revenue stays in the province to fund programs and services Albertans rely upon.”
Alberta’s regulated market directs 2% of gross gaming revenue to First Nations and 1% to social responsibility programs, which support mental health, addiction services and research.
Another market to regulate online gambling?
New Brunswick has been kicking the tires on regulating online gambling. Finance Minister René Legacy said the government is “exploring options around regulating private online operators.”
New Brunswick residents can currently play through Atlantic Lottery, a government-run platform jointly owned by the four Atlantic provinces that offers sports betting, casino games and lottery. However, officials say unregulated operators are pulling gaming dollars out of the region.
“These operators are drawing significant gaming dollars out of Atlantic Canada, do not contribute to provincial revenues in our region and are not subject to the same requirements that govern Atlantic Lottery,” Atlantic Lottery spokesperson Greg Weston told the Telegraph-Journal.
New Brunswick residents have also been exposed to advertising from the regulated markets in Ontario and Alberta. Finance and Treasury Board spokesperson David Kelly said the province is monitoring approaches to “maintain a safe, responsible, and appropriately regulated gaming environment for New Brunswickers.”
