Alberta’s regulated iGaming market generated CA$122.1 million (US$87.2 million) in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) during its first three months of operation, from its July 13 launch to Septemer 30, according to the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC).
Monthly NAGGR rose from CA$22.2 million (US$15.8 million) in July to CA$43.3 million (US$30.9 million) in August and CA$56.6 million (US$40.4 million) in September. Total betting handle reached CA$2.89 billion (US$2.06 billion) over the three-month period.
The market opened with 15 licensed operators in July, increasing to 24 by the end of September.
“Regulation matters,” said AiGC CEO Dan Keene. “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.”
As of October 24, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) had issued 42 iGaming operator licences, with 52 iGaming sites listed as live in the province. The number of operators and sites increased sharply ahead of the October 13 deadline for unregulated operators to enter the regulated market.
Casino gaming accounted for 75.6% of September’s NAGGR, followed by sports betting at 19.5% and live casino at 4.9%. The market recorded 388,585 active player accounts in September, with average revenue of CA$146 (US$104) per active account.
Keene said early results indicate that Albertans value the oversight and accountability provided by a regulated market. “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,” he added.
Operators keep 80% of net iGaming revenue in both Alberta and Ontario, with the provinces receiving the remaining 20%. Before the split is applied, Alberta allocates 3% of gross gaming revenue to First Nations and responsible gambling initiatives.