Key Takeaways:
- Alberta is launching regulated online gambling in 2026
- Sweeps casinos face uncertain future in AB
- Players should watch for sudden departure of brands in province
Alberta is one step closer to regulating online gambling in the province, which includes sweepstakes casinos. The province has begun accepting registrations for operator licenses, with plans for the newly regulated market to launch later in 2026.
Background: Alberta’s Push Towards Regulated iGaming
Bill 48, also known as the iGaming Alberta Act, was first introduced in March 2025 to crack down on unregulated sites in the province. Right now, PlayAlberta is the province’s only legally regulated igaming site, accounting for about 30% of Alberta’s betting market.
The bill was passed into law in May 2025, forming the new Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). The AiGC regulates both real-money and sweepstakes casinos, as well as online sportsbooks.
Alberta’s new regulations will be similar in some ways to Ontario’s dual-process system, which launched in 2022. It will also add some new features, like a centralized self-exclusion process.
What Does This Mean for Sweepstakes Casino Availability in Alberta?
So far, none of the sweeps casinos that operate with offshore licenses, like McLuck Casino, have announced their future plans so their status in Alberta remains unclear. Some casinos may apply for the province’s new license, but others might withdraw from Alberta entirely.
The AiGC says that it won’t place a cap on the number of casino operators, but there’s no information on how many will be real-money versus sweepstakes casinos.
It’s also unclear whether sweeps casinos will continue to operate on a two-coin model or convert to a single Gold Coin currency like some casinos have recently done in California.
What should current players do?
For Alberta players who have existing accounts at sweepstakes casinos, be aware that although a specific date for Alberta’s new market launch hasn’t been announced, changes can happen quickly.
Keep an eye on your Sweeps Coin balances in your casino account, as you might have a limited time to convert or redeem them. Check your emails from the casino, and follow them on social media to stay up to date on their plans.
We’ll keep you updated as we get new information.
