Bill 48 sets up Alberta’s esports betting future, following Ontario’s lead with a government-regulated iGaming model and licensed sportsbooks.
Alberta set to legalize eSports betting in 2026
Alberta could soon have regulated esports betting available to its residents.
While specific details around esports markets have yet to be outlined, the recent passing of Bill 48 — the iGaming Alberta Act — puts the province on track to open its doors to private online gambling operators, much like Ontario did in 2022 and become the second province in Canada to do so.
If Alberta’s rollout mirrors Ontario’s, esports betting could be one of the fastest-growing verticals in this newly regulated market.
The creation of the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a government-run agency tasked with licensing and overseeing legal operators, means big international betting brands will be eligible to apply for access.
That includes the leading eSport spotrtsbooks already known for offering comprehensive esports coverage, like GG.Bet, which could soon bring its full suite of esports odds and in-play options to Alberta bettors.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market already allows wagering on popular esports titles like League of Legends, CS2, Dota 2, and VALORANT, with licensed operators offering both match markets and live betting options.
If Alberta adopts a similar regulatory structure, esports fans can expect to see legal markets for major tournaments, team matchups, and possibly even player prop bets.
Esports has a particularly strong appeal among Alberta’s demographics. The province has the youngest adult population in Canada and one of the highest rates of digital engagement, making it a natural fit for a thriving esports betting scene.
Platforms like Jungliwin and other up-and-coming operators with strong esports offerings are also expected to express interest once Alberta opens its licensing process.
While the official launch timeline is yet to be confirmed, current estimates suggest Alberta’s market could go live in late 2025 or early 2026, with esports betting likely to be part of the broader iGaming rollout.
For fans of competitive gaming and betting alike, big changes are on the horizon — and Alberta could soon become one of Canada’s top destinations for legal, regulated esports wagering.
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