Sep 25, 2026 | 5:55 am
Alberta’s regulated online gambling market has expanded since its July 13 launch, with at least 51 licensed commercial sites operating by October 15. The milestone followed the October 13 deadline for operators already accepting bets in the province to enter the regulated system or stop serving Alberta customers outside it.
The deadline ended a 90-day transition period for previously unregulated casinos and sportsbooks. Alberta initially welcomed 22 commercial sites alongside Play Alberta, the government-owned platform that previously held the province’s only authorization.
Dan Keene, chief executive of Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), described October 13 as “a big day for us,” as additional operators joined the market around the cutoff.
More Platforms Enter Alberta’s Regulated Market
The 51 commercial sites are operated by 30 companies, with several businesses running multiple brands. Apollo Entertainment operates seven online casino brands, while Super Group has five licensed sites, including Betway. Skill On Net, owner of PlayOJO, operates four sites. Caesars Entertainment and PENN Entertainment each offer three platforms.
The lineup includes Stake, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bet365, BetRivers and theScore Bet. Play Alberta remains active, bringing the total number of authorized platforms to 52.
Keene expects another 10 to 15 sites to launch before the end of 2026, potentially bringing Alberta’s total to 65. Ontario, whose regulated market launched in 2022, has 84 sites run by 49 operating companies.
Several registered businesses have yet to launch, including Betano, GGPoker, PointsBet, River Cree iGaming and ToonieBet. Fanatics Betting and Gaming has also expressed interest in entering Alberta.
Unlicensed Operators Face Enforcement Pressure
Operators that missed the deadline must stop unregulated activity until they receive authorization. AiGC spokesperson Amanda Ash said companies launching after October 13 must remain inactive in the unregulated market until their approved launch date.
At the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas on September 29, Alberta minister Dale Nally said officials would “pull every lever at our disposal” to restrict illicit gambling.
Nally identified Apple, Google and social media platforms as potential avenues for enforcement. Such measures could affect the visibility or availability of unauthorized sites. He also acknowledged that operators may reappear under new names or IP addresses.
Keene said AiGC would work with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), sharing information about potential violations. AGLC said it had “a number of investigative options available when considering what action to take against illegal and predatory gambling websites.”
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Poker And Future Launches Remain Uncertain
Stake entered Alberta’s regulated market before the cutoff after operating in Canada’s grey market for years. The company has also indicated that Ontario could be a future target.
Poker faces a different obstacle. Licensed sites can offer online poker in Alberta, but operators need enough players to sustain games. Alberta has not secured shared player liquidity with Ontario, where the issue has been subject to legal proceedings. The outcome could affect poker operators and offshore brands seeking access to Alberta players.
Keene said the number of new licensed sites showed that gambling activity had existed in Alberta for years without consistent compliance requirements. He argued that regulation provides a stronger basis for protecting residents who choose to gamble online.
Source:
“Alberta iGaming swells to 50+ licensed sites as unregulated market deadline passes”, canadiangamingbusiness.com, October 14, 2026