Alberta’s competitive gambling market has drawn significant interest from established Ontario-licensed operators. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), the provincial gambling regulator, unveiled the licensing conditions on January 13. The rules allow operators licensed in other jurisdictions to operate in Alberta if the applicant discharges the same roles or functions. Several major brands have confirmed plans to apply for a local permit and introduce sports betting and online casino services when the market formally goes live later in 2026.
US-based Operators Taking Interest in Alberta’s Online Gambling Market: Key Insights
- Alberta has opened registration for its regulated online gaming market, and Ontario-licensed operators are moving quickly to secure licences ahead of the 2026 launch. The regulator has confirmed it will recognise equivalent licences from other jurisdictions to speed up market entry.
- Several established brands, including PointsBet, Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers and Betty Canada, have confirmed plans to launch sportsbooks and online casinos in Alberta. These operators are drawing on their Ontario experience to prepare for day-one operations in Alberta.
- Major U.S. gaming companies such as FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment are also expected to enter the market, alongside other international and Canadian operators. Alberta aims to create a competitive, Ontario-style iGaming market to replace unregulated activity and expand consumer choice.
Registration Framework and Industry Response
The AGLC’s regulatory framework enables operators licensed in other Canadian jurisdictions, particularly Ontario, to seek fast-tracked entry into Alberta’s nascent online gambling market. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, has said the government is working with Ontario authorities to reduce barriers for established operators and enable them to transition efficiently to Alberta.
During a press briefing, Minister Nally said:
We want to make it easy for them to transition to the province, to get rid of roadblocks rather than put them up.
One of the first to move in is PointsBet Canada. The company has begun the licensing application process and launched marketing and pre-registration for residents in the province. The company, which operates online sportsbooks and online casinos in Ontario and Australia, expects to launch both verticals on a single platform in Alberta “in the coming months”.
Scott Vanderwel, the CEO of PointsBet Canada, stated:
Alberta’s move toward an open, competitive iGaming framework is a positive step for Canadian players.
Another major operator, Rush Street Interactive (RSI), has applied for an Alberta licence for its BetRivers platform. The company, known for a strong online casino focus and presence in numerous U.S. states, said Alberta’s regulatory model suits its business strategy well and anticipates launching on the day that the market opens.
RSI has recently reported strong revenue growth in Ontario, with a 24% increase in overall revenue and a 34% rise in online casino revenue during the quarter ending October 2025. Ontario’s iGaming sector witnessed overall growth in 2025, reporting €66.8 billion in total bets and €2.7 billion in revenue.
Betty Canada is also preparing to enter the Alberta market. After reporting around 200% growth in both revenue and active players in Ontario during 2025, Betty Canada plans to introduce a similar product mix in Alberta, focusing on offering a seamless cross-provincial experience with localisation efforts. CEO Chavdar Dimitrov expressed his desire “to be among the first operators entering the province.”
Anticipated Participation by Major U.S. Brands
Several of the top U.S. gaming brands have signalled intent to pursue Alberta licences. Market leader FanDuel has indicated it will apply for a permit to operate in the province, expressing encouragement at the progress of the regulatory framework and Alberta’s iGaming strategy.
BetMGM, another prominent multi-vertical operator, stated that it plans to bring its full suite of services to Alberta and highlighted the region’s significance in its broader Canadian strategy. Traditional gaming giant Caesars Entertainment is expected to participate as well.
Other operators keen on entering Alberta’s online gambling sector include DraftKings, theScore Bet, Betway, NorthStar Bets, Bet99, PowerPlay, and High Roller Technologies. The last brand is yet to be licensed in Ontario. Alberta’s move towards an open, competitive, regulated online gaming market in 2026 has already attracted significant interest from prominent operators, especially those established in Ontario.
By permitting applications and pre-registration ahead of the official market launch, the AGLC and the provincial government aim to ensure a robust and competitive environment from the start. With major international and domestic brands poised to enter, Alberta is set to establish itself as Canada’s second major regulated online gaming jurisdiction, following Ontario’s example.