Alberta expands regulated iGaming market with new providers

Alberta is transitioning from a state-controlled gambling monopoly to a liberalized market by allowing private service providers to offer legal online gaming services. This regulatory shift aims to protect local players from the risks associated with offshore websites by ensuring games are administered through regulated channels and controlled payment routing.

PokerStars is returning to the province under the new brand ‘PokerStars on FanDuel’. While the PokerStars brand remains on international markets, North American operations will use the FanDuel branding. Players in Alberta will need to create new FanDuel accounts, as existing PokerStars accounts will not be transferred.

Currently, 888 is the only regulated poker provider in the province, having launched in October 2026. Other major industry players such as DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM have also been identified as part of the expanding landscape. The Alberta iGaming Corporation is currently evaluating the possibility of shared liquidity pools within Canada, though players currently compete in isolated provincial pools.