Is Online Poker Legal in Alberta?
Yes. Online poker is legal in Alberta. The iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48), passed in 2025, creates the framework for a regulated private online poker market. That market opens July 13, 2026. Until then, PlayAlberta.ca is the only legal regulated option in the province.
How Alberta Poker Regulation Works
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) licences and regulates operators. Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) is the Crown agency that conducts and manages the regulated market. These are two separate entities: AGLC sets the rules and grants registrations; AiGC is the market operator. Operators must register with the AGLC and enter into an operating agreement with AiGC before offering online poker to players physically located in Alberta.
AiGC advises players to "Make the safer choice" by playing only on sites offered by fully registered and approved operators.
Market Status (Pre-Launch)
Alberta's private regulated market has not yet launched. Registration for operators opened in January 2026. The AGLC published its Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming on January 13, 2026. Six operators are expected to apply for registration ahead of the July 13, 2026 launch: GGPoker, 888poker, BetMGM Poker, PokerStars, partypoker, and bwin. No registrations have been confirmed publicly.
Player Protections at Launch
- All operators must comply with AGLC's Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming
- A Centralized Self-Exclusion (CSE) system, integrated via AGLC API, is mandatory at launch. Operators must check every login against the CSE registry.
- Operators must send quarterly limit reminders and monthly account statements to all players
- Operators fund responsible gambling programs at 1% of gross gaming revenue
- Advertising that communicates gambling inducements or bonuses is prohibited except on an operator's own gaming site
- Unresolved disputes can be escalated to AGLC, though AGLC cannot directly settle bets, refund wagers, or award compensation
- Players must be 18 or older and physically located in Alberta
For a deeper look at the regulatory framework, see how Alberta poker regulation works. To compare all expected operators, visit best poker sites in Alberta.
Looking for more information?
Our analysis of all 6 operators expected to launch July 13, 2026 under AGLC registration.
Best Poker Sites Alberta 2026 →For deeper coverage, see: How Geolocation Works for Alberta Poker. Alberta vs Rest of Canada Poker.