By Alex Drummond, Editor-in-Chief · April 17, 2026 · Fact-checked by Maya Chen
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has confirmed that its operator registration process, which opened in January 2026, has drawn interest in the double digits. Minister Dale Nally told Covers in January that the number of interested firms was already in that range, and AGLC has since said publicly that it will not disclose individual applicants during registration.
"To maintain the integrity of applicants and uphold the dual-track process with the Alberta iGaming Corporation, AGLC will not disclose which operators have expressed interest in establishing an iGaming platform in the province," an AGLC spokesperson told Covers earlier this year.
Who Is Expected on Day One
The major US and international brands with existing Ontario presence are the obvious candidates. Trade reporting from RotoWire, Covers, and Casino.org has flagged the following as likely Alberta entrants at or near launch:
- FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, theScore Bet, NorthStar Bets on the sportsbook and casino side
- PokerStars, GGPoker, 888poker, partypoker, bwin, BetMGM Poker on the poker side, where the Big Six globally are already active in Ontario
None of this is confirmed by AGLC or AiGC. Operators in registration are allowed to advertise and let Albertans pre-register for accounts, but they cannot accept deposits or wagers until July 13.
Dual-Track Licensing Explained
Unlike Ontario's model, Alberta requires operators to clear two separate processes:
- AGLC registration covers due diligence, AML, integrity checks, compliance, and enforcement.
- AiGC commercial agreement sets the revenue split, reporting obligations, and integration requirements with provincial systems.
Operator contracts with AiGC are reportedly being drafted this quarter, with a target of having commercial terms settled in time for operators to complete technical integration ahead of July 13.
What Albertans Can Actually Do Now
Right now, the only fully legal online option is PlayAlberta.ca, which does not offer cash poker. Live poker continues at Alberta's regulated casinos including Deerfoot Inn in Calgary and River Cree west of Edmonton.