In-Depth: Alberta is Regulating Online Poker. What Does This Means for Players? 5t5m2q

Alberta is on the verge of becoming the second regulated market for online poker in Canada. Bill 48 (the iGaming Alberta Act) now awaits only Royal Assent to become law. 5q6u60

For poker players, this represents a significant shift from the current grey market access to a fully regulated environment expected to launch in early 2026. It will likely mean fewer games and less choice, but games will likely be much softer and there will likely be extensive new promotions on market launch.

Perhaps most exciting for players is online poker in Alberta will hopefully share liquidity with Ontario from day one. This shared liquidity arrangement is crucial for Alberta’s market viability. With a population of approximately 5 million compared to Ontario’s 16 million, Alberta’s standalone player pool would likely struggle to maintain sufficient activity. Thankfully, it is explicitly permitted in the bill, and lawmakers have stated on more than one occasion that they are aware of the need for shared liquidity.

By connecting with Ontario, players will benefit from a combined Canadian player pool of around 21 million people, ensuring more active tables, larger tournament guarantees, and greater game variety than would be possible in a province-only network.

Pokerfuse anticipate that all major operators currently active in Ontario — including PokerStars, GGPoker/WSOP, 888poker, and the BetMGM Poker Network — will seek Alberta licenses, bringing their established platforms, tournament series, and promotional offerings to the province. It could even attract more operators to the market, like BetRivers Poker.

What Players Can Expect in the Regulated Market 2d3a1o

When Alberta’s regulated market launches, players will see significant changes to their online poker landscape. The transition from grey market to regulated play means that international operators currently serving Alberta — like PokerStars, GGPoker, WPT Global, PartyPoker, 888poker, and various iPoker skins — will need provincial licenses to continue offering services legally.

Licensed platforms will provide enhanced consumer protections, responsible gambling tools, and the security of a government-overseen industry. Players will need to create new s on these platforms, with identity verification required to ensure compliance.

For tournament players, the combined Alberta-Ontario market should offer substantial guarantees from launch. Ontario’s current tournament series regularly feature prize pools in the millions, with events like PokerStars’ Ontario Championship of Online Poker (ONCOOP) and GGPoker’s WSOP Online bracelet events drawing large fields. Alberta players will gain access to these offerings, with the potential for Alberta-specific series as the market matures.

Cash game players will benefit from the larger combined player base, ensuring tables run consistently across more game types and stake levels. While the initial player pool will be smaller than the current grey market’s global reach, the Ontario-Alberta compact creates a substantial market that should satisfy most players’ needs at common stakes and game variants.

Expected Operators and Offerings 2vv68

Based on current industry activity, several major operators are positioned to enter Alberta’s regulated market. PokerStars and BetMGM Poker have already engaged lobbying firms in the province, signaling their intent to secure licenses when available.

PokerStars, one of the world’s most recognized online poker brands, would likely bring its full suite of tournaments, cash games, and special series to Alberta. Their parent company has been in discussions with provincial officials and it has been active in Ontario since soon after the market first opened.

GGPoker already has established a presence in Alberta through multiple successful World Series of Poker Circuit events at Calgary’s Deerfoot Inn & Casino. GGPoker Ontario has run official WSOP online bracelet series and events where players can win coveted gold bracelets or qualify for the annual World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas. This will likely extend to players in Alberta.

Other operators expected to seek licenses include 888poker, which launched on Ontario’s opening day, and the full BetMGM Poker Network (encoming BetMGM Poker, bwin, and partypoker). Additionally, Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive launched BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania in late 2024. It plans to expand into other US markets soon. It is on the record saying that Ontario was in its crosshairs too, and the opportunity to launch in two provinces in one go makes the market even more attractive.

Potential for International Liquidity 1b4573

While Alberta’s initial plan centers on shared liquidity with Ontario, both provinces have expressed interest in potentially connecting with international player pools. Ontario is actively pursuing this possibility through a legal challenge, with a court hearing last November where PokerStars and GGPoker argued in favor of reconnecting with international players.

Minister Nally has indicated Alberta is watching this case “very closely,” telling media: “we’re optimistic that we’re on the right side on this one and could have some global liquidity that would help all our markets.” A favorable ruling could eventually allow players in both provinces to compete against those from regulated European markets including Belgium, Denmark, , the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK.

Such an arrangement would dramatically increase the range of games, tournaments, and stakes available to Canadian players, potentially making the Alberta-Ontario compact part of a global regulated poker ecosystem rather than a segregated regional market.

The Legislative Process and Timeline 2s3u19

Bill 48, introduced by Dale Nally in March 2025, had its first reading on March 26 and ed its third and final reading on May 7. Now awaiting Royal Assent from Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani, the bill will establish a regulated framework for online gambling in Alberta.

The legislation specifically allows Alberta to enter agreements with other provinces, stating: “The Commission or the Minister may, on behalf of the Government of Alberta and in accordance with the regulations, if any, enter into agreements with the governments of any other provinces or territories or their agents regarding the conduct and management of a provincial lottery within Alberta and those other provinces or territories.”

Once Royal Assent is granted, the bill will be proclaimed into law and come into force, making Alberta the second Canadian province to legalize online poker under an open licensing framework after Ontario. The signature is seen as a formality, with the following implementation timeline anticipated:

• After Royal Assent: Development of detailed regulations, including consumer protection safeguards
• Regulatory framework finalization: Mid-to-late 2025
• Operator licensing process: Late 2025
• Expected market launch: Early 2026

Changing from International to Provincial Poker: Impact to Players 6y3y3w

The transition to a regulated market brings both advantages and adjustments for players accustomed to the current grey market environment.

The regulated market will provide stronger consumer protections and responsible gambling tools, including a centralized self-exclusion system that works across all licensed operators. However, unless international liquidity is approved, players will initially access a smaller player pool limited to Alberta and Ontario residents.

Creating new s on licensed platforms will be necessary, with identity verification required. Enhanced responsible gaming features will be available, including a centralized self-exclusion system allowing players to restrict their ability to gamble across all venues and online platforms.

While some grey market operators may withdraw if they choose not to pursue licensing, all major brands are expected to enter the regulated space. Players can anticipate new promotional opportunities as operators compete for market share, with welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and loyalty programs becoming important differentiators in the new environment.

Tournament structures and schedules may initially differ from what players are accustomed to on international sites, but the shared liquidity with Ontario should ensure reasonable guarantees and variety from launch. As the market matures and potentially connects with international pools, these offerings would expand further.

Comparing Grey Market to Regulated Market in Alberta Online Poker 5j1w2e