Caesars Opens Alberta Pre-Registration Ahead of Regulated Market Launch

Caesars Entertainment has opened pre-registration for Alberta residents ahead of the province's planned launch of a regulated online gaming market. The launch is expected sometime later this year.  

According to Caesars, eligible users aged 21 and older can now register through the operator’s Alberta portal to receive updates on the rollout of Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino.  

The move positions Caesars among the first major operators preparing to enter the regulated sector which will include Alberta online casinos and Alberta sports betting. Other operators who have also launched their own pre-registration in the province include PointsBet Canada and BetRivers.  

Pre-registration enables users to sign up for launch notifications and access platform updates before services go live. Players can already download Caesars' mobile applications, although Alberta will only become available as a selectable region once the market officially opens. The company is preparing to introduce three distinct platforms, each offering different product mixes within the same ecosystem. 

Caesars Palace Online Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino are expected to feature traditional casino games. This includes slot, table, and live dealer games. Alberta residents will also have access to sports betting features through the Caesars Sportsbook & Casino platform.  

“Opening preregistration is an important first step that allows players to prepare for launch while we finalize our plans to bring our full trifecta of platforms online in Alberta,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “We welcome the province’s continued progress toward a regulated online market and appreciate the Alberta iGaming Corporation’s work to support operators through this process.” 

Alberta framework sets structure for competitive market 

Alberta's move toward a regulated iGaming market follows the introduction of its regulatory framework in January. The province is shifting away from a model where PlayAlberta, operated by Alberta’s gambling regulator, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), is the only legal online option.  

Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, argued that this model caused unregulated platforms to account for an estimated 70% of overall activity. 

The provincial government passed the iGaming Alberta Act last year, establishing the Alberta iGaming Corporation to oversee market operations. The AGLC will act as the regulator, responsible for licensing and compliance. Operators must complete a three-step application process with the AGLC before entering into agreements with the Alberta iGaming Corporation. 

Alberta’s framework is based on the Ontario sports betting and Ontario online casinos model, which began in 2022 and now has more than 45 operators in its regulated market. 

In Alberta, 20% of the iGaming revenues will be allocated to the province. Of this amount, 2% goes to First Nations projects. 1% will be used for social responsibility programs, including gambling research and treatment. 

The regulatory structure also includes consumer protection measures. These include a centralized self-exclusion system and restrictions on advertising practices. Operators will be prohibited from targeting high-risk individuals or minors, and advertising cannot feature current or former athletes.