PointsBet Canada Begins Alberta Registration Ahead of Provincial Launch
PointsBet Canada has begun its registration process ahead of Alberta’s regulated market launch. This will allow the operator to start marketing as the province moves toward a new, competitive, and regulated iGaming market. This gives PointsBet the chance to enter the Alberta market once the regulatory process is completed, with a launch expected in the coming months.
According to PointsBet, eligible residents in the Alberta sports betting market can now pre-register on its Canadian website to receive updates on the platform launch and access a welcome offer once operations go live. The company also confirmed that the registration process is being carried out under a streamlined framework overseen by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, which allows operators to prepare for market entry while final approvals are pending.
"Alberta's move toward an open, competitive iGaming framework is a positive step for Canadian players, offering more choice and consumer protections in a safe and regulated environment," said Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer of PointsBet Canada. "We're excited to introduce our innovative, Canadian-focused sports betting and online casino products to Alberta residents, supported by industry-leading speed, responsible gaming tools, and local expertise."
The development comes as Alberta prepares to become the second province in Canada, after the Ontario sports betting market, to open its online gambling market to private-sector operators under a regulated model. Until now, Alberta players have only had access to a single legal option for online gambling, PlayAlberta.
Alberta advances regulatory framework
PointsBet's registration effort follows recent legislative and regulatory progress by the Alberta government to open the province's iGaming market to commercial operators. In mid-January, the provincial government introduced the regulatory framework governing the new market, following discussions that began in 2024 to replace the existing monopoly structure. It will be a whole new world for sports betting and Alberta online casinos.
The government has pointed to the size of Alberta's unregulated online gambling market as a key driver of reform. Officials have estimated that unregulated operators account for roughly 70% of online gambling activity in the province.
Last year, the province passed the iGaming Alberta Act, which established the Alberta iGaming Corporation to oversee commercial market operations. Under the model, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis will continue to serve as the regulator, while the new corporation will manage agreements with operators.
Prospective operators and suppliers must complete a three-part application process with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, and then enter into a commercial agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation before launching. The framework has been described as closely aligned with Ontario's model, which opened to private operators in 2022.
Under the proposed revenue structure, Alberta will retain 20% of iGaming revenue. Of that share, 2% is earmarked for First Nations support. 1% will be allocated to social responsibility initiatives, including gambling research and problem gambling treatment.
