When Alberta launches regulated online casino and sports betting this coming Monday, July 13, it will represent a rare opportunity for the big-name brands of U.S. online gambling.
Canada’s second regulated iGaming province is about to open for business, giving major operators the chance to offer both sports betting and iCasino simultaneously, even running multiple platforms and more than one brand if they so choose.
That kind of golden ticket doesn’t come around too often south of the border.
In the U.S., only one new legal sports betting state, Missouri, has opened up in the last two years. The vast majority of American states that allow online sports wagering do not allow online casino. New opportunities in that vertical are even more scarce; the last non-monopoly iCasino market to actually open for business in North America was Ontario’s in 2022, although Maine legalized it recently.
So it’s not surprising that several of the biggest online gambling operators in the U.S. market want to jump into Alberta with both feet from the very first whistle, including:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
All six of those operators (and more) do pretty good business in Ontario’s market, and you can expect all six (and more) to hit the ground running on day one in the Western Canada province on July 13. In recent days, several operators shared more details of their go-live plans.
BetMGM will Alberta-fy iCasino offering
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt calls online casino “the powerhouse and anchor of our business.” So it’s no wonder that, in addition to all the Alberta-focused markets that sportsbooks will offer, Greenblatt’s company is placing a major focus on tailoring its iCasino product to the province.
A spokesperson at the operator told Canadian Gaming Business that it will go live on day one with a portfolio of more than 4,000 online casino titles, including a selection of team- and league-branded games tailored to Albertans, and will also extend its 25-game progressive jackpot network into the province.
While this won’t be available at launch, it will soon begin live-streaming casino play from the Playtech studio at MGM Grand Las Vegas in Alberta, as it already does in Ontario.
BetMGM also boasts one of Alberta’s biggest sporting heroes, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, as its primary brand ambassador in Canada. BetMGM is keeping the hockey association going by giving Albertan fans a chance to win two regular-season tickets to see the NHL team of their choice for the 2026–27 season, with no purchase or sign-up required.
“Alberta players can enjoy legendary experiences as well as the same product strength, responsible gambling leadership, and MGM-powered rewards that fueled BetMGM’s growth in Ontario,” said Greenblatt in a statement given to Canadian Gaming Business. “Alberta represents a significant opportunity to drive meaningful impact as we build on our momentum across North America.”
BetMGM co-owner Entain has other Alberta interests
BetMGM is a joint venture of MGM Resorts International and Entain. While MGM subsidiary LeoVegas has opted not to seek a license in Alberta and will not operate in the province, Entain has two other brands registered to launch: Sports Interaction and Party Casino, both of which have long operated in Ontario’s regulated market.
“Alberta represents an exciting next step for regulated online gaming in Canada,” an Entain spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business. “Ontario demonstrated the benefits of a well-regulated, competitive market, and Alberta has the foundations to build on that success.
“With Sports Interaction, BetMGM and Party Casino, we are bringing a compelling, responsible and high-quality offering to players. We understand what customers expect and are ready to deliver.”
FanDuel pursues Alberta partnerships
FanDuel is also fully intent on hitting the Alberta market on day one, pending regulatory approval.
Like BetMGM, a prominent focus will be on iCasino, which is unsurprising given that vertical accounts for 88% of all regulated iGaming handle and 79% of operators’ aggregated gross gaming revenue, as of the latest count. FanDuel Canada has an exclusive partnership with Light & Wonder, the makers of the popular Huff N’ Puff slots franchise.
In an announcement about its Alberta plans on Wednesday, FanDuel also confirmed news that Canadian Gaming Business reported in June: The operator has renewed its partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL). The extended deal now faces Alberta as well as Ontario and has been expanded to include casino as well as sportsbook. It’s a timely expansion, as the 113th Grey Cup is being played at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium in November.
FanDuel Canada also had the benefit of being the title sponsor of the Calgary Stampede Foundation’s charity poker tournament this year, where a record $260,000 was raised. Speaking of charity, FanDuel said it will donate $80,000 in total across two charities: $30,000 to the A Dollar A Day Foundation and $30,000 to the Canada Red Cross Emergency Management Program in Alberta.
“Alberta represents an exciting new chapter for FanDuel Canada, and we look forward to the opportunity to bring our industry-leading Casino and Sportsbook experience to players across the province,” said FanDuel Canada General Manager Dale Hooper. “As we plan to enter this new market, we’re committed to delivering a best-in-class entertainment experience and meaningful community engagement remains at the heart of everything we do.”
DraftKings brings its Ontario dual-brand approach
When Ontario launched Canada’s first commercial iGaming market in 2022, DraftKings launched weeks later than some of its rivals. Last August, it added its previously U.S.-only Golden Nugget Online Casino (GNOG) brand in the province.
In Alberta, it will go with the double whammy, as it intends to launch both its DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino offering and the GNOG standalone on day one. Alberta users will get a full suite of sports betting and online casino options on the DraftKings platform, more iCasino offerings on Golden Nugget Online Casino, and progressive jackpots across both DraftKings Casino and GNOG.
“We’re thrilled to launch DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino, as well as Golden Nugget Online Gaming in Alberta and continue expanding our presence in Canada,” said DraftKings EVP and GM of Sports Greg Karamitis. “Alberta is home to a passionate sports fan base, and we’re excited to bring customers across the province our industry-leading sports betting and online casino experiences.
“Launching during one of the biggest moments in global sports, with the World Cup taking place across North America, makes this an especially exciting time to welcome Albertans to DraftKings.”
Ahead of its launch on Monday, July 13, DraftKings will host a FIFA World Cup watch party on Saturday, July 11, at the Wildhorse Saloon in Calgary, adding the Albertan city to other major North American hubs where it has hosted World Cup events, including Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Hoboken, New Jersey.
DraftKings will donate $150,000 to Food Banks Alberta, with the funds to be used to buy over 40,000 pounds of essential food items that will be distributed through a network of member food banks.
bet365 likely to make smooth transition in Alberta
Unlike the rest of the operators we’re talking about here, bet365 is not American, although it has vastly expanded its U.S. market presence in recent times, adding many more states to its footprint and reputedly gaining market share while doing so.
Also unlike these others, the British gambling staple should probably be described as “transitioning” rather than “launching” or “going live”, as bet365 is moving over from Alberta’s grey market to a licensed operator under the new rules.
As of July 13, bet365 will be available to Albertans aged 19+ (although that province’s legal gambling age is a year younger than Ontario’s, at 18), offering betting on almost 100 different sports, including “more niche sports and leagues than any other sportsbook.”
“Canada is a key market for bet365, and cementing our brand’s presence in Alberta marks another milestone in our long-term commitment to Canadian sports fans,” said bet365 Head of Development Trip Stoddard in a statement provided to Canadian Gaming Business. “We’re proud to work alongside Alberta’s regulators to give fans a trusted platform to engage with the sports they love through a responsible, world-class experience.”
As it readies for its new chapter in Alberta, bet365 has a new partnership to show off.
Like FanDuel, bet365 is now teamed up with the CFL, styled as the official sports betting and online casino partner of the league in Ontario and Alberta. The company told Canadian Gaming Business that the deal will allow it to connect with CFL fans through broadcast-visible media, digital campaigns using league content, and fan-facing experiences.
BetRivers, Caesars, and others preparing Day 1 launch
All signs point towards Caesars and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) brand BetRivers also going live right from the get-go.
“We can’t wait to welcome Alberta players to BetRivers,” RSI CEO Richard Schwartz said in a statement provided to Canadian Gaming Business. “Ontario players have shown us that our player-first approach resonates in Canada, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in Alberta. From day one, Albertans can expect the award-winning BetRivers experience, including access to exclusive titles, premium rewards and engaging experiences.”
Meanwhile, Caesars has been vocal about the Alberta opportunity it sees. The Las Vegas giant already has three separate iGaming brands live in Ontario, as well as a brick-and-mortar casino near the border with Michigan, and confirmed in March that it will launch all of Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in Alberta, too, offering play to customers aged 21 and older.
Just how many operators will begin competing for Albertans’ time and money in the regulated market from day one?
Though the majority of operators haven’t directly confirmed their exact launch date, Canadian Gaming Business understands that others including the likes of PENN Entertainment’s theScore Bet and PointsBet will also likely be live and operational in Alberta right from the start.
It’s worth noting that not every major U.S. iGaming player will be there — Fanatics Betting and Gaming has Canada on its eventual roadmap but no imminent entry plans, while Hard Rock Bet has stayed out of Canada for now, although it recently received a license to enter Ontario.
Regardless, industry estimates have suggested Alberta could have as many as 25 licensed operator sites live on the first day of its market, which would be roughly twice as many as on Ontario’s launch day. In total, more than 30 operator companies and more than 50 licensed iGaming websites have been approved to do business in Alberta.
