Alberta is about to make a significant shift in its gambling landscape by legalizing online poker. Bill 48 has passed through the provincial legislature. This sets the stage for Alberta to join other Canadian provinces in online gaming. The province may also integrate into a shared liquidity market with Ontario.
The bill, which now only requires a signature from the Lieutenant Governor to receive royal assent, represents a monumental step for Alberta’s online gambling sector. This formal approval will pave the way for the creation of a regulated online poker industry, making Alberta the latest jurisdiction to adopt legal iGaming.
A New Regulatory Body for Online Poker
The Alberta iGaming Corporation will regulate online poker platforms. This ends the province’s “grey market” status for online poker. The new law requires online poker sites to be licensed by the agency. Operators must now follow strict regulations and pay taxes, marking a shift from the previous system.
“The establishment of a regulatory framework for online poker is a critical development for our province,” said Alberta’s Minister of Gaming, who championed the bill. “This not only ensures that players are protected, but also creates an opportunity for job creation and the expansion of a responsible gaming market.”
Shared Liquidity with Ontario
A particularly exciting feature of Bill 48 is the provision allowing Alberta to share its online poker player pool with other provinces. This is especially notable given the success of Ontario’s regulated online poker market, which launched in 2022. By pooling players with Ontario, Alberta could offer a more competitive and engaging experience for players while benefiting from a larger player base. Ontario, with its population of 16.2 million, dwarfs Alberta’s population of just 4.3 million, meaning the two provinces combined would form a market with over 20 million potential poker players.
This shared liquidity model has already proven effective in the United States through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA), which includes states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. Alberta’s potential partnership with Ontario signals a broader trend toward collaborative gaming markets in North America, a model that could help both provinces compete with larger, more established poker markets worldwide.
Looking Toward 2026
With the bill now in its final stages, Alberta’s online poker industry could be up and running as soon as 2026. Leading global poker platforms such as PokerStars, GGPoker, PartyPoker, and BetMGM have already established operations in Ontario, and they will likely expand into Alberta when the market opens. Players in both provinces can look forward to an array of high-stakes tournaments, cash games, and innovative features as Alberta positions itself as a competitive player in the iGaming industry.
As Alberta takes this monumental step, the province’s gaming landscape is poised for rapid growth, with both economic and entertainment benefits on the horizon. With the bill awaiting final approval, it’s clear that Alberta is ready to embrace the future of online poker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will online poker be legal in Alberta?
The legalization process is nearly complete, with Bill 48 awaiting royal assent. If approved, the regulated market could open in 2026.
2. Who will regulate online poker in Alberta?
The Alberta iGaming Corporation will oversee the licensing and regulation of online poker platforms in the province.
3. Will players in Alberta be able to compete with those in Ontario?
Yes, the bill allows for shared liquidity between Alberta and Ontario, meaning players in both provinces can compete in the same online poker pool.
4. Which platforms will be available for online poker in Alberta?
Global poker platforms like PokerStars, GGPoker, and PartyPoker, which already operate in Ontario, are expected to expand into Alberta.
5. How will Alberta benefit economically from legal online poker?
Legalizing online poker will generate new tax revenue, create jobs, and foster growth in the province’s gaming and technology sectors.
Image and Content Courtesy: Cardplayer.com
