888 Secures Alberta Registration as Province’s Regulated iGaming Launch Draws Closer

The number of operators preparing to enter Alberta's regulated online gambling market continues to grow, with 888 among the latest companies to secure registration ahead of the province's highly anticipated launch next month.

According to the latest figures published by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), there are currently 47 registered gaming operators, 47 gaming-related suppliers, 13 platform providers and 15 service suppliers approved to participate in the market. The regulator's most recent update was issued on 12 June.

888 has joined the expanding list of approved operators through its Canadian entity, VHL Ontario Limited. The brand already operates within Ontario's regulated market, where it offers online casino products as well as online poker, making Alberta a potentially attractive expansion opportunity should poker regulation develop further within the province.

While 888 has not publicly confirmed its plans for Alberta's online poker sector, the company previously stated that it was closely monitoring developments in the market and remained interested in future opportunities as the regulatory framework evolves.

Registration Numbers Continue to Rise

The latest approvals come as Alberta finalises preparations for the launch of its regulated igaming market on 13 July, a move expected to significantly reshape the province's online gambling landscape.

Many of the industry's leading operators have already secured registration, including BetMGM, FanDuel, Entain-owned PartyCasino, bet365 and BetRivers.

On the supplier side, major technology providers including Playtech and Relax Gaming have also completed the registration process.

One notable omission from the current list is NSUS Group, the parent company of GGPoker, which has yet to appear among the approved operators or suppliers despite growing speculation around the future of online poker in Alberta.

Alberta Set to Become Canada's Second Open Market

When the market launches in July, Alberta will become only the second Canadian province to permit private-sector operators to offer regulated online gambling services, following the successful introduction of Ontario's competitive market in 2022.

The expansion is expected to create new opportunities for operators, suppliers and technology providers while increasing competition across casino, sportsbook and potentially poker verticals as Alberta seeks to establish a robust and regulated online gaming ecosystem.

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