GGPoker Secures Alberta iGaming Licence as Province Seeks Pooled Poker Liquidity
The NSUS Group-owned brand becomes the latest licensed operator in Alberta, while BetMGM acquires exclusive slot titles in the province.
GGPoker has been granted an iGaming licence by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), making it the 39th operator approved in the province.
Owned by NSUS Group, GGPoker has operated within Ontario’s regulated market since September 2022. To launch operations in Alberta, the brand must finalise an operating agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). Currently, 28 iGaming platforms are active in the market, alongside the government-operated Play Alberta site.
The Liquidity Challenge for Alberta Online Poker
Under current regulations, Alberta online poker players will be restricted to a ring-fenced player pool within the province. Maintaining sufficient player liquidity remains a primary operational challenge for peer-to-peer poker products. According to iGaming Ontario financial reports, poker accounted for just 1 per cent of total market handle in June.
To address player volume limitations, AiGC Chief Executive Dan Keene confirmed earlier this year that the province is pursuing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ontario to establish shared, cross-provincial player pools.
The push for shared liquidity comes amidst broader legal discussions regarding international player access:
Ontario Court of Appeal Ruling: In November 2025, the court ruled that Ontario's regulated framework legally permits participation in international pooled liquidity.
Supreme Court Appeal: Provincial lottery corporations have challenged the ruling, arguing it undermines geographic boundaries established for provincially regulated gaming. The Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear the case this autumn.
NSUS Group expanded its global footprint in October 2024 by acquiring the World Series of Poker (WSOP) brand from Caesars Entertainment for $500m.
BetMGM Adds Exclusive Slot Content
In a parallel market update, BetMGM secured exclusive initial distribution rights for the Rakin’ Bacon! slot series in Alberta through its content partnership with supplier AGS.
The initial content package includes three titles: Rakin’ Bacon! Fu Zhu Bao Bao, Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink Soda Fountain Fortunes, and Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink San Shen Zhu.
Rakin’ Bacon! has earned a passionate following among slot players, and AGS continues to build on that success with new features, mechanics, and ways to play,
said Rob Passerino, director of gaming at BetMGM.
These new titles give Alberta players even more variety within a franchise they already know and enjoy, while reinforcing our commitment to bringing sought-after games and exclusive experiences to players at BetMGM.
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