Alberta could be the next Canadian province to legalize and regulate online poker, possibly joining a shared liquidity market with Ontario.
Bill 48 now awaits a royal assent, the final step in the Canadian legislative process, where the lieutenant governor formally approves a bill as a representative of the monarchy. The provincial government has favored a regulated online gaming market since Ontario found success after launching a regulated market in 2022.
The law creates a new regulatory agency called the Alberta iGaming Corporation. The new agency will oversee the new online poker industry and license potential operators.
Prior to the bill, online poker in Alberta existed in a "grey market."
“Except as provided in this act or the regulations, no person may provide or operate an iGaming site or provide goods or services for an iGaming site unless the person is registered … and the person is providing or operating an iGaming site on behalf of, or under a contract with, the iGaming corporation or the commission, or providing goods or services to the iGaming corporation, the commission or an iGaming supplier,” the law notes.
Shared Liquidity Possible
The bill allows for shared liquidity with other provinces for online poker. Pooling players with Ontario seems not only likely, but also necessary to succeed in Alberta, which has a population of just 4.3 million. Ontario has 16.2 million, meaning the pooled provinces would cover about 20.5 million.
By comparison, the Multi-State Internet Agreement, which recently added Pennsylvania, covers more than 38 million Americans. Along with the Keystone State, the MSIGA also includes Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan.
West Virginia and Delaware are also members of the agreement, but have yet to see any operators go live in those states. Connecticut legislators are considering joining the MSIGA as well.
Currently, PokerStars, GGPoker, PartyPoker, BetMGM, and 888poker operate ringed-in online poker platforms in Ontario. Some or all of those may also add Alberta with a launch possible in 2026.
