PointsBet Canada Begins Alberta Registration Ahead of Regulated iGaming Launch
PointsBet Canada has started Alberta’s registration process, signaling early positioning ahead of the province’s planned regulated iGaming market.
PointsBet Canada has officially commenced the registration process to operate in Alberta, becoming one of the first major sportsbook brands to take concrete steps toward entering the province’s forthcoming regulated iGaming market.
It should be noted that this news breaks following Ontario’s announcement of a record-setting revenue in the igaming sector.
The company announced that pre-registration is now open, allowing Alberta players to sign up ahead of a full market launch once the province finalizes its regulatory framework. The move signals early intent from PointsBet to compete in what is expected to become one of Canada’s most competitive online gambling jurisdictions.
Alberta has been working toward a regulated iGaming model similar to Ontario’s, opening the door for private operators to legally offer online sports betting and casino gaming under provincial oversight.
What PointsBet Announced
In its announcement, PointsBet confirmed that it has begun engaging with Alberta regulators and opened pre-registration for potential customers in the province.
Key elements of the announcement include:
- PointsBet has started Alberta’s registration and compliance process
- Pre-registration is live, allowing players to create accounts in advance
- The company plans to offer online sports betting and iGaming, subject to approval
- Operations will launch only once Alberta’s regulated market officially opens
The company emphasized that pre-registration does not constitute live wagering and that betting will not begin until regulatory approval is granted.
Why Alberta Matters
Alberta is widely viewed as the next major growth opportunity in Canada’s online gambling market. The province has a population of more than four million people and a strong sports betting customer base, currently served primarily through government-run platforms and offshore operators.
The province has indicated plans to introduce a competitive, regulated iGaming market, allowing private companies to operate legally under provincial supervision.
Industry observers expect Alberta’s framework to borrow heavily from Ontario’s model, which launched in 2022 and quickly became one of the largest regulated iGaming markets in North America.
PointsBet’s Strategy: Early Positioning
By beginning the registration process early, PointsBet is positioning itself to launch quickly once Alberta finalizes its rules.
Early registration allows operators to:
- Build brand awareness ahead of launch
- Capture early customer interest
- Streamline compliance and licensing timelines
- Compete effectively when the market opens
This approach mirrors strategies used by operators entering Ontario, where early movers benefited from faster launches and stronger initial customer acquisition.
What Products PointsBet Plans to Offer
PointsBet has indicated it intends to offer a full suite of regulated products in Alberta, pending approval.
Expected offerings include:
- Online sports betting, including professional and collegiate sports
- In-play and live betting features
- Online casino games, such as slots and table games
- Responsible gambling tools aligned with provincial requirements
The company operates in multiple regulated jurisdictions and has emphasized compliance and responsible gaming as core pillars of its expansion strategy.
Regulatory Oversight and Next Steps
Alberta’s regulated iGaming market will be overseen by provincial authorities, with licensing, compliance, and consumer protection standards still being finalized.
Until the framework is complete:
- No real-money wagering can occur
- Operators must complete background checks and licensing requirements
- Platforms must meet technical and responsible gaming standards
PointsBet has stated it will work closely with Alberta regulators to ensure full compliance before launch.
How This Fits Into the Canadian Market
Ontario’s experience has shown that opening a competitive iGaming market can significantly reshape a province’s gambling landscape. Since launch, Ontario has attracted dozens of operators and billions in wagering activity.
Alberta is expected to follow a similar trajectory, though officials have said they are focused on:
- Protecting consumers
- Channeling offshore betting into regulated platforms
- Ensuring market integrity
PointsBet’s early move suggests operators believe Alberta will represent a meaningful revenue opportunity once live.
What Players Should Know
For Alberta residents, pre-registration allows them to:
- Secure early access to the platform
- Receive updates on launch timing
- Potentially qualify for future promotions once live
However, players will not be able to place bets until Alberta formally launches its regulated iGaming market and PointsBet receives final approval.
What Comes Next
Alberta has not yet announced an official launch date for its regulated iGaming market, but industry expectations point toward a rollout later in 2026.
As the framework becomes clearer, more operators are expected to follow PointsBet’s lead and begin registration.
For now, PointsBet Canada’s move marks one of the strongest signals yet that Alberta’s regulated iGaming era is approaching, and that major operators are preparing early to compete.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
