Alberta iGaming Market Booms with 36 Approved Operators, Polymarket Geo-Blocks Province

Alberta’s regulated iGaming market has experienced substantial growth since its launch, with 36 operators now having completed the province’s dual-approval process. As of Friday, July 17, 22 of these platforms are live and accepting wagers, according to Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). The provincial regulator anticipates more sites will come online in the coming weeks.

To operate within Alberta, iGaming companies must first register with the AGLC and pay applicable fees. Following this, they need to secure a commercial agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) before their platforms can go live. The market officially launched on Monday, July 13, featuring major brands such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and theScore Bet.

Troy Ross, President of TRM Public Affairs, projected that by the end of the summer, the province could see between 35 to 40 live iGaming sites. This expansion signals a robust and competitive online gaming environment in Alberta.

Polymarket’s Decision to Geo-Block

Amidst the expansion of Alberta’s regulated market, the prediction market platform Polymarket announced its decision to restrict access for users within the province. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, confirmed this development on Monday, July 13, characterizing it as a positive step in managing illegal gambling websites. Nally stated, “Polymarket made the decision themselves to geo-fence themselves out. So, I think that was good news.”

This move by Polymarket also extends to British Columbia and Quebec, which have been added to its list of restricted jurisdictions. Ontario has been restricted since a 2025 settlement with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), which found that Polymarket had illegally offered binary options to retail investors.

Regulatory Landscape and Precedents

The decision by Polymarket has raised questions about how prediction markets will navigate Canadian provinces with regulated iGaming markets. Amanda Brewer, Senior Vice President Policy & Communications for the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), noted that British Columbia and Quebec do not appear close to iGaming regulation, suggesting Polymarket’s caution is likely a response to its past issues in Ontario.

Evan Thomas, a Toronto-based lawyer advising fintech clients, commented that the geo-blocking was not surprising. He indicated that such decisions might stem from behind-the-scenes discussions with securities or gaming regulators. Thomas believes this action reinforces an existing pattern rather than setting a new precedent. “Unregistered prediction market platforms face regulatory risk in Canadian provinces, whether under securities law or gaming law,” he stated. He further advised that regulated pathways for prediction markets in Canada involve entities like CIRO dealers or provincially licensed iGaming operators. Platforms operating outside these frameworks are likely to face increasing pressure to geo-block Canadian users.

Impact on Operators and Future Outlook

The news of Polymarket’s geo-blocking was welcomed by iGaming operators in Alberta’s new regulated space, according to Troy Ross. Canadian jurisdictions are entering a new era of online gaming regulation, with Ontario and Alberta leading the way, and other provinces reportedly exploring similar frameworks.

Ross anticipates that provincial regulators, both for iGaming and securities, will closely examine prediction markets. He highlighted the differing regulatory landscapes between the U.S. and Canada, noting that “the definition of gambling here doesn’t exactly dovetail with the U.S. definition.” This complexity, he argues, makes Polymarket’s proactive blocking of Alberta and Ontario a prudent move.

“The prediction markets, if they’re taking steps to block Alberta and Ontario, that’s a wise move because Canada has a complex regulatory environment involving provincial gambling regulators, securities regulators, derivatives legislation, the federal Criminal Code and responsible gambling standards,” Ross explained. “They would be foolish not to consider these multiple regulatory hurdles before simply launching in Canada.”

Key facts

This development is significant for PlayVideoPoker readers as it highlights the evolving regulatory landscape of online gaming in Canada. The expansion of Alberta’s market offers new opportunities for players seeking regulated and secure platforms. Simultaneously, Polymarket’s decision underscores the complex interplay between different regulatory bodies and the increasing scrutiny faced by prediction market platforms operating within Canada. Understanding these regulatory shifts is crucial for players and operators alike navigating the Canadian iGaming sector.

Source: Casino.org News, https://www.casino.org/news/alberta-igaming-market-expands-polymarket-geo-blocks/