Alberta’s regulated iGaming sector has reached a total of 36 operators that have successfully completed the province’s dual-approval process. Currently, 22 platforms are operational as of Friday (July 17), as reported by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), the provincial regulatory body.

According to an AGLC representative, additional platforms are anticipated to go live “in the upcoming weeks.”
More Platforms on the Horizon
In Alberta, prior to launching, operators must obtain a commercial agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) following their registration with AGLC and the payment of necessary fees.
The iGaming landscape officially kicked off on Monday (July 13), featuring well-known brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and theScore Bet, all accepting bets.
“By the conclusion of summer, I believe we’ll witness between 35 to 40 [active platforms],” stated Troy Ross, President of TRM Public Affairs.
Understanding the Dual Approval Process
As the new iGaming market unfolded this week, Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, provided updates regarding Polymarket's choice to restrict access to their platform within the province.
“Polymarket chose to geo-block themselves proactively. I consider that positive news,” Nally commented on Monday (July 13).
This response came in light of inquiries about unauthorized gambling platforms operating outside Alberta's regulated framework, following a reporter's mention of Polymarket's announcement.
Major Brands Enter the Market
“While we cannot eliminate the internet, a robust, regulated market is the most effective way to combat the black market,” Nally remarked.
On July 6, Polymarket subtly revised its terms of use, indicating that jurisdictions, including British Columbia and Quebec, are now on their list of restrictions.
Ontario has already been restricted following a 2025 agreement with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), which concluded that the prediction market was unlawfully offering banned short-term binary options to retail investors in the province.
Polymarket's Restrictions on Alberta
This situation leads to questions about whether Polymarket's decision will set a standard for how prediction markets approach Canadian provinces with established iGaming regulations.
“B.C. and Quebec do not seem close to regulation; this appears to be several years away,” pointed out Amanda Brewer, Senior Vice President Policy & Communications at the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA).
“Considering Polymarket faced fines and restrictions in Ontario, it’s likely they are exercising caution across Canada.”
No New Standards Established
Evan Thomas, a Toronto-based attorney advising fintech clients, indicated that the geo-blocking action by Polymarket was anticipated.
“Whether this stems from discussions with securities or gaming regulators, I can’t affirm, but it wouldn’t be surprising if a formal resolution or regulatory update emerges in the near future,” he commented.
According to Thomas, this decision does not establish a new standard but instead reinforces an existing trend.
Regulatory Scrutiny on Prediction Markets
“Unregulated prediction market services are exposed to potential regulatory challenges in Canadian provinces, whether under securities or gaming legislation,” he explained.
“The legitimate approach for prediction markets in Canada involves collaborations with Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization [CIRO] dealers like Wealthsimple for economic and financial event contracts, or possibly through provincially licensed iGaming platforms for other categories. Those operating outside these guidelines will increasingly find the necessity to geo-block Canadian participants.”
This news has been positively received by iGaming participants within Alberta's newly regulated framework, Ross noted. Canadian territories are embarking on a new chapter of online gaming regulation, led by Ontario and Alberta, with several others examining how to emulate these efforts.
Positive Developments for Alberta
“I believe provincial online gaming regulators and provincial securities bodies will promptly focus on prediction markets, especially due to the continuous U.S. media coverage,” Ross stated.
“There’s extensive media attention, and while companies in prediction markets may not see themselves as gambling operators, which may hold validity in the United States, this is a different jurisdiction with distinct criminal codes and gaming control laws. Definitions of gambling here do not align with those in the U.S.”
With that context, Ross remarked that Polymarket's decision was sensible.
“For prediction markets that are proactively geo-blocking Alberta and Ontario, it’s a strategic choice; Canada has a multifaceted regulatory environment that encompasses provincial gambling regulations, securities regulations, derivatives laws, federal Criminal Code, and standards for responsible gambling,” he concluded. “They would be unwise to disregard these multiple regulatory intricacies before simply entering the Canadian market.”