PointsBet Canada just fired the starting gun. Alberta adults can now pre-register for sports betting and online casino action months before the province flips the switch on its brand-new open market.
The Australian-born operator became one of the first brands to open sign-ups after the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) gave the green light to market and take early registrations. Thousands of Albertans have already jumped in to lock down launch-day bonuses and alerts.
Alberta Becomes Canada’s Second Open iGaming Province
Ontario broke the ice in April 2022 with North America’s first fully competitive online gambling market. Alberta now follows the same playbook and ditches the old Play Alberta monopoly run by the government.
Private operators like PointsBet, BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel can soon apply for licenses and serve players directly. The change promises more games, better odds, bigger bonuses, and stronger responsible-gaming tools than the single-site model ever offered.
Alberta gamblers stand to gain the most from this shift. Industry experts expect the new system to generate hundreds of millions in extra tax revenue while cutting black-market play.
How Pre-Registration Works Right Now
Visit PointsBet.ca, pick Alberta as your province, and fill out the short form. No deposit is required yet. New users get first crack at exclusive welcome packages when doors officially open, expected sometime in the next few months.
PointsBet promises the same lightning-fast app that already powers its Ontario business. That means same-game parlays, early cash-outs, and live streaming of thousands of events each year.
The company also brings its full casino suite powered by top studios like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Light & Wonder.
What Players Can Expect on Launch Day
Speed sits at the heart of the PointsBet difference. The in-house tech stack delivers odds updates in milliseconds and payouts that often hit accounts in under two hours.
Responsible gaming stays front and center too. Alberta players will see:
- Mandatory deposit and loss limits
- Time-out and self-exclusion options
- Real-time play tracking and alerts
- Direct links to provincial support services
Scott Vanderwel, CEO of PointsBet Canada, calls the Alberta rollout a natural next step after huge success in Ontario. “We built this platform for Canadians, by Canadians,” he said. “Albertans deserve world-class choice and protection, and we’re ready to deliver both.”
Bigger Picture for Canadian Online Gambling
Two provinces now run open, regulated iGaming markets that together cover more than half the country’s population. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic Canada still limit play to government sites, but pressure grows for change.
Analysts predict the regulated Canadian market could top C$3 billion in annual revenue within five years as more provinces follow Ontario and Alberta. Tax dollars flow straight to healthcare, education, and problem-gambling programs instead of offshore sites.
The shift also creates hundreds of local tech, marketing, and customer-service jobs. PointsBet already employs dozens in Toronto and plans further hires as Alberta comes online.
Alberta’s bold move proves competition works for players and governments alike. Residents finally get the same modern betting experience as friends in Ontario, Europe, or legal U.S. states, all wrapped in tough regulation that keeps things safe.
The countdown is on. When AGLC gives final approval, PointsBet and other big names will flood the market with offers and innovation. For Alberta bettors tired of limited options, the wait almost ends.
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