The Boston-based operator confirmed that its sportsbook and iGaming offerings are expected to go live in Alberta once regulatory approval is granted by provincial authorities. While users in the province can already create accounts through pre-registration, they will not be able to deposit funds or place wagers until the official launch date.
Entry Into Alberta’s Regulated Market and Launch Timeline
DraftKings stated on Thursday that Alberta will become its second Canadian province of operation, following Ontario, where the company first introduced online sports betting and casino products in May 2022. Once active in Alberta, the province will represent the company’s 34th jurisdiction in North America.
The planned launch is tied to a broader regulatory rollout managed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), which has set July 13, 2026, as the start date for legal online wagering. That same date will also mark the end of operations for unregulated sportsbooks in the province.
In preparation, the AGLC has required interested operators to complete licensing applications and submit required fees by the same deadline. Officials have indicated that more than 55 operators have expressed interest in entering the market, although only a small portion have completed the payment and application process so far. Existing regulated activity in Alberta is currently limited to Play Alberta, operated under provincial oversight.
Market estimates cited by regulators suggest that approximately 70% of betting activity in Alberta still occurs through unregulated platforms. The province’s transition to a regulated framework is intended to shift that activity into licensed channels, while also introducing oversight for advertising and market conduct.
Operator Pre-Registration Expands Ahead of Go-Live
DraftKings is among several operators already offering early account registration in Alberta. Other platforms, including Caesars, theScore Bet, BetRivers, and PointsBet, have also opened sign-ups as the industry prepares for the July launch window. These pre-registration systems allow users to set up accounts in advance, though financial activity remains disabled until regulation takes effect.
Company leadership framed the expansion as a significant milestone in its Canadian strategy. Greg Karamitis, executive vice president and general manager of sports at DraftKings, said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to expand DraftKings’ footprint in Canada and bring our online sportsbook and casino experiences to customers in Alberta. With the anticipated launch aligning with the World Cup – hosted right here in North America – it’s a particularly exciting moment for sports fans in the province to engage with our platform.”
The timing of the Alberta launch is expected to coincide with heightened global sports interest, particularly around the World Cup, which is set to take place in North America during the same period.
Broader Regulatory Shift and Industry Positioning
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission has continued building the province’s regulatory framework as it prepares for market opening. Officials have noted that ongoing compliance monitoring will be part of the licensing structure, and operator suitability could be reviewed based on adherence to provincial rules.
Caesars Digital also confirmed its participation in the pre-registration phase, highlighting the preparatory nature of current activity ahead of full market activation. Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said: “Opening pre-registration is an important first step that allows players to prepare for launch while we finalize our plans to bring our full trifecta of platforms online in Alberta.”
As Alberta moves toward formal regulation of online sports betting and iGaming, industry participation continues to expand, with additional operators expected to join before the launch date. The province’s shift represents a broader change in Canadian provincial gaming policy, with Alberta preparing to join Ontario as one of the country’s regulated online wagering markets.