More Alberta Online Casinos, Sportsbooks Ready For July Launch
Four more gaming platforms have been granted conditional approvals to operate launch Alberta online casinos and sportsbooks when the market goes live in July.
The total number of applicants who have entered the final round of due diligence is now at 35, though it’s unknown how many of the 35 will be up and running when the market opens.
At least one operator, River Cree, said that while its approval process is going smoothly, it doesn’t expect to launch its Alberta online casino app until later this year.
Contents
DAZN BET preparing Canadian launches
DAZN BET, affiliated with sports streaming service DAZN, will offer a range of global sports betting options, from the MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL to global futsal matches. It has some esoteric choices on its existing platforms, including short-sided soccer and water polo. DAZN has the rights to the NFL, UEFA Champions League and major boxing promotions in Canada.
As DAZN has continually reported losses through its sports streaming side, the betting side becomes more important to the company. And by having its own sportsbook, it sets up the possibilities of players making live bets on the games they are watching.
In January, DAZN Bet also received a license to operate in Ontario.
More Alberta online casinos added
Three new casino apps have been approved; Oakville, Ontario’s Delta Gaming will bring its Delta Casino to Alberta, with table games, slots and slingo, which combines both bingo and slot-machine elements into a single wagering game. The Delta name has been associated with brick-and-mortar gaming sites in Ontario for more than 60 years.
“We are thrilled to bring the Delta Casino experience to players in Alberta,” said Jason Karklins, VP of iGaming at Delta Casino. “Alberta represents a tremendous opportunity, and we are proud to enter this market as a Canadian, family-owned company.”
Another brand, Apollo Entertainment’s Luxury Casino, has endured a rocky road with its Ontario operation.
In October 2023, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario issued a C$100,000 fine to Apollo for “failing to meet Ontario’s responsible gambling requirements.” An investigation found that Apollo failed to provide a voluntary self-exclusion program, nor did it have adequate safeguards, such as allowing players to set gambling amount or time limits. It found that one player had lost over $2 million in four months without any intervention from the operator.
Finally, G2 Digital, based in Chicago, is moving forward to bring Vegas Club Casino to Alberta. G2 is a relatively new player to the online casino game, with its first app coming out in 2025. It was founded by Greg Carlin, the former CEO of BetRivers parent Rush Street Interactive. G2 has also acquired some brick-and-mortar gaming spots in the United States.
