Share 
DraftKings is preparing to enter Alberta’s soon-to-launch regulated online gambling market, signaling another major step in the company’s North American expansion strategy.
The Boston-based operator announced this week its intent to launch both its Alberta sportsbook and iGaming platform in the province, pending licensure and regulatory approval.
If approved, DraftKings expects to go live on July 13, the province’s anticipated universal launch date for private operators, which includes Alberta online casinos.
DraftKings positions for Alberta debut
DraftKings Casino and DraftKings Sportsbook is aiming to be among the first operators live when Alberta opens its regulated market, continuing its push to expand across North America.
The company has already opened pre-registration for Alberta users, allowing prospective customers to create accounts ahead of launch. While deposits and wagering are not yet available, the early sign-up process mirrors DraftKings’ approach in other jurisdictions, including Ontario.
Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings, said in a statement:
“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.”
If approved, Alberta would become DraftKings’ 34th North American market and its second in Canada. The operator has maintained a presence in Ontario since May 2022, where it competes in one of the continent’s largest regulated iGaming markets.
Alberta set to follow Ontario model
Alberta is poised to become just the second Canadian province to open its online gambling market to private-sector competition, following Ontario’s model introduced in 2022.
The new framework will replace the current monopoly held by the government-run Play Alberta platform, allowing multiple private operators to enter the market under a regulated structure.
Provincial officials are looking to replicate Ontario’s success in channeling players away from offshore sites while establishing consumer protections and responsible gambling standards.
Whether the market will allow considered cross-border liquidity is still up in the air, and in the hands of the Canada Supreme Court.
Competitive field expected at launch
DraftKings is not expected to enter the market alone. A number of major operators, including FanDuel, bet365, and Caesars, are also anticipated to pursue licensure in Alberta, and have already opened pre-registration.
Regulators have indicated strong interest from the industry, setting the stage for a competitive launch environment similar to Ontario’s multi-operator market.
For DraftKings, that competition is familiar territory. The company has previously navigated crowded markets while continuing to invest in customer acquisition and product expansion.
Regulated market targets offshore play
Alberta’s move toward a regulated framework is partly driven by the prevalence of offshore gambling. A significant portion of online wagering activity in the province is believed to occur on unregulated sites.
By opening the market, officials aim to shift that activity to licensed operators while increasing oversight and capturing additional tax revenue.
As Alberta prepares for launch, DraftKings’ early positioning highlights the importance of the province as the next growth opportunity in Canada’s evolving online gambling landscape.
