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International online casino and online sportsbook brand TonyBet is the newest member of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) as of March 2026. The Ontario-licensed operator has joined the industry trade association as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position in Alberta’s iGaming market.
According to the Latvia-based company, Canada has been one of its strongest growth stories. Becoming a CGA member highlights its unwavering dedication to complying with Canada’s responsible gambling, player protections, and regulations at the highest possible standard.
Why This Matters
Founded in 2005, the CGA is an industry trade association that consists of operators and suppliers currently active in the Canadian gambling industry. This includes land-based casinos, online sports betting brands, lottery associations, esports, and other iGaming brands. There are currently 47 CGA members, alongside 5 affiliate members.
Similar to other traditional trade associations, the association plays a key role in shaping regulatory discussions through advocacy, research, and industry collaboration. Its influence grows significantly as the Canadian gaming market evolves.
For operators like TonyBet, membership offers more than visibility. Rather, it provides direct access to industry dialogue. This is especially valuable now, as provinces like Alberta move towards regulated online gambling set to launch on July 13, 2026. As competition builds ahead of a potential launch, being part of the CGA may offer a strategic edge.
“Joining the Canadian Gaming Association reflects our belief that the long-term success of regulated gaming in Canada depends on operators and regulators working together,”
said TonyBet Chief Executive Officer Dmitry Arabuli. He also added,
“Canada has been one of our strongest growth stories – registrations nearly doubled in 2025, thanks to localized operations, integrated compliance, and prioritizing player protection. The CGA advances the same principles across the industry, and we are committed to supporting this through sharing our expertise, promoting responsible gaming, and advocating for consistent high standards for all operators.”
How TonyBet’s CGA Membership May Shape Its Entry to Alberta
TonyBet is not a new operator on the international iGaming scene. The brand first entered the market in 2003 as Omnibet, a leading sports betting brand. World-famous poker pro Tony G (Antanas Guoga) acquired it in 2009 and rebranded it to TonyBet in 2011. The company has carried this name to date and has now grown to process over $1 billion in wagers annually.
The brand went live in Ontario in 2023 through a partnership with a well-known next-gen casino games aggregator, St8. But that was after acquiring an Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licence at the end of 2022.
Outside Ontario, TonyBet remains accessible through its global site under a Kahnawake Gaming Commission licence.
TonyBet hasn’t yet confirmed whether it has already applied for AGLC (Alcohol, Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis) licensing or paid the required fees. However, the operator has been clear on its intent to expand into a second regulated Canadian market.
“We have ambitious, long-term plans for Alberta and see it as an important market for our expansion,”
A TonyBet spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business in March 2026. He declares,
“We welcome the well-structured approach of local authorities, especially the focus on player protection and responsible gaming. Having already built strong compliance systems and operational infrastructure in similar regulated environments, we are confident in our readiness and look forward to working closely with Alberta’s regulators.”
Alberta’s market regulator offers a more streamlined registration procedure for Ontario-licensed operators. TonyBet’s CGA membership further strengthens its Canadian footprint. These factors position the operator well to smoothly move into the Wild Rose Country once its iGaming market launches in mid-July.
