Alberta Online Poker: The Complete Guide

Online poker is currently available to players in Alberta through international poker sites that legally accept Canadian players. Unlike Ontario, Alberta does not yet operate a provincially regulated online poker market.

That is set to change. Alberta has taken concrete steps toward launching a regulated online gambling framework similar to Ontario’s model, with developments in 2025 pointing toward a potential launch in 2026. Until that framework is live, Alberta players continue to access real‑money online poker through established international operators.

Alberta Online Poker Regulation: What’s Changing

Alberta has announced plans to introduce a regulated online gambling market that would allow licensed operators to offer online poker under provincial oversight. The proposed framework would be similar to the Ontario online poker open‑market model. Though no official launch date has been confirmed, the market is expected to launch in 2026.

This page will be updated as Alberta’s regulated online poker market moves closer to launch.

Is Online Poker Legal in Alberta?

Yes. It is legal for players in Alberta to play real‑money online poker. While Alberta does not yet operate a provincially regulated online poker market, there is no law prohibiting individuals from playing on international poker sites that legally accept Canadian players.

Gambling in Canada is governed federally through the Criminal Code, which allows provinces to regulate and offer gaming but does not criminalize individuals for playing on offshore platforms. As a result, Alberta players currently access online poker through established international operators, a setup that will remain in place until the province’s planned regulated market launches.

This approach mirrors how online poker in Canada has operated for years, with provinces choosing whether or not to regulate operators rather than restricting player access.

How Albertans Play Online Poker Today

Until Alberta’s regulated online poker market launches, players in the province access real‑money poker through established international poker sites that legally accept Canadian players. These platforms operate global player pools, allowing Albertans to compete in cash games and tournaments with players from around the world.

This setup offers strong game selection and consistent traffic across all stakes, including major tournament series and popular formats like cash games and sit‑and‑gos. While these sites are not licensed locally in Alberta, they are well‑known international operators that have long served Canadian players and will likely seek provincial licensing once Alberta’s regulated market goes live.

Online Poker Sites Accepting Players from Alberta

While Alberta does not yet have a provincially regulated online poker market, players in the province can legally sign up and play on established international poker sites that accept Canadian players. These platforms provide access to global player pools, a full range of cash games and tournaments, and modern poker software available on desktop and mobile.

Below, we look at major online poker operators that currently welcome players from Alberta, how they operate today, and what Alberta players can expect as the province moves closer to launching a regulated online poker market.

GGPoker Alberta

GGPoker currently accepts players from Alberta through its international online poker platform. Alberta players can access a large global player pool, offering strong traffic across cash games, multi‑table tournaments, and fast‑paced formats like Spin & Gold games.

While GGPoker is not yet licensed in Alberta, the operator is widely expected to pursue provincial approval if a regulated market launches. GGPoker already operates in Ontario under a local license, making it one of the most likely candidates to launch quickly in Alberta once regulation is finalized.

WPT Global Alberta

WPT Global is available to players in Alberta via its international platform and offers access to global cash games and tournaments. The site is known for its mobile‑first design and softer competition compared to larger poker networks, making it popular with recreational players.

As an official online partner of the World Poker Tour, WPT Global is well positioned to enter a regulated Alberta market if licensing becomes available. Until then, Alberta players can continue to play on the international site.

PokerStars Alberta

PokerStars currently serves players in Alberta through its international poker platform, providing access to one of the largest and most established global player pools. The site offers a wide range of cash games, tournaments, and poker variants not commonly found elsewhere.

PokerStars operates a provincially licensed platform in Ontario and has shown interest in Alberta’s future iGaming plans. If Alberta launches a regulated online poker market, PokerStars is expected to be among the first operators to apply for local approval.

Poker Sites That May Launch in Alberta’s Regulated Market

The following poker operators do not currently offer online poker to players in Alberta. However, each has a clear pathway to launch if Alberta moves forward with a provincially regulated online poker market, which is currently expected in 2026.

BetMGM Poker Alberta

BetMGM Poker is not currently available in Alberta. The operator runs a provincially licensed online poker platform in Ontario as part of the BetMGM Network, alongside bwin and partypoker.

BetMGM has publicly shown interest in Alberta’s iGaming plans and has taken steps to engage with provincial officials. If Alberta adopts an Ontario‑style regulatory model, BetMGM Poker is widely expected to apply for a local license and launch a dedicated Alberta poker platform.

BetRivers Poker Alberta

BetRivers Poker is not yet available in Alberta and has not launched in any Canadian province to date. The platform is being developed by Rush Street Interactive, which already operates BetRivers Casino and Sportsbook in Ontario under provincial regulation.

If BetRivers Poker launches in Ontario and Alberta proceeds with a regulated online poker market, Rush Street Interactive would be well positioned to expand the poker product into Alberta under a provincial license.

Banking at Alberta Online Poker Sites

International online poker sites accepting players from Alberta support a range of secure and Canadian‑friendly banking options. When using established operators, deposits and withdrawals are generally straightforward, with modern security standards in place to protect player funds and personal information.

Common banking methods available to Alberta poker players include:

• Interac
• Visa
• MasterCard
• PayPal
• NETELLER
• Skrill
• Online banking transfers
• Check withdrawals

Withdrawing Online Poker Winnings in Alberta

Most withdrawals are processed within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the payment method used. Digital wallets and online banking options are typically the fastest, while card and check withdrawals may take longer.

Players should expect to complete identity verification before their first withdrawal is approved. This is a standard security process and usually involves confirming personal details provided during registration. Completing verification early can help prevent delays when requesting a payout.

Online Poker Taxes in Alberta

For most players in Alberta, online poker winnings are not taxed. When poker is played recreationally, winnings are generally treated as windfalls under Canadian tax law and do not need to be reported as income.

Tax treatment can change if poker is played in a professional or commercial manner. Players who rely on poker as a primary source of income, operate in a business‑like way, or play at high volume may be considered to be carrying on a business, in which case winnings could be taxable. Most Alberta players fall into the recreational category, but those playing at a professional level should seek advice from a qualified Canadian tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Poker in Alberta

Is online poker legal in Alberta?

Yes. Players in Alberta can legally play real‑money online poker on international poker sites that accept Canadian players. Alberta does not yet operate a provincially regulated online poker market, but there is no law prohibiting individuals from playing online.

When will Alberta launch a regulated online poker market?

Alberta has taken steps toward creating a regulated online gambling market, with current developments pointing toward a potential launch in 2026. No official launch date has been confirmed.

Can Alberta players sign up to online poker sites right now?

Yes. Alberta players can currently sign up and play on established international poker sites that accept Canadian players. These platforms offer access to global cash games and tournaments until a regulated Alberta market goes live.

Will Alberta have its own player pool like Ontario?

That has not yet been confirmed. Alberta may adopt a ring‑fenced model similar to Ontario’s, or it could allow shared liquidity with other jurisdictions. Details are expected to become clearer as regulation progresses.

What is the legal age to play online poker in Alberta?

The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18. Players must meet age verification requirements before withdrawing funds.