Tonybet secures license for Canada's new iGaming market in Alberta

Tonybet, an international iGaming operator already licensed in Ontario and Kahnawake, has announced that it has received an iGaming license from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). This paves the way for the company to operate in Alberta's regulated online gambling market. This is an important step for Tonybet in Canada.

Alberta will become Canada's second market, after Ontario, to introduce a competitive iGaming model. This means that not only state-run but also private providers will be permitted. The Canadian province of Alberta, with nearly 5 million inhabitants, is considered a promising area for online gambling. Some of North America's biggest betting brands, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and bet365, are also preparing their entry.

Numbers and facts

Alberta is opening its regulated online gambling market on July 13, 2026. It is Canada's second province to introduce such a system after Ontario, which launched in 2022. The province of Alberta has an estimated population of almost 5 million. Tonybet already holds licenses in Ontario and Kahnawake. In Ontario, registrations and Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) increased by 52 percent in 2025.

Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet, expressed his positive outlook. He emphasized the importance of player protection.

“Alberta is taking the right approach – building a regulated market that puts player protection and operational standards at the center from the start. That's exactly the kind of environment we want to operate in. We've spent years proving in Ontario that you can grow a business and maintain the highest compliance standards at the same time – registrations and gross gaming revenue in the province both grew by 52% in 2025, with responsible gaming embedded in that success rather than working against it. Securing this license means we can bring the same commitment to Alberta, and we plan to be fully operational in the market.” - Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet

Tonybet has already made preparations for its launch in Alberta. These include platform localization and integration into the province's centralized self-exclusion system. Commercial collaboration with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) is also underway.

Background

The opening of the Alberta market has been extensively discussed. The province is now creating a framework for online gambling. This framework aims to channel existing online gambling activities into a licensed and player-protected environment. Similar to Ontario, the AGLC will act as the regulator. The AiGC will take on the role of conducting and managing the market.

The regulatory authority made adjustments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation on January 13. These concern licensing, advertising, and social responsibility requirements. At the same time, registration for operators and suppliers began. Operators must complete a two-step process: first, a regulatory registration with the AGLC, followed by a commercial agreement with the AiGC.

There are also transitional measures for operators. These are intended to support the transition from grey market operations to the regulated framework. These provisions expire on July 13. Many major international brands have already declared their intention to launch in Alberta, including Betway, PointsBet, and Soft2Bet.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, such international developments usually have little direct impact. The German gambling market has been subject to strict national regulations since the GlüStV 2021. The most important aspect is the GGL whitelist. Only providers on this list are allowed to legally offer online gambling in Germany. Here, players can find casinos that comply with German requirements.

These include a stake limit of one euro per spin for slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros. Connection to the nationwide self-exclusion system LUGAS is also mandatory. These rules are designed to ensure player protection. They aim to protect players from excessive losses and prevent gambling addiction. Therefore, developments overseas are not relevant for player choice in Germany. German licensees are often very transparent in comparison, which ensures the seriousness of their offerings.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos holding a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL), the developments in Canada do not pose direct competition. German licensees operate within a clearly defined ecosystem. They adhere to strict national regulations. The high level of player safety and youth protection in Germany are firmly established.

The GGL monitors compliance with these rules. Providers who wish to be inspired by foreign developments, such as those in Alberta, must always observe German regulations. This means strict restrictions on advertising and bonus offers. The technology must also comply with German standards. The focus remains on adherence to the GlüStV 2021. This ensures player protection.