Tonybet secures AGLC licence to enter Alberta iGaming market

Tonybet has secured an iGaming Licence from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), marking another milestone in the operator's Canadian expansion strategy. The approval allows the company to prepare for entry into Alberta's newly regulated online gambling market, where licensed operators will be able to offer sports betting and online casino services under the province's regulatory framework.

The latest licence strengthens Tonybet's position within Canada's regulated gaming sector. The operator already holds licences in Ontario and Kahnawake, giving it an established presence in multiple regulated jurisdictions across the country. With Alberta opening its competitive online gambling market, Tonybet joins the growing list of operators preparing to enter one of Canada's newest regulated iGaming environments.

Alberta continues regulated market expansion

Alberta is becoming only the second Canadian province to establish a competitive multi-operator online gambling market after Ontario introduced its regulated framework in 2022. The province aims to provide consumers with a safe and regulated environment while encouraging licensed operators to meet strict compliance and responsible gambling requirements.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission serves as the province's regulator while the Alberta iGaming Corporation oversees the commercial operation of the regulated market. Together these organisations are responsible for maintaining licensing standards, player protection measures and operational oversight.

The introduction of Alberta's competitive framework reflects a broader trend across regulated gaming markets where governments seek to provide consumers with licensed alternatives while strengthening responsible gambling safeguards and regulatory supervision.

Tonybet prepares for Alberta launch

Following the approval of its licence, Tonybet confirmed that preparations for its Alberta launch are already underway. The operator is working on several technical and operational initiatives before officially entering the market.

Among the priorities is platform localisation to ensure the customer experience aligns with provincial requirements and consumer expectations. The company is also integrating with Alberta's centralised self-exclusion system, an important responsible gambling measure designed to allow players to voluntarily restrict their access across participating operators.

In addition, Tonybet is completing commercial onboarding with the Alberta iGaming Corporation. This process includes the operational and technical steps required before licensed operators can begin offering gambling products to customers within the province.

These preparations are intended to ensure that Tonybet's platform fully complies with Alberta's regulatory standards before launch.

Sports betting and online casino offering

Once operations begin, Tonybet intends to provide a comprehensive portfolio of regulated gaming products for Alberta players.

The company plans to offer sports betting across a wide range of domestic and international sporting events alongside an online casino featuring various gaming titles. As with its operations in other regulated markets, Tonybet also expects to provide responsible gambling tools that enable customers to monitor their activity and set personal limits where appropriate.

Customer support tailored specifically to Alberta players will also form part of the company's local offering. This approach reflects the growing emphasis placed by Canadian regulators on providing consumer protection alongside competitive gaming products.

Responsible gambling remains a priority

Responsible gambling continues to be a central element of Alberta's regulatory framework and Tonybet has indicated that player protection will remain a core part of its operations within the province.

The integration with Alberta's centralised self-exclusion programme demonstrates the operator's commitment to meeting regulatory expectations. Self-exclusion systems allow individuals who wish to take a break from gambling to block their access across participating licensed operators, providing an additional layer of consumer protection.

Licensed operators are also expected to implement various responsible gambling measures including account controls, age verification procedures, player education and monitoring systems designed to promote safer gambling practices.

As regulated markets continue to evolve, these safeguards have become increasingly important components of licensing frameworks across Canada.

Canadian expansion strategy continues

The Alberta licence represents another significant step in Tonybet's long-term growth strategy within Canada. Since entering regulated Canadian markets, the operator has focused on expanding through licensed jurisdictions that provide clear regulatory frameworks and consumer protections.

Ontario remains Canada's largest regulated online gambling market and has served as an important foundation for operators seeking further expansion within the country. Alberta now presents another opportunity as the province opens its doors to licensed private operators.

Industry observers continue to monitor whether additional Canadian provinces may consider similar regulatory models in the future. While no nationwide framework currently exists, regulated provincial markets continue to shape the country's evolving online gambling landscape.

For operators such as Tonybet, participation in licensed markets allows them to compete under transparent regulatory standards while providing consumers with legal gaming options supported by responsible gambling measures.

CEO comments on Alberta approval

Commenting on the licence approval, Tonybet CEO Dmitry Arabuli highlighted the company's support for Alberta's regulatory approach.

He said: “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.”

The statement highlights Tonybet's intention to apply its experience from Ontario while adapting its operations to Alberta's regulatory requirements.

What the licence means for Alberta players

The arrival of additional licensed operators such as Tonybet is expected to provide Alberta consumers with greater choice once the market becomes fully operational.

Competition among licensed operators often encourages continued investment in product quality, customer service and responsible gambling technologies while ensuring that businesses remain accountable to regulatory authorities.

For players, choosing licensed operators offers access to platforms that operate under defined rules covering fairness, security, consumer protection and responsible gambling obligations.

As Alberta's regulated market develops, maintaining these standards will remain an important objective for both regulators and participating operators.

Conclusion

Tonybet's successful acquisition of an Alberta iGaming Licence represents another important development in Canada's expanding regulated online gambling sector. By adding Alberta to its existing licensed operations in Ontario and Kahnawake, the company continues to strengthen its presence in regulated Canadian markets.

The operator's preparations for launch, including platform localisation, integration with responsible gambling systems and commercial onboarding with provincial authorities, demonstrate its focus on regulatory compliance before entering the market. As Alberta builds its competitive iGaming framework, licensed operators such as Tonybet are expected to contribute to a market that prioritises consumer protection, operational integrity and responsible gambling while expanding legal entertainment options for players across the province.

FAQs

What is an iGaming Licence?
An iGaming Licence is a regulatory approval that allows an operator to legally provide online gambling services within a licensed jurisdiction while complying with applicable laws and regulatory standards.

Who granted Tonybet its Alberta licence?
Tonybet received its licence from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which regulates gambling activities within the province.

What products will Tonybet offer in Alberta?
The operator plans to provide regulated sports betting and online casino games after completing its market launch preparations.

Does Tonybet already operate in Canada?
Yes. Before receiving its Alberta licence, Tonybet already held licences allowing it to operate in Ontario and Kahnawake.

What responsible gambling measures will Tonybet implement?
The company plans to integrate with Alberta's centralised self exclusion system and provide responsible gambling tools that support safer gaming.

Why is Alberta's regulated market significant?
Alberta is the second Canadian province to establish a competitive regulated online gambling market following Ontario's regulated launch in 2022.

What is the role of the Alberta iGaming Corporation?
The Alberta iGaming Corporation manages the commercial operation of Alberta's regulated online gambling market alongside the provincial regulator.

Has Tonybet announced its launch date?
The company has confirmed that preparations are underway but has not announced a specific launch date.

Why do operators seek licences in regulated markets?
Operating under a recognised licence enables companies to offer legal gambling services while meeting regulatory requirements related to consumer protection and compliance.

How does a regulated market benefit players?
Licensed markets provide oversight, responsible gambling safeguards, security requirements and consumer protections that help create a safer online gambling environment.