Stake moves closer to Alberta casino and sportsbook launch
Stake has taken another major step towards entering Canada’s newest regulated online gambling market after receiving operator registration in Alberta.
Stake Canada Ltd received its registration from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis on September 24, but this does not mean Stake can immediately begin accepting bets.
The company must complete the remaining licensing process and enter an operating agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation before launching its online casino and sportsbook.
Stake Canada General Manager Kris Abbott said the operator expects those remaining steps to be completed soon.
“We’re a registered operator as of today and we expect that licensing and an operating agreement are not too far behind,” Abbott said.
“We’ve gone through the process and it’s been a good one.
“I have to commend the regulator in Alberta, from the government to the AGLC to the [Alberta iGaming Corporation]. They’ve done a great job putting the market together, and by all accounts it’s going well. We’re excited to join.”
Alberta opened its competitive commercial iGaming market on July 13, 2026, becoming Canada’s second province after Ontario to introduce an open regulated model involving private online casino and betting sites.
The province previously offered regulated online gambling primarily through government-owned PlayAlberta.
Alberta created a transition period for some operators already serving players from outside the provincial licensing system, giving approved businesses time to move into the regulated framework.
That transition deadline was pushed back for Stake as they seek certification, but the October 13 deadline is now looming for the Australian-founded company.
“We applied for the transition extension back in July, when we were still waiting to finalize our platform and get certified,” Abbott said.
“We got that three-month extension and we’ve been able to get everything done in the interim.”
Stake’s Canadian expansion is particularly interesting because the company has historically built much of its global business through its Curaçao-licensed Stake.com operation.
Stake Canada is a separate entity being used to pursue entry into provincially regulated Canadian markets.
The operator is also trying to enter Ontario.
Its application remains before the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and Stake.ca currently indicates the brand is coming to both Ontario and Alberta.
Abbott said the company had completed the technology work needed for Ontario but had no firm indication of when the regulator would make its decision.
If the remaining Alberta approvals are completed as expected, Stake expects its casino and sportsbook to launch in the province within weeks.
