GGPoker Secures First Online Poker License in Alberta

GGPoker has made history by becoming the first online poker platform to secure a license in Alberta's newly regulated online gaming market, which launched in July. The online poker operator, whose parent company purchased the World Series of Poker in 2024, can legally operate as of Aug. 12, but that hasn’t happened yet.

The launch of GGPoker in Alberta may hinge on a ruling from the Canadian Supreme Court regarding shared liquidity. The Ontario Court of Appeal previously ruled that gaming regulators in the state could potentially allow shared liquidity with other provinces and possibly other regulated markets outside the country, such as in the U.S. The Canadian Lottery Coalition, made up of several provincial lottery groups, appealed that ruling to the Canadian Supreme Court. It will hear the case in October. A favorable ruling for Ontario could mean GG could more quickly share player pools between the two provinces.

Shared liquidity would be key to a successful online poker environment in Alberta, which has a population of 5.1 million people. Ontario has just over 16 million people, so combining the two operators could create a much larger player pool. Alberta granted GGPoker a renewable one-year license. Initially, no companies applied for a license to operate poker platforms in Alberta. Other potential possibilities for poker could include BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel/PokerStars, and 888, which have all been licensed to offer online casino and sports betting.