PokerStars Launches in Alberta as Second Regulated Online Poker Operator

PokerStars returned to Alberta on November 2, 2026, becoming the second regulated online poker operator in the Canadian province. The Flutter Entertainment brand now operates through FanDuel, joining 888poker in the newly regulated market.

Good to know

• PokerStars launched its Alberta online poker platform through FanDuel, following the October debut of 888poker.
• Players must open new accounts and currently cannot compete against opponents outside Alberta.
• Shared poker liquidity with Ontario remains under discussion, while the Supreme Court of Canada considers international player pooling rules.

Alberta Online Poker Faces Player Liquidity Challenge

Alberta has approximately 5.1 million residents, creating challenges for poker operators that depend on having enough active players to fill cash games and tournaments.

Unlike online casino games, poker requires players to compete against one another. Smaller player pools can mean fewer available tables, reduced game selection and smaller tournament fields.

Currently, Alberta online poker platforms cannot combine players with Ontario or international networks.

However, regulators are discussing potential shared liquidity between Alberta and Ontario.

The Supreme Court of Canada is also considering whether Ontario can allow regulated poker operators to connect with international player pools, including markets in Europe and the United States.

An earlier Ontario Court of Appeal ruling supported the arrangement, but the Canadian Lottery Coalition appealed the decision.

Alberta supports Ontario in the Supreme Court proceedings.

PokerStars Returns Through FanDuel After October Exit

PokerStars ended access to its international platform for Alberta residents on October 13 as the provincial regulatory transition period ended.

The operator returned less than three weeks later through PokerStars on FanDuel, using the same poker software offered in Ontario.

Flutter Entertainment owns both brands and has been combining poker operations across its North American businesses.

“The site is now live in Alberta and players in that province have the option to toggle to a desktop log in to access their poker client,” the company announced.

Alberta players must register new accounts rather than continue using their previous international PokerStars accounts.

Meanwhile, 888poker entered Alberta on October 13, becoming the first regulated online poker room after the province opened its competitive iGaming market in July.

Canadian Online Poker Market Remains Divided

Ontario introduced regulated online gambling in 2022 and now hosts operators including GGPoker, PokerStars, BetMGM, PartyPoker, bwin and 888poker.

Meanwhile, Québec offers provincially regulated poker through Loto-Québec, while British Columbia operates PlayNow, which shares poker liquidity with Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

GGPoker has chosen not to launch regulated poker in Alberta under the current restrictions, citing the limited commercial potential of a separate provincial player pool.

PokerStars and 888poker could eventually combine their respective Alberta and Ontario player pools if regulators approve such arrangements.

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