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Stake Secures Alberta iGaming License Ahead of Gray-Market Deadline

By jili tutorial · October 11, 2026

Stake Secures Alberta iGaming License Ahead of Gray-Market Deadline

Stake Set to Launch in Alberta’s Regulated Gambling Market

Stake, a prominent online gambling platform backed by Australian investors, is poised to enter Alberta’s regulated sports betting and online casino market on October 12, 2023. This launch comes just 24 hours before Alberta’s October 13 deadline for gray-market operators to transition into the regulated space. Stake’s entry marks a significant milestone in Alberta’s burgeoning iGaming industry, which officially launched on July 13, 2023.

The company has received regulatory approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) and is in the process of finalizing an operating agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). This move positions Stake as a key player in Alberta’s regulated gambling landscape, which currently boasts 41 licensed iGaming operators and 39 active sites accepting wagers as of October 8.

Stake’s Strategic Pivot to Regulated Markets

For years, Stake has dominated Canada’s unregulated online gambling market, capturing an estimated 31% of the national gray market, according to Josh Hodgson, Chief Operating Officer at H2 Gambling Capital. In FY 2026, Stake reportedly generated CA$921 million, second only to Super Group, which accounted for CA$942 million (32% market share).

Kris Abbott, Country Manager at Stake Canada, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation: “Stake has built one of the world’s most recognizable brands in online gaming by doing things differently. We move faster, we build bigger, and we create an entertainment experience that genuinely shapes internet and sports culture.”

This transition to regulated markets represents a strategic shift for Stake, which has long operated in gray-market jurisdictions. Stake Canada was specifically established to navigate the complexities of Canada’s regulated gambling landscape, with Alberta serving as its first major entry point.

Alberta’s iGaming Framework: A Model for Stake’s Success

Alberta’s regulated iGaming market has been lauded for its robust framework, which includes clear guidelines for operators and stringent player safety measures. Stake’s entry into this market is a testament to its commitment to compliance and accountability.

Birgitte Sand, Board Member at Stake Canada, highlighted the importance of Alberta’s regulatory environment: “Securing licensing in Alberta provides a strong foundation for the company’s development in Canada and reflects the importance we place on meeting local standards and player safety.”

Sand also commended the Alberta government, AGLC, and AiGC for establishing a commercial iGaming framework that balances innovation with consumer protection.

Stake’s Expansion Beyond Alberta: Eyeing Ontario’s Market

While Stake’s Alberta launch is a significant milestone, the company is also eyeing expansion into Ontario, Canada’s largest and most lucrative iGaming market. Ontario’s regulated iGaming market launched in April 2022, and Stake is actively seeking regulatory approval to operate in the province.

Ontario’s market has already attracted major global operators, and Stake’s entry would further solidify its presence in Canada’s regulated gambling industry. The company’s success in Alberta could serve as a blueprint for its expansion into Ontario and other Canadian provinces.

The Gray-Market Deadline: A Turning Point for Alberta’s Gambling Industry

Stake’s Alberta launch coincides with a critical deadline for gray-market operators. On October 13, operators who fail to transition into Alberta’s regulated market will face enforcement action. After the July 13 market launch, operators were granted a 90-day grace period on a case-by-case basis to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

This deadline underscores Alberta’s commitment to eliminating gray-market gambling, which poses risks to consumer safety and undermines the integrity of the regulated market. Stake’s timely entry demonstrates its dedication to aligning with regulatory standards and fostering a safer gambling environment.

Stake’s Global Footprint: A Leader in Regulated Markets

Beyond Canada, Stake operates in regulated gambling markets across Europe and Latin America, leveraging its expertise to navigate diverse regulatory landscapes. The company’s Alberta launch is part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets worldwide.

Stake’s success in these markets is built on its ability to balance innovation with compliance, offering players a seamless and secure gambling experience. This approach positions Stake as a leader in the global iGaming industry.

Conclusion: Stake’s Commitment to Compliance and Innovation

Stake’s entry into Alberta’s regulated gambling market represents a significant step forward for the company and the province’s iGaming industry. By securing regulatory approval and transitioning from the gray market, Stake demonstrates its commitment to compliance, player safety, and long-term growth.

As Alberta’s October 13 gray-market deadline approaches, Stake’s launch serves as a reminder of the importance of regulated gambling in fostering a safer and more transparent industry. With its sights set on Ontario and beyond, Stake is poised to become a major player in Canada’s regulated gambling landscape.