AGLC to Launch Sports-First App and Expand Play Alberta with Aristocrat Content
Exciting New Developments for Play Alberta
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its Play Alberta platform later this year. As the province continues to expand its regulated online gambling market, AGLC is set to introduce a new Play Alberta app and significantly increase its game portfolio.
Introducing the Play Alberta App
In an interview with Canadian Gaming Business, Dan Keene, AGLC's VP of Gaming, revealed that Play Alberta, the province’s only regulated online gaming platform, will launch its first-ever app in September. Currently accessible only via desktop or mobile browsers, the app will debut in conjunction with the platform's fourth anniversary and the start of the NHL and NFL seasons. Initially, the app will focus solely on sports betting, with plans to incorporate all of Play Alberta’s gaming verticals early next year.
“Play Alberta is still fairly young in its lifecycle, and we’ve always had eyes on developing an app because it’s critical to the delivery of the product,” Keene said. “Our plan is to launch an app in September focused on the sports vertical to start. Early next calendar year, we’ll add the rest of the verticals like live dealer, casino, and lottery.”
Keene emphasized that one of the primary motivations for the app is to provide easier access to the platform’s suite of responsible gambling tools.
Consolidating Growth Amid Competition
Despite Play Alberta's growth, estimates suggest that more than half of the province’s online gaming market is still held by unregulated sites. Currently, Play Alberta holds a little over 45% of the market share, with around 9% of Alberta’s legal-age population signed up.
“We know there are a lot of competitors out there and likely to be more in the future,” Keene acknowledged. “It’s about continuing to bring a responsible product to Albertans in a way that they feel is competitive and interesting for them.”
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, has begun consultations with First Nations representatives and will soon meet with traditional casino and racing entertainment center operators. The goal is to explore the expansion of Alberta’s online gaming industry to include commercial operators, ensuring it benefits all stakeholders.
Last month, the Alberta legislature passed Bill 16, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, which allows the government to permit commercial online gaming operators to enter the market. Keene welcomed this prospect, stating, “Numerous gaming providers have existed in Alberta for decades. Albertans are already participating; the market is already mature. We want to have the market available in a safe way to Albertans. We fully embrace what the minister is doing.”
Aristocrat Content on the Horizon
Beyond the new app and an emphasis on sports betting, AGLC plans to enhance the Play Alberta platform further. Keene mentioned upcoming additions, including new payment options like PayPal and Apple Pay and a significant increase in online casino and slots games.
“Our plans call for almost doubling the game content, specifically slot content, on the site,” Keene noted.
A major evolution will be the integration of Aristocrat Gaming titles. Aristocrat recently acquired the parent company of NeoPollard Interactive, the technology provider for Play Alberta, and its titles will soon be featured prominently on the platform.
“We expect to see strong support from Aristocrat Gaming on the Play Alberta side going forward,” Keene added. “But it’s not just that vendor; there are other exciting vendors we’re looking to bring to the site.”
Making Hay While the Oilers Shine
Play Alberta has seen unprecedented growth, thanks in part to the Edmonton Oilers’ performance in the Stanley Cup Finals. The platform has experienced its highest betting activity in its four-year history, with NHL games attracting more wagers than any other sport. Keene reported steady increases in both the number of bettors and the volume of wagers as the Oilers progressed through the playoffs.
To capitalize on this heightened interest, Play Alberta has enhanced its hockey betting experience with custom markets, 10-times odds boosts on every game, free-build parlays, and ticket and suite giveaways.
While this surge will level out after the finals, AGLC believes it is well-positioned for future growth as Alberta’s gaming market continues to evolve.


thefakekush Vavada taking months to pay casino players and now launching a sportsbook? Yeah, no thanks. Imagine hitting a big bet and waiting half a year to get paid. Hard pass.


MrMinerson Finally, someone saying it like it is! Just because one person got lucky doesn’t mean the rest of us should throw money at this slot hoping for the same result.


mooniverse Another state gets flooded with Play’n GO slots. Too bad the RTP is hardly ever player-friendly, with some games barely hitting 80%. Hope they reconsider giving players more control over it.


TheHoodWhisperer It's alarming to see how many young people are getting exposed to gambling through streamers. With the rise of this influence, we need more stringent regulations to protect underage viewers and ensure they aren't encouraged to gamble.


TheHunther This is such a sad story. Gambling can start as a harmless pastime but can quickly turn into an addiction that destroys lives. We need better education and support to help those struggling with it.


YellowToad This is a great step forward! Young people shouldn’t have a criminal record for a mistake, but they should still face consequences. A fine system makes much more sense.


YELLOWWOOD This is amazing news! The NFL coming to Australia is a huge win for sports fans. The MCG will be a fantastic venue—can't wait to see which team the Rams will face!
As a huge Oilers fan, it’s been awesome to see the team’s success boost Play Alberta’s betting activity. The special promotions and odds boosts have made the playoffs even more exciting. Kudos to AGLC for capitalizing on this moment and enhancing the betting experience!
While expanding the online gaming market is good for the economy, I hope AGLC and the government will also focus on protecting vulnerable individuals from gambling addiction. More regulation and support services are essential to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment.
AGLC’s move to integrate Aristocrat Gaming titles into Play Alberta is a smart strategy. Aristocrat’s games are popular and engaging, and adding them will surely attract more players to the platform. It’s exciting to see how Play Alberta is evolving and competing in the online gaming market.
It’s great to see AGLC focusing on responsible gambling with the new app. Making these tools more accessible is crucial for helping players manage their gaming habits. Hopefully, this will set a new standard for other gaming platforms in Alberta and beyond.
I’m thrilled to hear about the new Play Alberta app launching in September! As a sports betting enthusiast, having an app dedicated to sports first is fantastic news. It’ll be so much easier to place bets and track my wagers. Can’t wait to see what other features they add next year!