Alberta reports 3.2 m geolocation checks in the first week after launch
Vancouver-based geolocation company GeoComply reported 3.2 million geolocation checks made following Alberta's launch of legal iGaming on July 13. The numbers are for the first week of activity on the back of FIFA World Cup 2026, which was co-hosted by Canada.
GeoComply focuses on helping people connect with online casinos and sportsbooks to remain compliant with cross-border restrictions. According to the fresh report, the first three days were the busiest, with Edmonton and Calgary driving the activity. The final match between Spain and Argentina alone triggered 53,000 geolocation checks.
Albertans pursuing safe gambling
The new liberalized iGaming market has given Albertans more opportunities to explore safe, responsible gambling. GeoComply Chair and Co-founder Anna Sainsbury confirmed that more than 100,000 Albertans had signed up with licensed operators. The company also reported that operators had achieved a near 100% pass rate in the opening week of the launch.
The July 13 launch marked the first live deployment of GeoComply's Adaptive Verification system, which uses a risk-based approach to verification. The system applies additional location checks when higher-risk activity is detected.
According to the company, the actual figures could be larger than the initial estimate as they merely come from partner operators. More Albertans are looking to bet on safe, regulated platforms, particularly those licensed within Canada.
Alberta's market scaling up fast
At launch, 50 operators had registered with the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis, with 22 of them going live. More operators have since joined the initial pack, as the market expands. The launch was long awaited and overdue, with player participation expected to increase throughout the remainder of the year. GeoComply noted that players were eager to participate, and the final matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup offered an opportunity to see the market in action.
What this means for Alberta's iGaming market
Industry commentator Allan Asava says:
“Alberta's iGaming market is live with dozens of operators serving players slots, table games, sports betting, and more. The province is following in the footsteps of Ontario, albeit with a faster pace and fewer mishaps.
Responsible gambling tools were available on day one, and while gambling advertising is expected to rise, regulations are already in place to keep it in check. Albertans have also shown interest in sticking to regulated sites, with Canadian license, security, and reliability among top preferences.
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