888poker has become the first operator to offer online poker in Alberta, launching a locally ring-fenced site on Tuesday after the province began regulating its online gaming market this year. The launch gives Alberta players a regulated poker option, while PokerStars has told customers it will leave the province.
888poker also became the first operator to enter Ontario. For Alberta, however, the company has moved players off its international platform and into a separate pool restricted to the province.
“Starting today, Alberta players will migrate to a separated pool (only Alberta, not with Ontario) according to the new Alberta regulations,” an 888 spokesperson said.
Shared liquidity remains uncertain
The Alberta pool will initially be separate from Ontario’s. 888poker could potentially combine players with other regulated markets if a legal challenge over shared liquidity is resolved in Ontario’s favour.
Ontario’s Court of Appeal ruled in November 2025 that operators could pool players with those in other provinces and countries. The Canadian Lottery Coalition, which represents several provincial lottery operators, appealed the decision to the Supreme Court in March.
Alberta has a population of 4.3 million, making a large player pool within the province alone unlikely. Shared liquidity is seen as the route to larger player and prize pools. If the Supreme Court upholds Ontario’s position, 888poker could expand its pool to include Ontario players and potentially players outside Canada.
PokerStars leaves the province
PokerStars has informed Alberta players that it will exit the market. The province’s regulated market opened in July, but did not initially include a poker operator. Operators now need a licence from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis to operate legally.
A three-month grace period gave operators until Oct. 13 to meet the new requirements or leave. PokerStars had already blocked Alberta residents from its online casino and sports betting platforms. The company has not said whether it will return to the regulated market, a decision that may depend on the Supreme Court case.
