DraftKings opens sportsbook and casino in Alberta

• DraftKings launched its sportsbook, casino and Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand in Alberta on July 13, its second Canadian province after Ontario.
• The move makes Alberta DraftKings’ 34th North American sports betting jurisdiction, with DraftKings Casino live in five US states and Golden Nugget in four.
• DraftKings donated $150,000 to Food Banks Alberta to mark the launch, funding more than 40,000 pounds of food for distribution across the province.

DraftKings switched on its sportsbook, casino and Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand in Alberta on July 13, becoming the operator’s second Canadian market after Ontario.

The launch lands as Alberta’s regulated iGaming sector opens to private operators for the first time, with more than 50 operators registered to enter the market this week.

World Cup timing

DraftKings tied the launch to the ongoing FIFA World Cup, which is being played across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Eligible Alberta customers can now access same-game parlays, live in-game wagering, odds boosts and the operator’s full casino catalog via iOS and Android apps.

Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings, said:

“Alberta is home to a passionate sports fan base, and we’re excited to bring customers across the province our industry-leading sports betting and online casino experiences. Launching during one of the biggest moments in global sports, with the World Cup taking place across North America, makes this an especially exciting time to welcome Albertans to DraftKings.”

Speaking to Casino.org ahead of launch, Karamitis said Alberta’s priority is authentic, localized sports content rather than promotional spend.

He pointed to lessons from DraftKings’ 2022 Ontario debut, when the operator initially lacked prominent local coverage such as the Toronto Maple Leafs. The same investment would extend to hockey coverage in Alberta, he said, citing the Edmonton Oilers as an example.

DraftKings first signaled its intent to enter Alberta in April, pending regulatory approval, before confirming the July 13 date once its license was secured.

Crowded launch day

DraftKings enters a busy field. 50 operators had registered with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission ahead of the launch.

FanDuel, bet365 and BetMGM are among the operators that went live alongside DraftKings yesterday on July 13, competing against the incumbent PlayAlberta platform.

Under Alberta’s revenue framework, 3% of gross gaming revenue is set aside before the split between operators and the province, with 2% directed to First Nations funding and 1% to responsible gambling programs. Operators then retain roughly 80% of net gaming revenue, with the province taking about 20%.

Regulators had already moved to restrict marketing ahead of launch, including a ban on public bonus advertising.

Community donation

To mark the launch, DraftKings is presenting Food Banks Alberta with a $150,000 donation, funding more than 40,000 pounds of food, including fruits, vegetables and baby formula, for distribution through the charity’s member network.

The company also hosted a World Cup watch party on July 11 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Calgary, part of a wider series of fan events held across North America.

Alberta’s launch gives DraftKings its second Canadian foothold and pushes its live sportsbook footprint past 30 jurisdictions in North America.

With FanDuel and other rivals also live from day one, early market share is likely to hinge on local sports content and in-game betting speed rather than promotions, given the province’s restrictions on bonus advertising.