Canada

Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at Betby, discusses the changing face of the US sports betting market as we head into 2021

Published

5 years ago

January 21, 2021

Is the US sports betting market maturing as expected in a post-PASPA world?

I don’t think there were any expectations as to how the US sports betting market would develop. Everyone understood that if and when legal sports betting occurred across the United States, it would become the largest and most attractive regulated market for players and providers alike.

We’re also seeing a knock-on effect around the world, with companies pivoting their plans to focus on entering the United States ahead of Latin America, Europe or Asia. However, when we talk about the US, we’re not talking a singular market but 50 states with different regulations and different legal approaches. This means that while there are more challenges faced, there are also significantly more rewards. One state, such as New Jersey, can bring in more revenue for a betting company than half of Europe if entered correctly. Regulators in the US immediately set the bar very high for the level of compliance, which can scare off small companies because the process isn’t easy or cheap.

Often, expensive compliance specialists are required, which can give the impression that the market is more accommodating to ‘big business’ rather than disruptors. However, we’re seeing a lot of start-ups and Silicon Valley tech businesses start working on betting data and sports feed products. It will most likely be two to three years before they catch up with ‘Old World’ companies that have significant experience with betting products.

This puts investors into the American market in a difficult position. They will spend more money and time creating their own solutions if they ignore the existing technology companies and their expertise.

Is the sustained regulation of states vital to continued growth in the US, or is the lure of exclusive ‘sports betting states’ such as New Jersey the way forward?

It is only a matter of time before the vast majority of states introduce their own rules to legalise and regulate online betting. The more unified that regulation is, the more efficient the industry as a whole will be. If companies have to engage in development and jump through new legal hoops with every state it becomes a time-consuming and costly process.

Equally, instead of focusing on developing products, bringing innovation and optimising offerings for the US audience, companies will be spending resources meeting regulatory requirements. While it is important to protect players, convoluted legislator demands can be significant hurdles in a fast-paced industry.

It’s not to say it is a barrier to entry or development, but a smooth, sustained roll-out of regulation across the states will enable fast-paced maturation of one of the most exciting territories in the sports betting world.

What will be the next innovation for sports bettors in the States?

The first ‘innovation’ will be a change in mindset in the US, allowing or attracting innovative European companies to partner with not just the big beasts of land-based casino, but with the entire industry. Companies such as ourselves have enough technological and product developments that would appeal to the American end-user while also offering something really new to the market.

As competition increases in the market and the player pool grows, competition will change focus from a ‘speed of entry’ centric market to technology and efficiency. Operators who take this into account now and uses the latest innovations and developments will be in a prime position to capitalise on this. Moving away from a reliance on legacy technology and creating agile, player-friendly betting environments will allow them to be more reactive for the challenges and opportunities that will occur in the American market in the near future.

Canada

Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

altenar-joins-alberta’s-new-regulated-igaming-market

Today marks the official launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, a significant milestone for the Canadian iGaming industry and an important step in Altenar’s continued expansion across North America.

Having secured approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), Altenar is fully prepared to support licensed operators entering Canada’s newest regulated jurisdiction with its award-winning sportsbook technology.

The opening of Alberta’s market establishes Canada’s second regulated online gaming province after Ontario, creating fresh opportunities for operators seeking sustainable growth within a regulated framework.

With a strong track record across regulated markets worldwide, Altenar is well positioned to help partners launch competitive sportsbook offerings that prioritize player engagement, operational flexibility and long-term success.

As competition intensifies from day one, operators will be focused on delivering high-quality betting experiences capable of attracting playersAltenar’s scalable sportsbook solution, extensive customization capabilities and regulatory expertise provide operators with the tools needed to compete effectively in this evolving market.

Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:

“The launch of Alberta’s regulated market is an important moment not only for the province but for the wider Canadian industry. Regulation creates opportunities for operators to build trusted brands while giving players access to safer, more transparent betting environments.

“We’re excited to support our partners as they enter this new market. Success in Alberta will depend on offering a premium player experience from the very beginning – fast, reliable technology, competitive betting content and the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves. Those are exactly the areas where Altenar delivers value, and we look forward to helping operators grow sustainably in one of North America’s most promising new jurisdictions.”

Alberta represents another important milestone in Altenar’s North American growth strategy as the company continues to expand its presence in regulated markets, providing operators with the technology and expertise needed to succeed in increasingly competitive environments.

The post Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta

Published

4 hours ago

July 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

draftkings-set-to-launch-its-online-sportsbook-and-casino-in-alberta

DraftKings is set to launch its top-rated online sportsbook and casino, along with its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand, in Alberta on July 13. Alberta will become the second Canadian province and the 34th jurisdiction across North America where DraftKings Sportsbook is available. With the launch, DraftKings Casino will be available in five U.S. states and Golden Nugget Online Gaming casino in four U.S. states, with both brands available in Alberta and Ontario in Canada.

“We’re thrilled to launch DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino, as well as Golden Nugget Online Gaming in Alberta and continue expanding our presence in Canada. 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,” said Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings.

To celebrate the launch in Alberta, DraftKings employees will volunteer with Food Banks Alberta and present a $150,000 donation to the organization. The funding will purchase over 40,000 pounds of essential food items to be distributed through Food Banks Alberta’s network of member food banks, ensuring resources reach communities both large and small throughout Alberta. This donation will help provide essential food support, including high demand items like fruits and vegetables and baby formula to individuals and families facing hunger, while strengthening local food banks’ ability to meet growing demand.

Eligible customers in Alberta will have access to DraftKings’ comprehensive suite of sports betting and online casino offerings. From same-game parlays, live in-game wagering, and special odds boosts on DraftKings Sportsbook to thousands of casino games, including fan-favorite titles like “Wheel of Fortune – Triple Extreme Spin,” exclusive slot titles, as well as progressive jackpots across Golden Nugget Online Gaming and DraftKings Casino, DraftKings delivers one of the industry’s most robust and engaging entertainment experiences.

DraftKings leads the industry in responsible engagement by promoting customer awareness and use of budget and control tools and resources like deposit limits, cool off periods, and self-exclusion to help customers have a fun source of entertainment with a brand they can trust.

The post DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval

Published

3 days ago

July 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

high-5-games-expands-across-alberta’s-open-igaming-market-following-aglc-supplier-approval

High 5 Games, the creator of premium casino content for the land based, online and social gaming markets announced it has secured supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), extending its games beyond Play Alberta to all licensed operators in the province’s newly opened commercial iGaming market.

High 5 Games has entertained Alberta players since 2024 through Play Alberta, the province’s government operated gaming platform, where titles such as DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and more have become established player favourites. With Alberta’s commercial market now open, that same proven portfolio is available to all licensed operators entering the province.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market will be opening on July 13, 2026, making it the second Canadian province after Ontario to welcome private sector operators. Overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), the market launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, one of the most anticipated regulated market openings in North America this year.

The approval extends High 5 Games’ regulated North American footprint, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia. Alberta players will gain access to High 5’s catalogue of player favourite titles, including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and other titles through launch partnerships with operators.

“Alberta players already know and love our games through Play Alberta, that is a head start no newcomer to this market can claim. With the open market live, every operator in the province can now offer their players the award winning High 5 titles they have been playing for years, from day one.” says Tony Singer, CEO at High 5 Games.

High 5 Games’ content is certified across New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, British Columbia and the studio has developed more than 300 games over three decades of game making.

The post High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.