PokerStars on FanDuel has gone live in Alberta, returning the brand to the province under its newly regulated online gambling framework. The launch gives local players a second regulated online poker option, joining 888poker, which entered the market on 13 October.
The platform is operating as a ring-fenced site, meaning its player pool is currently limited to users located in Alberta. It is not yet sharing liquidity with PokerStars’ Ontario platform, although the two provinces have been working towards a possible agreement that could allow players to compete in a larger shared network.
The relaunch follows regulatory changes that led PokerStars to stop accepting Alberta players on its previous international platform. The new PokerStars on FanDuel service operates under the provincial framework and offers cash games, tournaments and Spin & Go formats.
Players returning to the brand cannot simply transfer their former international accounts. The new platform requires users to create a fresh account and install the relevant software or mobile application. Existing FanDuel Casino customers can use their FanDuel credentials to access the poker app.
The launch is an important step in the development of Alberta’s regulated online poker market. With two platforms now active, competition for local players is expected to increase, particularly if operators introduce tournament promotions and other incentives. The next major development to watch is the possibility of shared liquidity between Alberta and Ontario.