CasinoCanada spoke to Tonybet CEO Dmitry Arabuli about Alberta's iGaming regulation

Alberta will launch its regulated online gambling market on 13 July 2026, becoming Canada's second major regulated iGaming jurisdiction after Ontario. CasinoCanada.com sat down with Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet, to discuss what the province's shift to a regulated framework could mean for operators already serving Canadian players.

Arabuli expects Alberta to go through the same adjustment phase Ontario experienced after regulation. While the framework is well-designed, operators, affiliates, and players will need time to adapt.

"For operators already active in Canada, the province represents both a commercial opportunity and a regulatory test. The market is attractive, but entry will depend on licensing timelines, compliance requirements, responsible gambling standards and the ability to compete with offshore brands."

Tonybet CEO discusses the opportunities and challenges the new market presents, Alberta's licensing framework, and the province's role in the company's long-term Canada strategy.

"What I'll say about Alberta is this: when a regulated market opens in a region where you already have a strong, growing presence and an established compliance infrastructure, you pay close attention. Alberta's framework is serious – it mirrors what Ontario built, with real player protections and clear expectations for operators."

According to Arabuli, Alberta is unlikely to significantly change Tonybet's Canada strategy, which has long focused on regulated markets. Instead, it reinforces the company's existing approach.

"That's the kind of environment we respect and want to be part of. I won't go into specific timelines here, but I will say our orientation toward Canada is long-term, and every meaningful development in that market matters to us."

Read the full interview on CasinoCanada.com.