PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel launched in Alberta on November 2, 2026, becoming the province's second regulated online poker room after 888poker. Existing international PokerStars accounts cannot be transferred to the new Alberta service, and players cannot compete against players in Ontario, even though both provinces use the same FanDuel CA poker client.
Alberta Now Has Two Regulated Online Poker Rooms
Alberta opened its regulated iGaming market to private operators on July 13, 2026. Operators must register with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) and sign a commercial agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) before offering their services in the province.
FanDuel Canada ULC is listed on AGLC's public registry as an iGaming operator. The new poker room operates under the PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel name, part of Flutter Entertainment's move to bring PokerStars services under FanDuel in North America.
888poker became Alberta's first regulated online poker room in October. PokerStars has now joined it, giving local players a second option for regulated player-versus-player poker.
Players who previously used PokerStars' international platform cannot transfer their existing accounts to the Alberta service. They must use a FanDuel account to access the new poker room. The FanDuel CA poker client provides separate options for Alberta and Ontario. PokerStars Ontario's official account also explained how Alberta players could access the poker client through the desktop login option.
Alberta and Ontario Still Have Separate Player Pools
Although PokerStars is available through FanDuel in both provinces, Alberta and Ontario do not share a poker player pool. Players in Alberta cannot join the same cash games or tournaments as players in Ontario.
This separation affects the games available to players. Online poker depends on having enough participants at the tables, so smaller, self-contained player pools may offer fewer cash games, tournament formats and available seats during quieter hours.
Using the same poker client does not mean the two provinces can play together. For now, each market operates independently.
Supreme Court Weighs International Player Pool Sharing
A case before the Supreme Court of Canada could affect future arrangements for sharing online poker player pools. The case concerns Ontario's proposed model for allowing players in the province to participate in online games involving players outside Canada.
A majority of the Ontario Court of Appeal found that the proposed model would be lawful under the Criminal Code. Several provincial lottery and gaming organizations appealed that decision, and the Supreme Court heard the case on October 7, 2026.
According to the Court's public docket, judgment remains reserved as of November 6, 2026.
Even if the Supreme Court rules in Ontario's favor, that would not automatically allow Alberta and Ontario players to compete against each other. Connecting the two provincial poker pools would require separate regulatory and operational arrangements.
For now, PokerStars' launch gives Alberta players another regulated online poker option, while the province's player pool remains separate from Ontario.
