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In anticipation of a fast-approaching Alberta iGaming launch, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) announced the launch of its BetRivers pre-registration period for Albertans. BetRivers joins PointsBet as the only other major operator to introduce a pre-registration phase.
The announcement arrives just as the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 kick off, with BetRivers once again serving as the exclusive sports betting and online gaming partner for CBC/Radio-Canada’s broadcast.
Scaling its Canadian Operations
Since entering the Ontario iGaming market in 2022, BetRivers has adopted a “slots-first” philosophy, driven by heavy gamification. Their expansion gives prospective players in Alberta access to the following:
- Early Access: Albertans can now sign up for exclusive offers and updates ahead of the official market opening.
- Proven Track Record: The BetRivers app currently maintains a 4.8/5 rating in Canadian app stores, bolstered by features like “Rush Packs,” slot tournaments, and daily bingo.
- Localized Presence: RSI maintains a significant corporate presence in Canada, including a large employee base and office in Toronto.
The Olympic Connection
The partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada marks the third time BetRivers has collaborated with the national broadcaster for the Olympics. A staple of this partnership is the return of “The Game,” a free-to-play trivia experience integrated into CBC’s coverage.
“Our philosophy is simple: everything should feel like entertainment,” said Brian Sapp, CMO at Rush Street Interactive. “Whether it’s how players interact with our platform or how fans engage with us during the Olympics, we focus on making every moment more dynamic.”
Participants in “The Game” have the chance to win various prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip to the Mexican Riviera. Even though BetRivers real-money platform is not yet live, residents of the province can take advantage of the free-to-play game this Olympics. The prize opportunities are as follows:
| Prize Type | Quantity | Prize Details | Est. Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nightly Prize | 17 | Winter Winclusive Care Package: Includes two tickets to a professional sporting event (courtesy of BetRivers) and assorted branded gear. | $600 – $700 (each) |
| Grand Prize | 4 | Mexican Riviera Getaway: All-expenses-paid beach vacation for two, including flights, luxury accommodation, and transfers. | $18,000 – $21,000 (each) |
- Age Requirement: You must be 19+ to participate and win prizes (this aligns with the legal gambling age in most provinces, though Alberta’s legal age for other activities is 18, BetRivers/CBC typically standardizes this for their national contests).
- How to Access: You can play through the CBC Olympics website or app. It is integrated directly into the nightly Milano Cortina 2026 broadcast.
- No Purchase Necessary: Because it is “free-to-play,” you don’t need to place a bet or have a funded BetRivers account to win the daily prizes or the Mexican Riviera grand prize.
About Rush Street Interactive (RSI)
RSI is a heavyweight in the North American gaming industry, currently operating in 15 U.S. states and several international markets, including Ontario, Mexico, and Peru. The company has garnered numerous industry accolades, including the 2024 SBC Latinoamérica Casino Operator of the Year and the RG Check iGaming Accreditation for its commitment to responsible gaming.
While a formal launch date for Alberta iGaming has yet to be announced, BetRivers is expected to be among the first platforms to go live when it does — likely sometime between March and May. PlayAlberta, owned and operated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC), remains the only online operator in the state.
