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There is less than a week left to go before Alberta launches its regulated online iGaming market.
It will not include the PolyMarket. But, up until July 1, Alberta-based users could log in and buy bet shares, plus make deposits and withdrawals.
But, as of July 2, Alberta bettors have been geoblocked by PolyMarket.
PolyMarket states that four Canadian regions — Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario — are subject to these conditions: “Users can close existing positions but cannot open new ones, on both the front end and the API.”
Neither British Columbia nor Quebec has a regulated iGaming market. Ontario was the first province to regulate iGaming, and Alberta online casinos and sportsbooks go live on July 13.
Why Polymarket’s Bets Don’t Fit Alberta’s Rulebook
Alberta’s rules make it quite clear that many of the betting options available on PolyMarket, such as betting on elections or who will enter political campaigns, will not be allowed in the new, regulated space.
On March 17, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis issued a public bulletin that political events, such as elections, byelections, and leadership contests, were added to the list of events that would be prohibited from bettors.
The regulations also forbid betting on the stock market or any financial assets. On Poymarket, bets can be made on share prices, oil prices, and the predicted prices of cryptocurrencies.
How Polymarket’s Share-Trading Structure Clashes With AGLC Restrictions
Alberta’s rules also prohibit “bets which mimic the structure of financial instruments, products or markets.” The value of bets on Polymarket rise and fall depending on the volumes being sold, just like the stock market. For example, a bettor will see odds on a game or election based on who is buying “win” “lose” or “draw.” If there’s a surge in bets for one of those options, the share prices are immediately impacted.
So, if a bettors places a bet on France to draw a World Cup match against Paraguay, chances are the bets on “draw” will increase during the game, as long as the game remains 0-0. Bettors can profit as soon as the share prices increase.
So, buy “draw” for 18 cents a share, and if it’s 0-0 at 20 minutes, and there’s a run on “draw” bets, the share price should increase. And, a bettor can cash out at that time and potentially make a profit.
This kind of share-trading style of betting will be forbidden under AGLC rules.
Alberta’s Own Independence Bets Remain Live on Polymarket — For Now
And, as of early July, it looks as if Alberta bettors have lost this offshore option.
Ironically, Polymarket currently offers positions on three Alberta-related political questions. Will Alberta join the United States? Will Alberta vote for independence in 2026? And, will Donald Trump try to acquire Alberta?
The oil-rich province is planning an October 19 referendum in which Albertans will be asked if they want to begin a process to separate from Canada — a process which would require another referendum. Current polls, and the Polymarket itself, show a very slim chance of the separation vote succeeding.
