Playtech Advances in Alberta and UAE Markets

Playtech has extended its regulated gaming presence with two developments announced this week, entering Alberta's newly regulated online gaming market while also gaining another foothold in the United Arab Emirates through a licensed subsidiary.

The company began operating in Alberta as the province officially opened its regulated iGaming sector, providing licensed operator partners with access to a selection of its casino and live gaming products. The rollout adds another Canadian jurisdiction to Playtech's North American operations after the supplier entered Ontario when that market launched in 2022.

Among the titles being introduced are Adventures Beyond Wonderland, Mega Fire Blaze Roulette and Oink Oink Oink, games that Playtech says have already established player engagement in regulated North American markets.

Shimon Akad, Playtech Chief Operating Officer, said: “Entering Alberta’s regulated iGaming market on its first day is a significant milestone for Playtech’s North American expansion strategy. We are pleased to be supporting our partners with some of our strongest-performing content and are committed to working closely with them as the market evolves, broadening our offering and helping them deliver engaging player experiences to support their long-term success.”

Alberta Expansion Builds on Canadian Presence

The Alberta market operates under the iGaming Alberta Act together with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission's iGaming Standards. Playtech said its experience supporting operators in established regulated jurisdictions provides a foundation as the province's online gaming sector develops.

Charmaine Hogan, Global Head of Government Relations at Playtech, highlighted the province's responsible gambling framework.

She said: “Alberta has set a strong regulatory foundation for its iGaming market, and the establishment of a centralised self-exclusion system is a particularly welcome step in safeguarding players.”

Hogan added: “Well-designed regulation, underpinned by meaningful player protection tools, is what allows regulated markets to thrive and channel players away from the black market. We will continue to work constructively with the Alberta iGaming Corporation and industry partners as the market matures.”

Subsidiary Added to UAE Vendor Register

Separately, Playtech subsidiary VSTechnology Limited has been added to the list of licensed gaming-related vendors maintained by the United Arab Emirates' General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The addition brings the number of suppliers listed on the regulator's public register to 23.

The regulator has not disclosed when the licence was issued, its licence number or which products and services it covers. According to the GCGRA, only licensed businesses and individuals may conduct commercial gaming activities or supply related products and services in the UAE.

The public register links VS Technology Limited to Playtech's corporate website. Playtech has previously identified VS Technology Limited as a wholly owned UK subsidiary responsible for licensing online gaming software and games following its acquisition through the purchase of Gaming Technology Solutions in 2009.

The GCGRA register also includes suppliers such as Aristocrat Technologies, Novomatic, Scientific Games, LNW Gaming, Konami Gaming, International Game Technology, Cammegh and Endorphina. Wynn Al Marjan remains the only land-based gaming facility listed by the regulator, while The Game LLC holds the UAE Lottery licence and Coin Technology Projects LLC appears under internet gaming and sports wagering.

Source:

“Playtech Expands North American Footprint with Entry into Alberta’s Online Gaming Market”, playtech.com, Jul 16, 2026