BetRivers and Gateway Casinos & Entertainment are celebrating the recent launch of the Alberta iGaming market with a new exclusive partnership.
Key Takeaways
- The companies described the partnership as the only one of its kind in Alberta.
- BetRivers was one of more than 20 iGaming brands that went live in Alberta on launch day in July.
- Events and promotions will begin this summer, with more planned throughout the year.
BetRivers and Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited announced Wednesday that they reached an exclusive partnership to enhance the experience for brick-and-mortar casino customers. The arrangement is described as “the only one of its kind in Alberta.”
BetRivers is an iGaming and sports betting brand that is operated by Rush Street Interactive. It powers brick-and-mortar Rivers Casinos located in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, along with an online platform that is live in a variety of jurisdictions, including Ontario.
Gateway, meanwhile, was founded in 1992 with two casinos in the Vancouver area. It expanded to Alberta with the acquisition of Palace Casino, now known as the Starlight Casino, in 1999, with renovations being completed in 2001.
“Gateway has called Alberta home for more than two decades, with our Edmonton properties sitting at the centre of the city's entertainment scene. Now, through our partnership with BetRivers, that experience doesn’t stop at our doors,” said Tolek Strukoff, chief executive officer of Gateway Casinos & Entertainment. “Whether in person or online, Albertans can enjoy three great places to play.”
Although exact details were not revealed, the companies will offer events and promotions at Gateway's Grand Villa Casino in the ICE District, Starlight Casino inside West Edmonton Mall, and online at ab.betrivers.ca.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
BetRivers gains new retail presence in Alberta
BetRivers was one of numerous iGaming brands that launched when Alberta’s market went live July 13. It also launched in Ontario when the province opened its regulated iGaming market in April 2022.
“Alberta is a market we've been preparing for, and our partnership with Gateway lets us welcome players in a way no one else can,” said Richard Schwartz, chief executive officer at Rush Street Interactive. “By pairing our best-in-class platform with two of Edmonton's landmark entertainment destinations, we’re giving Albertans more ways to play, more reasons to visit, and more to look forward to as we grow in the province.”
According to the announcement, Gateway and BetRivers plan to use their partnership to create events and experiences this summer.
It also noted there are plans for future events throughout the year.
Starlight Casino gives customers access to slot machines, table games, a high-limit lounge, and The Replay Arena, which includes a digital wall, lights, a live DJ, and “Dealertainers.” However, the property did not house a sportsbook.
Huge expectations for Alberta iGaming
More than 20 iGaming brands, including BetRivers, launched in Alberta on the day of the market’s opening.
Projections stated Alberta online casinos and sports betting could generate CA$76 million in taxes from $390 million in gross revenue for operators. Research firm H2 Gambling Capital was even more bullish, suggesting the market could produce about $2.8 billion in online gambling revenue in a little over two calendar years.
