River Cree Resort & Casino, Alberta’s first Indigenous-owned casino, has selected Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) to power its entry into the province’s regulated online gambling market. The deal covers an online casino, sports betting platform and native mobile app, making River Cree GiG’s fifth operator partner in Alberta. The Enoch Cree Nation-owned property registered with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis earlier in 2026 but has not yet launched online play.
River Cree Resort & Casino has selected Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) to support its expansion into Alberta’s regulated online gambling market. The partnership will connect the First Nations-owned property’s land-based operations with an online casino and sports betting platform.
Located on Edmonton’s western outskirts, River Cree is owned by the Enoch Cree Nation. The casino registered with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) earlier in 2026 to launch an iGaming site. Online play has not yet begun.
GiG to Supply Casino and Sportsbook Technology
GiG announced the agreement this week, stating its technology would combine River Cree’s established customer relationships with infrastructure designed to bridge physical and digital gaming. The deal makes River Cree GiG’s fifth operator partner in Alberta.
Under the agreement, GiG will provide the technology and platform for River Cree’s online expansion. The package includes an online casino, online sports betting, a native mobile app, custom front-end and omnichannel solutions and advanced data analytics and managed services.
The omnichannel infrastructure is intended to link River Cree’s land-based experience with its digital offering. GiG noted that the partnership would build on the resort’s local roots, existing player base and customer loyalty.
GiG CEO Richard Carter said the company’s turnkey technology and Data and Logic engines were developed to help established operators connect their physical and online businesses. Carter expressed confidence that GiG’s technology and local expertise could help River Cree extend its reach into Alberta’s online market.
River Cree Builds on Indigenous Casino History
Established in 2006, River Cree is the first Indigenous-owned casino in Alberta. Launching an online casino would mark a significant expansion beyond its sole land-based property.
CEO Vik Mahajan described the initiative as the next step in bringing River Cree’s games to players. He added that the operator is using GiG’s technology to develop its online offering.
Alberta’s regulatory framework allows existing land-based casinos, including both commercial and First Nations-owned properties, to apply to enter the regulated online gambling market. River Cree’s registration places it among the physical casino operators preparing to participate.
Pure Provides an Existing Online Example
Another Indigenous casino operator, PURE Casino Entertainment, entered the market in early August with purecasino.ca. Boyd Interactive supplies its technology, while Kambi provides sports betting.
Unlike River Cree’s single-property operation, PURE is Alberta’s largest casino operator by property count. Its parent, First Nations coalition Indigenous Gaming Partners, owns seven casinos and multiple hotels across the province. The portfolio includes four PURE-branded venues and properties such as Calgary’s Deerfoot Inn & Casino.
PURE CEO Brad Belhouse has previously discussed the advantages he believes established physical casinos bring to online gambling. Alberta’s online market opened on July 13 and has since expanded to more than 50 casino and sportsbook sites operated by around 30 companies.
GiG Extends its Alberta Partner Network
River Cree joins a growing group of Alberta operators working with GiG. The company’s partner roster also includes Casino Time, LuckyDays and PowerPlay. GiG previously worked with those operators in Ontario, where it holds a service provider license.
