BetMGM, Marriott Expand Rewards Program to Alberta Following iGaming Launch

BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy extended their rewards program partnership into Alberta, the site of a newly launched Canadian iGaming market.

“By extending this program, we’re providing Albertans the opportunity to be part of a world-class loyalty program with tremendous flexibility on points redemption. It’s another way we deliver unique value that players cannot find anywhere else.”

The partnership allows customers to link their accounts and earn hotel rewards with accrued BetMGM loyalty points. This is another benefit for regional gamblers, who were only recently given access to online casino games and sports betting odds.

BetMGM bolsters Alberta iGaming

For years, the only Canadian province that allowed iGaming was Ontario. The market launched in April 2022, starting a four-year, three-month run of sole ownership over the country’s gambling ecosystem before Alberta’s July 13 launch.

In less than one month, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) and Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) have approved and launched 27 different iGaming platforms. That includes the BetMGM Sportsbook & Casino, which is listed fourth in the alphabetized list of approved operators shown on the AiGC’s website. 

BetMGM players can experience table games, slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other attractions they’d typically find in a retail facility. Adding the benefits of the rewards program extends customer winnings outside of the online platform. 

“Our partnership with Marriott Bonvoy continues to be a powerful differentiator and is one of the most rewarding loyalty offerings in our industry,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer, BetMGM. 

The partnership program, which began in the U.S. in 2024, is also available to users in Ontario.

New offerings and resources

Brick-and-mortar casino loyalty programs have been grouped with hotel bonuses for years, due to the close relationship between the two. BetMGM’s entrance into Alberta brings that link and helps customers earn opportunities, including cheaper stays, at relevant properties.

BetMGM’s Alberta launch coincided with the creation of several new games. The company released its new Game of Thrones slot machine and Lightning Link High Stakes, a popular Aristocrat-made slot machine, this week. These machines are also available for online casino customers in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ontario.

“Lightning Link High Stakes brings a casino-floor favorite into the digital experience for our Alberta players and reflects the type of premium, proven content we want BetMGM Casino Alberta to be known for: recognizable games, compelling features and entertainment rooted in the energy of Las Vegas,” said Rob Passerino, Director of Gaming at BetMGM.

Alberta’s iGaming legalization and ensuing launch was down to several motivations. First, illegal operators were estimated to control about 70 percent of the region’s entire gambling market.

Second, there was a clear opportunity to bolster the economy and generate tax funding for the government. Officials projected $75 million in iGaming revenue in 2026-27, $109 million the following year, and a steadily increasing amount in the years beyond.