If you’re interested in sports betting in Alberta, you’re on the right page. In this extensive guide, we’ve analyzed and discussed all essential details about sports wagering in the Canadian province. You’ll get information on gambling laws in Alberta and domestic and online sportsbooks for safe betting. We aim to help you find a secure and legal sports betting platform, so read on to get all the details.
Many Canadian bettors frequently ask, is sports betting legal in Alberta?
Well, the answer is positive, as sports betting is indeed legal in Alberta.
This follows the recent changes in federal legislation, which has opened up more options for sports bettors in Canada. Specifically, Bill C-218, passed on August 27, 2021, allows Canadians to wager on the outcome of a single sporting event.
The only domestic online betting site available to Albertans is Play Alberta, which allows wagers to be placed on single games. However, before August 27, 2021, bettors could only engage in multiple bets or parlays. In other words, wagers had to be placed on more than one game outcome, and if any didn't win, the bet was lost.
Since provinces can make their own gambling rules, federal gambling laws don’t always reflect provincial law. However, it’s different this time as the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) is solidly in support of Bill C-218. The AGLC has consistently advocated for progressive gambling laws.
AGLC believes Albertans should have more choices when placing bets on their favorite sports teams. Bill C-218 gives individual provinces and territories the right to handle sports betting rules in their area.
Accordingly, Alberta voted to allow gamblers in the province to engage in single-game betting in addition to parlays.
In Alberta, The AGLC and the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) work together to provide sports betting options for residents. There are 28 land-based casinos in Alberta, and here are some places where you can engage in brick-and-mortar sports betting in Alberta:
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
Casino Dene
ACE Casino Blackfoot
Pure Casino Calgary
Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, and more
At the above locations, you get different sports options such as:
This involves predicting whether the total score of the game (or match) will exceed (over) or be less than (under) a specific number.
You get two options with point spread. The first is betting on the favorite team to win by a set margin, while the second is picking the underdogs to keep the favorites from reaching the set spread.
With this option, you bet against other sports fans. Simply predict the outcome of various games and get the most predictions right to win.
You’ll be betting on outcomes not directly related to the match result. For instance, you can bet on which of the two selected players will win or whether you think the match-up will result in a tie.
In this simple game, you need to predict which team will win and by how much.
Alberta has one sole online sports betting platform: Play Alberta. It’s the only provincially regulated website for domestic online wagering, and AGLC operates the platform. Although you may prefer having more sportsbooks to choose from, Play Alberta has tons of options when it comes to sports betting.
As a bettor, you can choose to wager on any of these available sports:
Hockey betting
Football betting
Basketball betting
Baseball betting
On the Play Alberta online sportsbook, you can place various types of wagers, including Spread, Moneyline, Totals, and Run Line bets.
We’ve mentioned that Play Alberta is the sole domestic sportsbook allowed to operate in Alberta. But what about international sites?
Well, sports bettors in Alberta can bet on offshore sportsbooks without issues. Similar to other provinces, any offshore site without physical ties to Canada is legal for Albertans to use.
Using reliable guides like our Best Sportsbooks in Canada for 2024 is the best way to find safe and legal offshore sportsbooks. If you decide to research independently, there are many factors to consider. Most importantly, ensure the sportsbook is located outside Canada to guarantee it’s legal.
Furthermore, when looking at offshore sportsbooks, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and security. Review any website before you provide personal information or make a deposit.
Based on our experience, it’s essential to confirm that the online sportsbook is licensed and trustworthy. Look for licensing by regulatory bodies like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, or the UK Gambling Commission.
Unlike Play Aberta, offshore sportsbooks offer more extensive betting options in terms of sports and markets. Many safe and reliable international sportsbooks are legal for Albertans, and here are some of our top picks:
Each of these online sportsbooks we recommend is licensed and regulated. That said, remember to always be vigilant when gambling online. Protect your personal and financial information, and don’t release more details than you should.
In this section, you will find all the top betting apps in Alberta.
These apps provide a user-friendly interface, secure transactions, and great betting options. They are also among the top 10 best betting apps we've listed in Canada.
See the top 3 Alberta betting apps below and choose your favourite.
Rating | 4.7/5 b 92.8K Ratings |
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Size | 48.5 MB |
Version | 8.155.0 |
Downloads | 100k+ |
Rating | 4.4 by 11K review |
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Size | 22MB |
Version | 8.0.0.309-ca |
Downloads | 10K+ |
At BettingGuide, we aim to make finding a betting site that fits your needs as easy as possible. Our comprehensive guide will show you all the best betting sites in Canada and all the best options for specific sports and interests.
See below for the best options for the players in Alberta.
Considering recent happenings, the future of sports betting in Alberta promises to be positive. The AGLC is a progressive organization that wants the best for gamblers and betting fans in the province. Hence, the launch of Play Alberta in 2021, along with the option to bet on single-game outcomes.
With the AGLC at the forefront, Play Alberta plans to continue to improve this site and expand the available betting categories and markets. At the moment, the options are indeed limited, but things are likely to change in the coming years.
Additionally, on a federal level, Canada may continue to pass legislation that allows for a more vast and open sports betting market. So, Albertans can look forward to more diversity in sports betting in the future.
Thomas is responsible for all content on BettingGuide Canada. With his extensive knowledge of the gambling industry and college degree in law, he knows what you should look out for when choosing the best casino or sportsbook.