Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Fact checked by:
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2025, 2:08 PM
Alberta is entering a new era of sports betting. With the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) receiving Royal Assent in May 2025, the province is preparing to open its market to private sportsbook operators for the first time. Until now, Alberta bettors have relied on PlayAlberta, the province’s sole legal online betting site, alongside select retail locations like casino kiosks and offshore Canadian sportsbook options. However, once proclaimed into force, the new legislation will allow for a competitive, regulated market with more sportsbook options and deeper betting markets.
Understanding your options is key to safe, informed wagering. Alberta bettors will soon be able to choose from multiple licensed operators, all subject to provincial oversight and responsible gambling standards.
Our legal and industry experts reviewed this guide. It will walk you through everything you need to know about Alberta sports betting, from expected changes under the new law to safe sportsbook selection, market trends, responsible play tools, and the teams that shape the province’s betting scene.
Top 10 Alberta Sportsbooks - 2025 Rankings
1XBET Sportsbook
1xBET 120% first deposit bonus up to $540 CAD
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Wide range of payment options including 45+ cryptocurrencies
- Good selection of niche sports
- Customer service was ineffective
- Cannot implement responsible gambling limits ones own account
- 1xBET is not licensed in Canada
- Lack of transparency and information for non-members
- Wagering requirements on bonuses are complex and encourage excessive wagering
BNB
CAD
BUSD
BTC
BCH
BRL
LINK
COP
CRO
DAI
DOGE
EOS
ETH
EUR
GBP
HKD
JPY
LTC
MYR
MXP
NZD
MATIC
RUB
SHIB
SOL
KRW
SEK
TWD
USDT
THB
TRX
USD
USDC
Go to Website
Details
Leo Vegas Sportsbook
LeoVegas Welcome Bonus: $50 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $25
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Availability: LeoVegas is available in all 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada.
- Competitive Odds: LeoVegas has competitive odds and numerous markets on a range of sports.
- Dedicated Responsible Gambling Site: Although tough to find, LeoVegas provides a dedicated website for responsible gambling.
- Wagering Requirements: LeoVegas Welcome Bonus has very high wagering requirements for new bettors.
- Responsible Gambling Hard to Find: LeoVegas makes finding responsible gambling content hard to find including limiting tools.
- Margin (Vig) on certain markets can reach upwards of 10%, which is very high comparable to other sportsbooks.
Details
BetVictor Sportsbook
BetVictor Up to $400 in Bet Credits
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Available across Canada
- Responsible gambling tools that users can self-govern their accounts
- Bonuses with realistic wagering requirments
- Licensed only in Ontario. In the rest of Canada BetVictor operates as an offshore sportsbook
- Few banking methods
- Customer support is relatively slow compared to many other sportsbooks in Canada
Details
BC Game Sportsbook
BC Game 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bet In Sports
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Responsible gambling tools and resources enabling players to set limits.
- Member of the Crypto Gambling Foundation for fair gaming.
- Thousands of live sports events.
- Fast and attentive customer support.
- Wagering requirements on some bonuses are difficult.
- Not available in Ontario.
- No native app for iOS or Android.
Details
22Bet Sportsbook
22Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $180
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Dozens of payment options
- Licensed in Canada (outside of Ontario)
- Customer service is inconsistent and does not have grasp of 22Bet details
- No option to set responsible gambling limits in the account
- No license in Ontario
- Difficult wagering requirements on bonus offers
CAD
BTC
BNB
BUSD
BCH
BRL
LINK
COP
CRO
DAI
DOGE
EOS
ETH
EUR
GBP
HKD
JPY
LTC
MYR
MXP
NZD
MATIC
RUB
SHIB
SOL
SEK
TWD
USDT
TRX
USD
USDC
XRP
Go to Website
Details
Bet99 Sportsbook
Bet99 First Bet Encore Up To $800. Code:
RG99
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Licensed throughout Canada
- Many responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, loss limits, among others
- Live streaming of many games
- Does not accept crypto
- Sportsbook margin (Vig) is up to 10% on some niche sports
Details
20BET Sportsbook
20Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% UP TO $150. Code:
RG150
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Customer service is fast to respond.
- Accepts cryptocurrency transactions for instant payouts.
- Licensed in Canada (outside Ontario) by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
- Difficult 5x wagering requirement on welcome bonus.
- Not available in Ontario.
- Many users have complained about the mobile app disconnecting.
Details
Sports Interaction
Sports Interaction Welcome Bonus: 125% up to $250. Code:
WELCOMEBONUS
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Licensed and regulated in all 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada
- Sports Interaction app is available for iOS and Android
- Self-regulating responsible gambling tools, including deposit and time limits
- Limited promotions overall
- No horse racing betting markets
Details
TonyBet Sportsbook
TonyBet First Deposit Bonus Up To $350
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Licensed and regulated across all of Canada.
- Highly competitive odds
- Numerous responsible gambling tools and resources.
- Very fast and professional customer service.
- Promotions with difficult wagering requirements.
- VIP programs may lead to excessive gambling to have any chance of winning.
Details
BetPlays Sportsbook
BetPlays Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% Match on First Deposit
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Knowledgeable and attentive customer support
- Accepts cryptocurrency for instant transactions
- No fees on transactions by the sportsbook
- Difficult wagering requirements on many bonuses
- Does not have a Canadian sports betting license, rather an off-shore license in Cyprus
- There is no mobile app for iOS or Android
- Bettors cannot self regulate accounts (cannot set limits)
- Not available in Ontario
Details
Pinnacle Sportsbook
Pinnacle Enhanced Odds
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
- Enhanced odds on all sports markets with greater returns on winning bets than other sportsbooks
- Available across Canada
- Accepts cryptocurrency for fast transactions
- Responsible gambling tools enabling players to set limits, timeouts and similar restrictions
- There are no dedicated mobile apps available
- Response times of Pinnacle customer support can have lengthly wait periods
- There are no sportsbook bonus offers or promotions available
Details
18+ only. Gambling involves risk—set limits and play responsibly.
The Top BC Sports Promos
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code Required? |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBET Sportsbook | 120% First Deposit Bonus up to $540 CAD | No Promo Code |
| 20BET Sportsbook | 100% Up to $150 | No Promo Code |
| 22Bet Sportsbook | 100% Up to $180 | No Promo Code |
| Bet99 Sportsbook | First Bet Encore Up to $800 | RG99 |
| BetVictor Sportsbook | Up to $400 in Bet Credits | No Promo Code |
| BC Game Sportsbook | 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bets in Sports | No Promo Code |
| BetPlays Sportsbook | 100% Match on First Deposit | No Promo Code |
| Pinnacle Sportsbook | Enhanced Odds on All Sports Markets | No Promo Code |
| TonyBet Sportsbook | First Deposit Bonus Up To $350 | No Promo Code |
| Stake Sportsbook | 200% Deposit Bonus Up to $3,000 | No Promo Code |
| 888sport Sportsbook | 100% Bonus Up to $250 on Your First Deposit | No Promo Code |
| Casumo Sportsbook | 100% Profit Boost Up to $1,000 on First Bet | No Promo Code |
| Coolbet Sportsbook | 100% Deposit Bonus up to $200 | No Promo Code |
| LeoVegas Sportsbook | $50 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $25 | No Promo Code |
| NorthStar Bets Sportsbook | 100% up to $100 + 100 Bonus Spins | No Promo Code |
| PowerPlay Sportsbook | Deposit Match up to $500 in Bonus Bets | No Promo Code |
All Active Alberta Welcome Bonuses
Welcome Bonus
BC Game 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bet In Sports
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
BC Game 120% Bonus + 100 Free Spins In Casino
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
20Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% UP TO $150
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
RG150
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Northstar Bets Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $100 + 100 Bonus Spins
Easy
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
22Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $180
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Shangri La Welcome Bonus - 100% up to $50 + 20 Free Spins
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Betway Free Bet Refund Up to $200 + 20 Free Spins
Easy
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Betway Welcome Bonus: Up to $200 Bet Token + 20 Free Spins
Medium
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Betway Get a Bet Token Refund Up to $200
Medium
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Coolbet Deposit Bonus: 100% up to $200
Easy
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
CAD200
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
1xBET 120% first deposit bonus up to $540 CAD
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
BetPlays Sports Bonus up to 120%
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
BetPlays Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% Match on First Deposit
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Powerplay Welcome Bonus: Deposit Match up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
TonyBet First Deposit Bonus Up To $350
Medium
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Casumo Welcome Bonus: 100% Profit Boost Up to $1,000 on First Bet
Easy
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Bet99 First Bet Encore Up To $800
Easy
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
RG99
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
LeoVegas Welcome Bonus: $50 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $25
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
Welcome Bonus
Stake Welcome Bonus: Up to $3,000
Hard
to obtain
expire
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC), terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available to users in Ontario.
Copied!
Click to copy code
Claim Bonus
How to Choose a Safe and Legal Sportsbook in Alberta
Have you ever wondered how to find the best and most reliable Alberta sportsbooks? With Alberta preparing to launch a competitive market, similar to Ontario's betting market, bettors should know how to choose safe, legal, and reliable sportsbooks. Here’s what to look for:
- 🔒 Licensed in Alberta – Once the iGaming Alberta framework is active, choose sportsbooks officially approved by the province.
- 🧠 Responsible Gambling Tools – Look for deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to stay in control. The best sportsbooks have these settings in the player's profile.
- 📱 Easy to Use – Smooth apps and websites make betting fast and frustration-free.
- 💬 Local Focus – The best sportsbooks cover the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Stampeders, and other Alberta teams.
- 💳 Secure Payments – Use trusted methods like Interac, e-wallets, or credit cards with clear processing times.
- 📞 Reliable Support – Look for 24/7 live chat or phone help in case you need assistance.
Key Facts About AB Sports Wagering
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Launch Date | August 27, 2021 (single-event betting via PlayAlberta); competitive market expected late 2025 |
| 🎰 Retail Sports Betting | Yes – available at select casinos and gaming venues |
| 📱 Online Sports Betting | Yes – PlayAlberta currently; private sportsbooks expected under new law. Offshore online sportsbooks have been available since 2021. |
| 🎮 Esports Betting | Yes |
| 🎂 Legal Betting Age | 18+ |
| 👥 Alberta Population | 4.8 million |
| 🎯 Regulator | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC)/iGaming Alberta (pending market expansion) |
How to Sign Up and Start Betting in Alberta
Follow these straightforward steps to register at a legal Alberta sportsbook (PlayAlberta now, private operators coming soon):
- Tap “Register” or “Join” on the sportsbook’s website or mobile app.
- Enter your personal details, including:
- Full Name
- Alberta Address
- Date of Birth (must be 18+)
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Verify your identity through email or SMS confirmation.
- Enable geolocation to confirm you’re in Alberta.
- Deposit funds using Interac, credit card, or other accepted methods.
- Start betting on sports, esports, or casino-style games (where available).
All legal sportsbooks in Alberta require identity and age verification to protect users and comply with provincial laws.
Funding & Cashing Out at Alberta Sportsbooks
Alberta bettors can access similar payment methods to those in BC, SK, and other provinces.
How to Deposit
- Log in to your account.
- Open “Cashier / Banking.”
- Choose a deposit method from the list available on your site.
- Enter the amount (respect site minimums).
- Add a bonus code if offered.
- Confirm. Funds appear instantly with most options.
🏦 Deposit Methods
| Method | PlayAlberta | Offshore Sites | Typical Speed | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer | ✔ | ✔ | Instant | Canada’s most popular banking option |
| Visa/Mastercard (credit & debit) | ✔ | ✔ | Instant | Widely accepted; some Canadian banks may block gaming charges |
| PayPal | ✔ | ✔ (varies) | Instant | Fast, low-fee e-wallet; limited offshore coverage |
| Other e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz) | ✖ | ✔ | Instant | Common at offshore books, rare at PlayAlberta |
| Prepaid cards/vouchers (Paysafecard, Play+) | Play+ only | ✔ | Instant | Good for privacy; fees vary |
| Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC) | ✖ | ✔ | Near-instant | Only at offshore sites; no provincial oversight |
| Bank wire/ACH | ✖ | ✔ | 1–3 bd | Best for high limits; slower processing |
Coming market change
Private Alberta-licensed sportsbooks are expected to add more e-wallets, Apple Pay, and faster open-banking rails once the competitive market goes live.
📤 How to Withdraw
- Log in → “Cashier / Withdraw.”
- Select a withdrawal method (often must match your deposit route).
- Enter amount (respect limits).
- Verify identity (first withdrawal) – upload ID, proof of address, and sometimes proof of payment source.
- Confirm and wait for processing.
⏳ Withdrawal Methods & Speeds
| Method | PlayAlberta | Offshore Sites | Typical Payout Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer | ✔ | ✔ | ≤ 24 hrs | Reliable for Canadians |
| PayPal | ✔ | ✔ | Few hrs–24 hrs | Fastest regulated option |
| Other e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) | ✖ | ✔ | Up to 24 hrs | Low fees; offshore only |
| Crypto | ✖ | ✔ | Within hours | High limits; price volatility risk |
| Bank transfer / ACH / wire | ✖ | ✔ | 1–7 bd | Best for large wins; higher fees |
| Card refunds | ✔ (Visa/Mastercard) | ✔ (varies) | 1–5 bd | Not all issuers allow gaming refunds |
Withdrawal Essentials
- KYC checks add 1–3 days to your first cash-out; thereafter, payouts are quicker.
- Regulated sites (PlayAlberta) do not support crypto and must return funds to the original payment source.
- Always review each book’s banking page for hidden fees, daily limits, and required ID documents.
Popular Alberta Sports Wagering Types
| Bet Type | Definition | Example (Alberta Teams) | Difficulty | Why It’s Easy/Hard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Bet on the outright winner of a game. | Oilers to beat Flames at -125 | ⭐ Easy | Straightforward win/loss bet. No point spreads to track. |
| Point Spread | Team must win or lose by a set number of points. | Stampeders -4.5 vs. Elks (+4.5) | ⭐⭐ Medium | You must understand the margin of victory. |
| Totals (Over/Under) | Bet on combined score of both teams. | Over 6.5 goals in Oilers vs. Jets | ⭐ Easy | Just predict the total score, not the winner. |
| Parlays | Multiple bets combined into one. All must win to cash. | Oilers ML + Flames Over 6.5 + Stampeders -3.5 | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | One loss = no payout. High risk, high reward. |
| Same-Game Parlay | Multiple bets within a single event. | Flames ML + Kadri to score + Over 5.5 goals | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Correlated outcomes = higher variance. |
| Prop Bets | Bets on player or team stats/events. | McDavid to score + Over 3.5 Oilers power plays | ⭐⭐ Medium | Great for stat-savvy bettors. Fun and varied options. |
| Teasers | Modified parlays with adjusted spreads/totals. | 6-point teaser: Stampeders -6 → 0, Over 44 → 38 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Better odds of winning, but lower payouts. |
| Futures | Bet on a season-long or tournament outcome. | Oilers to win Stanley Cup at +1600 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Long wait for payout; good for loyal fans. |
| Live Betting | Place bets in real time as the game unfolds. | Bet Stampeders to win after trailing in Q2 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Fast-paced, data-driven. Great for hedging or reacting live. |
| Totals by Period | Over/Under on a specific period/quarter. | Over 1.5 goals in 1st period (Oilers vs. Flames) | ⭐ Easy | Focused segment; easier to analyze for hockey fans. |
| Winning Margin | Predict the victory range. | Elks to win by 1–6 points | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Small ranges = tough to hit. Big payouts if correct. |
| Exact Score | Predict final score. | Cavalry FC 2 – 1 Valour FC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Hard | Very risky but massive payout; best used as a novelty wager. |
| Double Chance | Cover 2 of 3 outcomes in 3-way markets. | Cavalry FC win or draw | ⭐ Easy | Low risk, low reward. Great for risk-averse soccer bettors. |
| BTTS (Both Teams to Score) | Both teams must score at least once. | Yes on BTTS in Cavalry FC vs. Pacific FC | ⭐ Easy | Popular in soccer; great for stat-based analysis. |
Popular Sports Among Alberta Bettors
Alberta bettors follow a wide range of sports, both domestic and international. Here are the most actively wagered-on sports in the province:
- 🏒 Hockey – NHL (Oilers, Flames), AHL, international play
- 🏈 Football – CFL (Stampeders, Elks), NFL
- ⚽ Soccer – CPL (Cavalry FC), MLS, UEFA Champions League, EPL
- 🏀 Basketball – NBA, NCAA March Madness, international tournaments
- ⚾ Baseball – MLB, especially Blue Jays and nearby U.S. teams
- 🥊 MMA/Boxing – UFC and top boxing promotions draw strong action
- 🎾 Tennis – Grand Slams (Wimbledon, US Open), ATP/WTA circuits
- ⛳ Golf – Majors like The Masters, plus PGA Tour bets
Alberta bettors also enjoy growing markets in:
- 🖥️ Esports – CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2
- 📺 Entertainment & Politics – Awards shows, elections, and more
- 🥍 Lacrosse – Calgary Roughnecks games in the NLL
- 🎯 Darts, snooker, and niche international sports on offshore books
🏆 Alberta Teams and Regional Betting Focus
| Team / Club | League | Popular Betting Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers 🏒 | NHL | Stanley Cup futures, McDavid props, game totals, live betting |
| Calgary Flames 🏒 | NHL | Puckline, team totals, player shots/goals |
| Calgary Wranglers 🏒 | AHL | Moneyline, Over/Unders, team form betting |
| Calgary Stampeders 🏈 | CFL | Point spreads, in-play props, Grey Cup futures |
| Edmonton Elks 🏈 | CFL | First-half lines, QB props, turnover specials |
| Cavalry FC ⚽ | CPL | Match result, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), outrights |
| Calgary Roughnecks 🥍 | NLL | Game totals, championship futures, spread betting |
| Alberta Golden Bears 🏈🏒 | U Sports | Limited markets, mostly championship-focused |
| Local eSports Clubs 🎮 | Various | Popular in offshore books; often featured in major tournaments |
| Nearby U.S. Teams (Seahawks, Mariners, Nuggets) | NFL/MLB/NBA | Draw strong support in Southern Alberta; frequently bet on |
As Alberta expands its regulated market, more local and niche sports are expected to become available for betting, including women's leagues, junior hockey, and expanded prop markets for CFL and CPL games.
Other Gambling Options in AB
| Option | Details for Alberta (2025) |
|---|---|
| 🎲 Casinos | Alberta has 28 land-based casinos and PlayAlberta, which offers legal online slots, table games, and instant wins. Offshore online casinos remain legal. |
| 🏇 Horse Racing | Legal and regulated. Bets can be placed in person at tracks like Century Downs and Century Mile. |
| 🃏 Poker | PlayAlberta does not currently offer online poker. Alberta residents can access some international poker sites (e.g., PokerStars), which operate in a legal grey area. |
| 🎟️ Lottery | Alberta offers standard draws like Lotto 6/49, Daily Grand, and scratch tickets, run by WCLC (Western Canada Lottery Corporation). |
| 🗳️ Political Betting | Not permitted on regulated sites. Some offshore sportsbooks offer odds on U.S., Canadian, and international elections, but these are unregulated and not provincially authorized. |
| 🧙 Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | DFS platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are accessible in Alberta. They are considered games of skill and currently unregulated in most of Canada. |
| 🎮 Esports | Betting on esports is legal through PlayAlberta (limited markets) and widely available on offshore sportsbooks. Titles include League of Legends, CS:GO, Valorant, and more. Bets may include moneylines, spreads, and totals. |
Alberta’s Responsible Gambling Framework
Responsible gambling is a priority in Alberta’s market, which is currently under PlayAlberta and set to expand further under the iGaming Alberta Act.
🎯 Tools & Support Available
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Deposit & Wagering Limits | Set daily/weekly/monthly caps on deposits and bets via PlayAlberta (and future licensed apps). |
| Session Time Reminders | Alerts for long play sessions to encourage breaks. |
| Cooling-Off Periods | Short breaks (24 hours to weeks) self-triggered through account settings. |
| Voluntary Self-Exclusion | Ban yourself entirely from all AGLC-regulated sites via a centralized system under Bill 48. |
| Activity Statements | Full betting history available to review patterns and habits. |
| Self‑Assessment Quizzes | Online tools from GameSense to help gauge your gambling status . |
📌 GameSense Advisor & Info Line
- GameSense Advisors can be found in major casinos, racetracks, and select arenas (Oilers, Flames, Elks, Stampeders venues)—offering help, advice, and referrals if gambling becomes concerning.
- GameSense Info Line offers confidential telephone support at 1‑833‑447‑7523, operational several days per week.
📞 Help & Self-Exclusion Programs
- AGLC Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from online and retail gambling via the AGLC-managed system.
- Provincial Support: Call Alberta Problem Gambling Resources Network at 1‑866‑461‑1259; available 24/7.
- National Resources: Access Gamblers Anonymous, GamTalk, and the Responsible Gambling Council for support, peer groups, and therapy.
FAQs on Alberta's Sports Gambling
General Questions for All Bettors
Will offshore sportsbooks become illegal when Alberta opens its market?
No, offshore sportsbooks will not be outlawed but will remain unregulated. Once Alberta’s market opens, locally licensed sportsbooks will offer consumer protections (e.g., dispute resolution, loss limits) that offshore operators do not. Bettors can still access offshore sites but will do so at their own risk.
How will the iGaming Alberta framework impact odds and vig?
A competitive Alberta market is expected to improve odds transparency and reduce vig over time. Regulated operators may still charge 6–10% vig on average, but increased competition could lead to sharper lines, especially for NHL and CFL bets. Expect more parity with Ontario once the market matures.
Are self-exclusion tools from PlayAlberta shared with future private sportsbooks?
Yes. Bill 48 outlines plans for a centralized self-exclusion registry across all licensed Alberta sportsbooks. That means if a bettor self-excludes from one platform, all Alberta-regulated platforms must respect that exclusion—a key public health safeguard not available offshore.
What betting features are most likely to improve under regulation?
Based on Ontario’s model, Alberta bettors can expect:
- Bet builders with same-game parlay insurance
- In-game player prop customization
- Quick cash-out options
Will dispute resolution improve with Alberta-licensed sportsbooks?
Yes. Alberta’s framework will require all licensed sportsbooks to:
- Respond to formal complaints in writing
- Maintain internal dispute resolution procedures
- Submit unresolved disputes to an independent third-party mediator via AGLC oversight
This level of recourse is not available with offshore books, which often operate under minimal oversight.
Why do some sportsbooks ask for payment verification documents?
KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations in Alberta will mandate:
- Proof of ID
- Proof of address
- Proof of ownership for the withdrawal method
These checks prevent fraud, underage betting, and money laundering. Offshore books may skip some steps, but that comes with higher risk.
Can I bet while visiting Alberta as a non-resident?
Yes—as long as you're physically located within Alberta and pass geolocation checks, you can sign up and place bets with any licensed sportsbook, even if your primary residence is in another province or country.
What should I do if a sportsbook limits or restricts my account?
This is more common with offshore sites than provincially regulated books. With Alberta-licensed operators (once active), bettors can:
- Request a written explanation
- Appeal through the operator’s complaint process
- Escalate to AGLC for review
These protections do not apply to offshore platforms, where account limits are often final and undocumented.
<p><strong>Sol Fayerman-Hansen</strong> is Editor-in-Chief at RG.org with 20+ years of experience in sports journalism, gambling regulation, and tech. His work has appeared in <i>Forbes</i>, <i>ESPN</i>, and <i>NFL.com</i>, covering U.S. and Canadian gambling laws, major sports events, and wagering trends. Since 2023, Sol has led RG.org’s global editorial efforts, focusing on transparency, data accuracy, and regulatory insight. He works closely with researchers and legal experts to uphold E-E-A-T and Trust Project standards.</p><p>📍 Israel/Canada 🌐 English, Hebrew 🎯 Gambling law, responsible gaming, tech in betting</p>
Interests:
NFL
CFL
NBA
MLB
NHL
ATP
UEFA
NCAA Baseball
PGA
Wimbledon
UFC
Disclaimer
Sports betting is restricted to users 19+ (18+ in AB, MB & QC). Bonus offers are not available to users in Ontario. Please gamble responsibly. If you have a gambling problem, in Canada contact 1-866-531-2600 (ON), or visit RGC for help.
In compliance with AGCO regulations. RG.org does not accept bets or offer gambling services. Users are responsible for complying with local laws and regulations.