This site was created specifically for people from Canada, for quick acquaintance with the gambling industry online. In today's article, you can know all about Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada. Our Canadian visitors have asked us so many times to write the review of "Alberta Casinos - Play Local or Online, Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada" because of high interest in this topic. Well, the thorough investigation by our gambling expert had been already finished and we have collected here all useful information about Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada in one review. You may read it now!
Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada
Whether you love table games or the fast-paced thrill of slots or video poker, you'll find it all at the fantastic online casinos we recommend. The sites we select for our lists have excellent welcome bonuses so you get extra value out of every dollar you initially deposit in your player account. You'll also be able to take advantage of many loyalty perks such as free spins, extra money and even off-site rewards such as free dinners and airfare discounts. Gamblers in Alberta, particularly the south of the province, are spoilt for choice when it comes to land-based venues. You just can't beat the excitement that hangs in the air when surrounded by the sights and sounds of a real casino. Alberta residents are very lucky as they have several options, ranging from big Las Vegas-style casinos, to smaller local joints.
Alberta Casinos - Play Local or Online
- Population: 4.334 million (est. 2018)
- Area: 661,848 km²
- Founded: September 1, 1905
- Gross Domestic Product: 326,342 billion CAD (2016)
Gamblers in Alberta, particularly the south of the province, are spoilt for choice when it comes to land-based venues. You just can't beat the excitement that hangs in the air when surrounded by the sights and sounds of a real casino. Alberta residents are very lucky as they have several options, ranging from big Las Vegas-style casinos, to smaller local joints.
Rather than trawl the net for reviews of Alberta casinos, you can kick back and read through our comprehensive guide. Find some of our top picks for gambling in Alberta below.
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1. Casino Lethbridge
This venue has over 425 slot machines, as well as a number of gaming tables. What’s more, there are 28 video lottery machines, and five poker tables, which host cash games and tournaments.
The non-gambling entertainment is also fantastic - you’ll find something pretty much every day of the week. This ranges from live bands through to sporting events being broadcast on TVs around the venue. You’ll also find a couple of great places to eat.
- 3756 2 Ave St, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4Y9
- +1-403.381.9467
- https://www.purecasinolethbridge.com
- Contact form
Opening Hours
2. Century Casino St Albert
Century Casino St Albert is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. Numerous slot machines are found throughout the premises, plus table games of all types, including blackjack, roulette and EZ Baccarat. The only thing missing is a few poker tables.
You’ll be able to follow the action at horse racing venues throughout the world on 10 HD TVs, plus there are plenty of Tote machines for you to use. Members of the Winners’ Zone club will often receive special promotions to use at the Century Casino St Albert restaurant and bar, so it really is worth becoming a part of their rewards scheme.
- 24 Boudreau Road, St. Albert, AB, T8N 6K3
- +1-780-460-8092
- https://www.cnty.com/stalbert
- Contact form
Opening Hours
3. Great Northern Casino
Great Northern Casino boasts great food and even better entertainment. Live entertainment is put on in a 250-seat dining room every Friday and Saturday night. Additionally, a mid-week comedy show and great deals on food every night mean your needs are covered when you’re not gambling.
The poker room hosts tournaments twice a week and brings you favorites such as Texas Hold’em. Play table games until 3am towards the end of the week and discover your tipple of choice in the bar.
- 10910-107 A Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7RV
- +1-780-539-4454
- https://www.greatnortherncasino.net
- Contact form
Opening Hours
4. Casino Yellowhead
Situated in the heart of Edmonton, Yellowhead boasts 26 live table games, 763 slot machines, 26 VLTs, and a Pearl showroom with 15 large screens, a giant stage, and a brand new sound system bringing you the best in entertainment. We recommend checking the schedule and booking ahead to avoid disappointment, and to see what they have on as the line-up changes regularly. Big feasts to fuel you up and a different promo on food each night means you’ll never go hungry.
- 12464 153 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5V 1S1
- +1-780-424-9467
- https://www.purecasinoyellowhead.com
- Contact form
Opening Hours
5. Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino
Welcome to the only casino in the Rocky Mountains! A mere 30-minute drive west of Calgary will bring you to this large Las Vegas-style casino resort. With a good selection of slot games, table games, poker, and off-track betting, your gambling needs will be met here.
With loads of options on their luxury accommodation, it’s easy to make a weekend (or more!) of your visit. On-site there’s plenty other stuff to get stuck into, such as the pool and waterslide, golf simulator, and 24-hour fitness room.
- 888 Nakoda Way, Morley, AB, T0L 1N0
- +1-587-813-0960
- https://www.stoneynakodaresort.com
- Contact form
Opening Hours
6. Jackpot Casino Red Deer
Found in downtown Red Deer, Jackpot Casino is where the locals have played since 1997. They have 11 popular table games and 349 slot machines, so there should be something there to tickle your fancy. They also have a semi-private slot room and a high-limit room if you’re looking for a more intimate experience. They have restaurants and bars to keep your energy levels up with screens for sports and views across the game floor.
- 4590 47th Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 6P8
- +1-403-342-5825
- https://www.jpcasino.ca
- info@jpcasino.ca
Opening Hours
7. Boomtown Casino
Boomtown Casino is a fairly small casino offering 23,000 square feet of game floor space. There are 12 table games on offer running from midday through to 3am on weekends, and from 4pm to 2am on weekdays. 200 gaming machines including slots are available to play from 10am every day. There are dining facilities offering big portions and live entertainment and a dance floor.
- 9825 Hardin Street, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 4G9
- +1-780-790-9739
- https://boomtowncasino.ca/
- kbolen@gamehost.ca
Opening Hours
8. Camrose Resort Casino
Opened in 2007, the Camrose Casino is a small but well-appointed casino offering a variety of casino gaming tables as well as a large selection of quality slot machines. Poker tournaments are run four evenings a week, from Wednesdays starting at 6PM. Casino patrons can stay at the adjoining Best Western Hotel which boasts a fitness center, spa, and indoor pool with water slides.
- 3201 48 Ave, Camrose, AB, T4V 0K9
- +1-780-679-2376
- https://www.camroseresortcasino.com
- Contact form
Opening Hours
9. Medicine Hat Lodge
Medicine Hat Lodge is the largest entertainment complex in the whole of Alberta, and it incorporates a 4 star resort. The casino offers 27,000 square feet of gaming space, with electronic roulette, horse racing, slots, and table games with weekly specials. There's also nightly entertainment, offsite world class golf, an aqua park, and brilliant dining options. It's clear to see why Medicine Hat Lodge is one of Southern Alberta's best.
- 1051 Ross Glen Drive S.E., Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 3T8
- +1-403-529-2222
- https://www.medhatlodge.com
- Contact form
Opening Hours
10. Eagle River Casino
It might be remote, but the two-hour drive from Edmonton to the Eagle River Casino is more than worth the effort. They offer all the games you could ask for, including regular poker tournaments and loads of slots. Table games such as roulette are also available.
At the end of a long day gambling, you’ll be able to sit down in Timbers Bar & Grill, where you’ll find delicious burgers and steaks. There is no hotel attached to this casino - the closest place to stay is down the road in Whitecourt.
- AB-43, Woodlands County, AB, T7S 1N3
- +1-780.779.2727
- https://eaglerivercasino.ca/
Opening Hours
What is the Legal Gambling Age in Alberta?
Unlike most other provinces in Canada, the legal age to enter a casino in Alberta is just 18. This is also the case for all other forms of gambling, including lotteries. What’s more, this age limit is applicable for online gambling sites, as well as land-based venues.
Gambling in Alberta Facts
- The province regulates gambling on its own and allows and disallows specific games
- Canadians rarely have to claim their gambling winnings on taxes, but Americans and others visitors may, depending on their home laws
- When gambling online, you should only use reputable websites with security seals
Best Online Casinos for Alberta
For those of you wanting to bring the excitement of the games and casinos into your own home, check out our online suggestions below. Not only can you play on these sites from the comfort of your own home, but you can also use them on the go so you never miss out on hitting the jackpot.
Whether you love table games or the fast-paced thrill of slots or video poker, you'll find it all at the fantastic online casinos we recommend. The sites we select for our lists have excellent welcome bonuses so you get extra value out of every dollar you initially deposit in your player account. You'll also be able to take advantage of many loyalty perks such as free spins, extra money and even off-site rewards such as free dinners and airfare discounts.
Our team of reviewers has searched high and low to bring you the top online casinos for Alberta players. Currently, we think Jackpot City deserves the #1 spot.
Best Alberta Casinos
Alberta is the 4 th , most populous province in Canada and, as such, one of the top choices for gamblers, online and real-world. Alberta online gambling is more popular than ever before, so we had to invest countless hours of effort to present you with the best online casino Alberta and countless alternatives. We have tested all of the casinos located here and available in the province, and now we can help you make the right choice.
We will also help you learn how you can check Alberta online casino and which factors do you need to consider and obviously why. By using this guide, players can find the best mobile casinos, even better casino games, and in a nutshell, get the best possible gambling experience. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Best Alberta Casinos 2021
Online Gambling in Alberta
Some of you may recall that a while back, players from Alberta had to travel to Calgary or Edmonton to enjoy gambling. This isn’t the case anymore. These days you can find Alberta casino online within minutes and spin the reels of your luck. Even more important fact is that there are countless online establishments that do deserve your full attention.
Gaming in Alberta is also appealing thanks to the fact players can use Canadian dollars to deposit the funds and withdraw the winnings. There is no need for conversion, which isn’t the most affordable thing when it comes to online gambling.
The second main thing here is the plethora of internet gambling in the province. Players can choose between hundreds of online casinos, and they can play live games, slots, table games, and so much more. There are no limits.
All of the above made these establishments appealing in one more way. This is the use of banking methods. More online casinos mean that more common and more popular payment options will be included at the casino. The best example is PayPal, which is more than just common in 99% of these casinos. Of course, the situation is the same for other payment methods.
Gambling laws in Alberta
Gambling is legal in the province, and you are free to choose between land and online casinos. When it comes to online establishments, they are regulated by the Gaming and Liquor Act, which isn’t fully developed and isn’t fully optimized for this type of gambling. Gaming and Liquor Commission is something that should regulate online gambling. However, the local government hasn’t developed the regulations completely, meaning that online establishments must meet certain factors to become available but not as many as in some other provinces. All you have to remember is that online gambling is legal in 2021, and it will stay legal in the future.
All of the above applies to online gamble in Alberta province. However, there are 27 land casinos in the province. They are completely legalized, and they are licensed. If you are playing at them sometimes, you don’t have to worry at all.
The legal age for gambling in any form in Canada in general, including Alberta, is 19 years of age. Make sure to obey this law due to the fact it is crucial, and it applies to all Canadian citizens and all who live in the country.
How we pick Best Gambling Sites?
The best online casino Alberta may sound like a complicated thing to find, but it is far from that. In reality, you need to consider a few factors. Our team uses the same factors when they are testing a specific online establishment. Besides, you can use the same factors for a land-based casino. We will explain each one below and also explain why do you need to take it into account.
Security and Trustworthy
Only the best legit online casino should be considered at any time. When you gamble at a fully licensed casino, you will make sure that you are protected. All online establishments are regulated by a specific gambling authority, which may be UKGC, MGA or any other. There is no need to know all about these gambling authorities. It is far more important that a casino has one or more licenses.
The second factor is that a site must use encryption, which is activated when you deposit the funds or withdraw the winnings. 128-bit is common, but most casinos are opting for 256-bit encryption.
Variety and Quality of Casino Games
It is mandatory to look for the games available. You may want to play the best live dealer online casino, some of you like slots, so the casino must offer them as well. In a nutshell, the games a site must offer are:
- Slots
- Live games
- Table games
Additionally, they may offer:
- Lottery
- Bingo
- Keno
- Sports betting
More is better, but you should consider the quality of the games. Look for great animations, HD slots and also the ability to play them on your smartphone.
Mobile Version
More and more gamblers are using their smartphones to play online casino games. But, to do that, you need an online establishment that supports this form of gambling. There are two main alternatives. A casino may offer HTML5 games on the homepage. This means that you can play these games using Android or iOS smartphone or tablet without any apps or installations.
Other sites will offer you an app from which you can play the games without download. This is an obsolete way these days, but still, many establishments do use it.
An Alberta casino you choose must be able to offer you mobile gambling, regardless of the actual method they use. You do not want to download games simply because it is more complicated, and it is time-consuming. Also, it will occupy the storage on your smartphone.
We pay a lot of attention to this factor, and we prefer online casinos that are 100% mobile-friendly. This means that a gambler can deposit the funds, get bonuses and also withdraw the winnings using a mobile device only.
Generous Bonuses
For some of you and all of us, bonuses an online establishment offer is more than just important. Bonuses are given to all new players so you can transform your initial deposit and get much higher gambling money. A wide range of bonuses is always a nice addition. By using them, you can gamble with more real money, and you have better odds. Bonuses to look for are:
- No deposit bonuses- You will get a bonus in the form of free spins or actual money (C$1-C$20) from the casino as soon as you register.
- Welcome deposit bonus- You will get a bonus match after making the first or first 3-4 bonuses. The bonus is limited to a specific value and may require a code in some situations. All casinos have some sort of this bonus.
- Daily or weekly promotions- Usually, this means that a player will get a deposit match bonus if he deposits the funds at a particular part of the week or on a specific day. The same fact refers to monthly bonuses.
Banking Options
Online gambling in Ontario, Alberta and Canada, in general, requires certain banking options. You need to consider which payment methods are available and use the most comfortable one. For deposits, you need to look for credit and debit cards, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, etc. For withdrawals, you need to look for the same providers adding bank wire transfer.
Don’t forget to take into account the limits. Al casinos have the minimum deposit and maximum withdrawal limit. They may be based on the payment method you will use. The limit for deposits is between C$1-20. For withdrawals, it is up to C$100.000 per day.
Customer Service
An online establishment of this type must pay taxes and must offer customer support. The first part means that the casino is legit, and the second means that they can assist players when needed. We always consider live chat as the best option, email, and telephone call. More is better, and you will have more ways to contact the support agents and get help when you actually need it.
The second part of the story is that we check for the support agent’s knowledge. He or she must provide helpful details, important specifics and be able to solve the problem as soon as possible. Only then a player can enjoy the casino the most and be able to get the perks he deserves.
Highly Rated Online Casinos for Real Money
Only when all of the criteria are positive, we will recommend the casino where you can play slots, video poker, live casino games and where you can get the best advantages as soon as you register. We will never list poor or scam casinos, and we will never review those that are closed on banned in Alberta. The goal is that you, a gambler, can have the best gambling experience and can enjoy all the perks of online gambling without worrying about anything. Good luck.
Casinos to Play
Lucky Nugget Casino C$200River Belle C$800
Zodiac Casino $480 Grand Mondial 150 Free Spins
Yukon Gold 125 Free Spins
All Slots $1500 Jackpot City C$1600 Spin Palace Casino C$1000
Royal Vegas Casino C$1200
Top Alberta Gambling Sites for 2021
Alberta is one of the most beloved provinces in Canada. It’s home to more
than 4 million people, many of whom claim to gamble on a regular basis. For
years now, online gambling has been on a steady incline here. Today, our team of
experts is going to explain how you can find the very best Alberta
gambling sites currently operating.Lawmakers here began the process of opening up the online gaming industry.
Before 2020, Alberta was one of just two provinces without a licensed gambling
platform. The provincial government is still in the process of regulating this
industry, yet a huge number of amazing gambling websites are still available
here.We’re going to give a quick explanation of the current laws and regulations
surrounding online gambling in Alberta. After, we’ll give a step-by-step guide
on how to actually find a legitimate, trustworthy gaming website. Later on, our
team is looking over some of the best options for esports and mobile gambling in
Alberta. There’s a lot of information to unpack.Want to skip all of this and get straight to the betting? No problem! Below
are five of the very best Alberta online gambling sites operating today. Check
out each one and let us know which is your favorite!It’s a great time to be a gambling fan in Alberta. Many of the very best
online gambling sites in the world operate here. Whether you’re a hardcore
casino player or a sports betting fanatic, there’s an Alberta gambling website
out there offering the games and odds for you. Let’s look at the legal status of
internet gambling here.Alberta Gambling Laws – Can You Gamble Online Here?
Yes, you can! Canada is unique with its gambling laws. This country allows
every province to set its own laws on the land-based and online gambling
industry. Virtually all forms of traditional land-based and internet
gambling are perfectly legal.As we mentioned at the top of this page, lawmakers in Alberta have started
working toward regulate the online gambling industry. In the past, internet
gambling has been legal here, yet the government did not regulate the gambling
sites operating in the province. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis
Commission (AGLC) is working to create a province-run site for residents.The legal gambling age is 19 years old. This is the same gambling
age throughout Canada, with the exception of Quebec, where gambling is legal at
18.There are a huge number of fantastic Alberta gambling sites
operating right now. Many of the top gambling companies in Europe actually offer
their services all across the globe. Everyone in this province now has access to different
websites offering casino games and sports betting odds.Under current law, these websites are completely legal. Most of the online
gambling sites in Alberta are actually based in other countries. There are some
pros and cons of playing through these unregulated sites.The fact that they are not regulated means they can set their own odds and
bonuses. It also means that there is a wide range of different payout options.
Of course, the government does not provide any oversight to these online gaming
websites. That’s why it’s so important that you play through ones that are
reputable and safe.With so many options available, it can seem a little daunting trying to
choose a great gambling site to play through online. That’s what we’re
here for! Our team will provide a guide explaining exactly what to look for
before signing up to any Alberta online gambling sites.How to Choose a Great Alberta Online Gambling Site – Step by Step Guide
There are more gambling websites available in Alberta than ever before. It
seems like every year, more and more of the biggest online gaming companies
choose to begin operating inside this province. So, how do you know which sites
are actually safe and reliable? Below are the five most important steps to
follow when choosing one of many Alberta gambling websites.
Safety is always the first thing you are going to want to look for in a
gambling site. You might come across a site that provides the exact games or
betting odds that you are looking for. If it doesn’t provide you with a range of
different payment options, it’s not even worth looking at.You are going to want to check how these websites process your deposits and
withdrawals. All reputable gaming websites allow their players to make deposits
using both debit and credit cards. Withdrawal options differ from site to site.
Some allow for direct bank payouts. Others only offer Bitcoin withdrawals.It’s extremely important to make sure that these websites process your
payments quickly. The best Alberta gambling sites will pay your
winnings within just a few days after requesting a withdrawal. Fees for both
deposits and withdrawals should be low. Spend a little time looking for a
gambling site that offers completely safe and reliable payment options.
Customer support is one of the most overlooked aspects of online gambling
right now. It’s a shame, because this tool is one of the best ways to ensure you
stay safe. It all comes down to the fact that gambling sites in Alberta are not
regulated by the government.This means that if you encounter an issue while gambling online, you’ll need
to rely on the site you play at to help you out. Customer service is the best
way for gambling websites to help their players. There are a few support options
that are better than others.The top Alberta gambling sites offer a live chat feature.
This allows you to speak directly with a website representative over live chat.
It’s without a doubt the best and easiest way to have your questions answered.
We don’t recommend that you join sites which only offer email support. Never
overlook how important quick customer support really is!
There are some players new to online gambling that completely fail to look
into a website’s design. It might not seem that important, but in reality, a
gambling site’s design will affect your entire gambling experience. Gaming
websites today should provide a modern design that makes it extremely easy to
find what you are looking for.You can tell a lot about an internet gambling site based on its homepage.
Generally speaking, these pages will feature a complete list of the casino games
or sporting odds available. A site’s homepage should also make it easy to find
the support options and payment system.Fortunately, this is one of the easiest features of a gambling site to look
for. Almost all of the Alberta gambling sites operating today allow you to check
them out before you even sign up. The site that you decide to join may be your
gambling home for years. Make sure that it provides you with a design you enjoy!
We get it, this may seem completely obvious. You might be surprised to find
how many people sign up to a gambling website without even looking at what games
and odds are available! Don’t make this mistake!If you want to play online casino games in Alberta, look for
a casino site that provides the games you’re looking for! If you want to make
sports bets here, join a sports betting website that offers a wide range of odds
for major sporting events taking place around the world.Much like design, this is an incredibly easy thing to look for. A gambling
site’s homepage should clearly list which games and odds are available. If you
find a site that doesn’t make it clear what’s available to wager on, it’s
probably a little shady.
If you’ve already looked at a few Alberta gambling sites, there’s a great
chance that you have seen a promotion. In case you’re unaware, promotions are
bonus offers that gaming websites offer to their members. Promotions come in all
shapes and sizes but are generally used to help boost the amount of money that
you wager with.Unfortunately, some sites are known to offer poor promotional offers. These
usually come with high rollover fees. Essentially, this means that you will need
to wager a certain amount of money before you can actually collect your
winnings.The most common promotion you will come across at Alberta gambling sites is a
welcome bonus. It adds a certain amount of money onto whatever you first deposit
into your account. If the rollover requirements are too high, this promotion
might not even be worth using.Reputable gambling sites will clearly list the terms and conditions
for every promotion operating today. Take the time to understand how these
promotions work. It will allow you to find the sites that offer promotions that
are actually beneficial.Best Alberta Online Gambling Sites for Each Sport
Alberta is well-known for having one of the most passionate sports fan bases
in Canada. A number of professional sports teams call this province home.
Unsurprisingly, there is a massive NHL fan base. Below are some of the very
best online sportsbooks in Alberta for each of the major
sports.Current Status of Online Gambling Laws in Alberta, Canada
Online Gambling Laws in Alberta, Canada: Unraveling the legality of iGaming in the Wild Rose Country
The gaming laws of Alberta, Canada are quite lengthy. The province has gone to great effort to layout verbose terminology mandating exactly how any gambling business may or may not conduct business. However, those laws apply specifically to gambling operators that are licenced and regulated by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).
The AGLC does not permit online gambling activities in Alberta. Therefore, AGLC does not provide licences for any online gambling activities within, or outside, the province. And since ALGC regulations apply only to licenced operators, online casinos regulated offshore are not subject to those laws.
International operators are, however, subject to the Criminal Code of Canada. So, to determine the legality of gambling at offshore websites, we turn to federal laws for eligibility.
Disclaimer: Please note that we are not lawyers, and are not qualified or attempting to offer legal advice. The following is our personal interpretation of current legislation. For precise clarification of the laws in Alberta and/or Canada, please contact an attorney or local authorities.
Applicable Online Gambling Laws in Alberta
The following are experts from the Criminal Code of Canada, Part VII, relating to Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting. No text has been altered, although we have omitted several paragraphs that do not apply to online gambling. We’ll start with Section 197, dealing with definitions.
197 (1) In this Part, Meaning Bet means a bet that is placed on any contingency or event that is to take place in or out of Canada, and without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a bet that is placed on any contingency relating to a horse-race, fight, match or sporting event that is to take place in or out of Canada; (pari) A bet applies to sports betting, horse race betting and other matches or contests that involve athletic skill and ability. Game means a game of chance or mixed chance and skill; (jeu) A game applies to all forms of casino gambling (slots, blackjack, wheel games, video poker, etc.) with predetermined odds and probabilities that are based entirely or partly on chance, not skill. Gaming equipment means anything that is or may be used for the purpose of playing games or for betting; (matériel de jeu) This could apply to a computer used to conduct online gambling. 202 (1) Every one commits an offence who Meaning (e) engages in book-making or pool-selling, or in the business or occupation of betting, or makes any agreement for the purchase or sale of betting or gaming privileges, or for the purchase or sale of information that is intended to assist in book-making, pool-selling or betting; Applies to a person or business conducting a bet that is not legally regulated by in the province in which it takes place. There is no mention of game in this paragraph, therefore casino gambling does not apply. (f) prints, provides or offers to print or provide information intended for use in connection with book-making, pool-selling or betting on any horse-race, fight, game or sport, whether or not it takes place in or outside Canada or has or has not taken place; Again, no mention of game (i.e. casino gambling) in this paragraph; applies only to betting. (g) imports or brings into Canada any information or writing that is intended or is likely to promote or be of use in gambling, book-making, pool-selling or betting on a horse-race, fight, game or sport, and where this paragraph applies it is immaterial The promotion of betting and/or gaming is illegal unless otherwise permitted by the regulations of a particular province. It is illegal for international gambling websites to specifically promote services in Alberta, Canada. The process of accepting wagers on games is not relevant here. (h) advertises, prints, publishes, exhibits, posts up, or otherwise gives notice of any offer, invitation or inducement to bet on, to guess or to foretell the result of a contest, or a result of or contingency relating to any contest; See above. Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under this section is guilty of an indictable offence and liableMeaning (a) for a first offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years; Up to 2yrs in jail for first offence (b) for a second offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years and not less than fourteen days; and 2wks-2yrs in jail for second offence (c) for each subsequent offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years and not less than three months. 3mos-2yrs in jail for 3+ offences What Does It All Mean?
Is online gambling explicitly legal or illegal in Alberta, Canada? When you put it all together, it doesn’t paint a perfectly clear picture. However, we can break it down to make a few apparent determinations.
- Alberta could interpret participation in sports betting or pari-mutuel betting over the internet as an illegal activity.
- Participating in online casino gambling, or any other game of chance (with or without combined skill) in Alberta is not illegal, so long as the operator does not have a physical presence (local offices) anywhere in Canadian.
- Any online betting or gaming operator who specifically advertises their services to Canadians could be guilty of an offence. However, this applies only to the operator, not players who choose to use those services.
- It is illegal for offshore gambling websites to promote services in Canada. It is not explicitly illegal to accept deposits from, process gaming wagers for, or cashout winnings to players in Alberta, Canada.
Regulated Online Gambling In Alberta?
Alberta does not currently provide any regulation of online gambling services. The province was considering iGaming regulation in late 2015 as a way to diversify revenue streams. The government did not act on it at that time, and has held no serious debates on the issue since.
#1 Canadian-Friendly Casino for 2021
Royal Vegas is our editorial pick for safe Canadian gaming. Currently offering a good range of Canadian deposit options, everything from prepaid gift cards, to eCheck, instadebit and visa/mastercard. That, and a world-class gaming experience, with countless table games, strong variety, and even live dealers. The brand has been in the business for a decade long.
Alberta Seeking Vendors for Online Gambling Platform in Canada
The government of Alberta is interested in shelving its rather dubious trophy as one of the only two provinces in Canada without some form of online gambling. In an effort to change that, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), is looking for technology partners to run an online gambling platform.
In a Request for Proposal (RFP), the AGLC states it is “looking to add Online Gambling (played on a home computer or mobile device) to the gaming channels currently offered in Alberta for the delivery of lottery and gaming products to Albertans of a legal age within our provincial borders.”
The RFP asks interested parties to lodge a bid with the AGLC, which oversees all gambling-related parties in the province. The technology supplier will be responsible for setting up and managing a safe and socially responsible gambling website to serve Alberta and finally bring its gaming options to the internet age.
What the AGLC Seeks
In its request for proposals from potential partners to help set up a legal and regulated industry in Alberta, the AGLC estimates residents currently spend more than $350 million gambling online each year at unlicensed betting sites.
The way they see it, the problem lies in that the money is spent at unregulated gaming sites with absolutely none of the revenue benefitting Canada. As such, Alberta wants to “capture a portion of the annual spending by Albertans on gambling internet sites that are not regulated by Canadian authorities.”
Basically, AGLC officials see it this way: if Albertans are betting with offshore sites anyways, the province might as well set up its own operation and funnel players onto a state-approved gambling platform. At least some of the money those players are already spending right now can instead be redirected to the benefit of Alberta.
A spokesperson for the AGLC, Chara Goodings, told CBC News recently that Albertans are spending millions on gambling through offshore gambling sites. “We estimate about $358 million is spent annually by Albertans on unregulated, unprotected gambling sites,” she said.
Financially, of course, it makes sense that Alberta channels at least some of those millions of gambling dollars spent by residents onto a state-run platform. In fact, the RFP clearly states that the authority is actively pursuing new revenue opportunities beyond its current brick and mortar venues.
Gambling Options in Alberta Need to Expand
Albertans have plenty of land-based betting and casino options available to them, the majority found in Calgary (eg. Casino Calgary, Elbow River Casino and Century Casino Calgary) and Edmonton (eg. Casino Edmonton, Casino Yellowhead and Northlands Racetrack and Casino).
However, even the gambling authority admits that the industry has to expand and adapt to the needs of local punters.
The RFP reads: “Without an online gambling presence, the AGLC and its products are not relevant to Albertans who are seeking their gaming environment in the channel that best suits their style.”
This is not the first time that the AGLC has considered the idea of online gambling. At the beginning of 2015, spurred by the official launch of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp’s PlayOLG.ca site, the Alberta authority revealed it was actively reviewing the option of an online gambling platform.
At the time, a spokesperson for the AGLC said that the authority was aware that technology was changing, and that there were expectations from consumers that online gambling should be available for Alberta players.
In February, the authority opened a tender for turnkey technology providers, who were only given a month to submit their applications – indicating an urgency in getting the platform up and running. That same year, Finance Minister Robin Campbell triumphantly announced that Alberta would have a new online gambling operation set up before the year was out.
By December 2015, however, it was a different story altogether. Then-newly elected Finance Minister Joe Ceci told CBC News that the province simply wasn’t ready for online gambling. His opinion was that the risks of online gambling to the public outweighed the financial benefits to the province – all the while admitting that Albertans were already gambling online.
“I think we need to see the positives and negatives of what that might mean for Albertans before I deal with that policy issue. So, still under review,” he explained at the time. Now the question is back on the table, and hopes are that Alberta will move beyond just a review of the idea.
A spokesman for the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission told iGamingBusiness.com that the new online gambling website is expected to feature online casino, online bingo and online poker products. Residents will also have the opportunity to purchase lottery products online.
What is Expected from Online Gambling Service Providers?
Companies who believe that they are eligible to provide online gambling services to Alberta’s new venture are expected to submit their bids to the AGLC by the end of February 2019. They will be expected to build a program that will allow Albertans to gamble online via a computer or on their mobile devices.
The provincially regulated online gambling site will provide a secure service with age-verification procedures so that minors will be unable to participate.
The AGLC believes that the entire process could take up to 18 months until the online gambling platform is launched.
The successful applicant will be announced by summer 2019.
Vendors that have shown interest in winning the bid include 888 Holdings, The Stars Group (parent company of PokerStars), Western Canada Lottery Corporation, Camelot Global, Aristocrat Technologies Inc, GVC Marketing (operator of big fish including Bwin, PartyPoker, PartyCasino, Coral, Ladbrokes and more), International Gaming Technology (IGT), Playtech and SBTech.
An Overview of Gambling in Alberta
Charitable organizations, private casino operators, bingo associations, horse racetrack operators, First Nation casino operators, private lottery and VLT lounge businesses fall under the auspices and responsibility of the AGLC.
The authority is responsible for licensing these establishments, auditing charities, investigating criminal activity, owning and maintaining all slot machines and electronic bingo machines and educating the public on responsible gambling.
Earlier this month, it was reported that, following two years of decline, the province’s gambling revenues grew by $4 million in 2018. The majority of that increase was driven by video lottery terminals. CBC reported that revenues from VLT’s, casino slot machines and electronic bingo totaled $1.736 billion for the 2018 fiscal year – up from $1.732 billion in 2017.
According to the report, the annual take from gambling peaked in Alberta in 2015 when numbers hit $1.096 billion; after which, economic conditions saw a two year decline.
The 2018 report showed that VLT revenue grew the most, with revenues increasing by 1.9%. There are currently 900 bars, lounges and other licensed premises across the province that offer VLT gaming. Electronic bingo revenues grew 0.4%, and revenue from casino slot machines went in the other direction and shrank by 0.6%.
How Alberta Distributes its Gambling Revenue
Each year, the Alberta Lottery Fund distributes millions to provincial operations. In 2018, the Fund received $1.4 billion with revenue from VLTs, slot machines, electronic bingo and the province’s share from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. This amount is after expenses were deducted.
Proceeds from charitable gaming (ie. revenue from casino table games, bingos, pull tickets and raffles) are not included in this sum. Proceeds from charitable gaming totaled $331.2 million last year.
The $1.4 billion raised last year was distributed to:
- Health care
- School transportation, plant operation and maintenance
- Culture and tourism programs and grants
- First Nations Development Fund
- Community and social services
- Provincial highway maintenance
- Agricultural boards, societies and exhibitions
- Alberta Parks operations
If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them
It has taken Alberta a long time to realize that there are many more advantages to disadvantages for introducing online gambling in the province. All other provinces, barring Saskatchewan and the country’s three northern territories, offer some form of Canadian online gaming options.
Residents of British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba offer a wide range of online gambling products, while the four Atlantic provinces offer online lottery products. Hopefully, we see Alberta join this list soon.
Where To Gamble Online In Alberta, Canada
Canadians in Alberta, unfortunately (or actually not), there are no government run online casinos. I say this is a blessing, as any other province run online casinos are horrible (bad odds, horrible bonuses, limited games, delays in funding, and more).
Luckily, there are plenty of independent online Canadian casinos which have been in business anywhere from 10 to 25 years, have amazing bonuses, huge game selections and more! Below are our top recommended online casinos for Alberta Canada.
Bodog Casino
Bodog is our #1 recommended online casino for Canadians, for multiple reasons. (You can read over very extensive Review of Bodog Casino here). They’ve been in business over 20 years (we’ve used them over 15 of those). They offer a generous $600 sign up bonus for new users. They also offer additional bonuses if you deposit more. Their game selection is beyond extensive. Live dealers, slots, blackjack, roulette, sic bo, pai gow, poker, horse racing, bingo, keno… we could keep going on. Always our number one casino, especially for Alberta Canada.
Spartan Slots
Spartan Slots has some amazing bonuses, on top of a 200% sign up bonus, you also get 25 free spins in the casino. Play with the Spartans! Read our full Review of Spartan Slots here.
Uptown Aces
Uptown Aces gives you $20 free immediately and up to $8,888 in bonuses! They say they have the best online blackjack, give them a try! Read our full Review of Uptown Aces here.
SIA Casino
SIA Casino – SIA has some innovative slot machines. For example their new Justice League series is DC Comics based. They also have a $1,000 deposit bonus and often offer free slot spins on top of that. They operate exclusively in the Canadian market.
Slots LV
Slots LV is the place to go if you want a huge selection of slot machines. They offer up to $5,000 in sign up bonuses, and the list of slots only continues to grow. Read our Full Review of SlotsLV here. Play online slots in Alberta Canada at SlotsLV.
As you can tell, there are some amazing online casino options for Alberta Canada. These are just our top recommendations, and we have several other recommendations as well.
It’s free to sign up at any of the casinos we recommend, and several give you free spins and bonuses without you even needing to deposit! Check out our list of the very top Online Casinos in Canada!
Canada: Alberta launches regulated online gambling site
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis announced Thursday that the province’s only legal and regulated online gambling website is now live.
layAlberta.ca will offer virtual slots and table games along with other features in the coming months. It is expected to generate about C$150 million ($113 million) in revenue over the first five years, said Niaz Nejad, chief operating officer of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, a provincial agency.
In addition to popular land-based and online titles, PlayAlberta.ca integrates AGLC’s best-in-class GameSense responsible gambling program, which promotes healthy gambling behaviour with access to tools and resources via GameSense.
Available on browsers through desktop, tablet and smart phones, PlayAlberta.ca will provide a secure, aged-controlled environment. At signup, Albertans will be required to verify their identity before having access to the platform’s features.
Alain Maisonneuve, President & CEO, AGLC, said: “PlayAlberta.ca is another way AGLC is delivering a responsible gambling choice for the benefits of Albertans. The province’s regulated online gambling website will offer players expanded entertainment options with integrated responsible gambling features and generate revenue to support valuable programs and services Albertans rely on every day.”
AGLC is thrilled to announce the launch of Alberta’s only regulated online gambling platform #PlayAlberta. Visit https://t.co/Oz5tS4lclW to explore!
— AGLC (@AGLC) October 1, 2020
Remember, if you gamble, use your GameSense. pic.twitter.com/GxyTxdFWf1To support the relationship with existing venues, AGLC has established an online gambling advisory committee consisting of representatives from Alberta’s gaming industry. "This will ensure that Play Alberta compliments Alberta's land-based venues while allowing online players to have access to a legal and secure website."
Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada
Important information for Albertans
AGLC is taking the COVID-19 coronavirus matter seriously. Please visit AGLC.ca/COVID19 for the latest updates.
Gaming
Gaming in Alberta is regulated by the provincial government. Revenue received from gaming activities is returned to Albertans through licensed charities.
Popular Links
In This Section
Information about Alberta's gaming model, including AGLC's role and where proceeds go.
Play Alberta is the only secure, regulated online gambling site in the province.
Charitable gaming model which includes casino, raffle, bingo, and pull ticket events.
COVID-19 related questions and answers for gaming venues.
Policies governing gaming activities in Alberta help maintain the integrity and security of gaming and maximize the financial return to charities.
Eligible charitable groups need a licence to hold each gaming event (casino, raffle, bingo, and pull ticket).
Information for individuals and companies that want to work in Alberta's gaming industry and must be registered by AGLC.
Find a casino, Find a REC, Casino and REC operator information, training for casino staff
Learn about checking lottery tickets, how to claim your prize and Prize Payout locations.
Process to claim expired slot, vlt & bingo tickets
Information for vlt operators and players and training for vlt staff.
Licensing requirements for new or existing bingo facilities, or an existing facility wanting to expand or move.
A list of common gaming violations and potential related penalties
The program enables you to exclude yourself from all gambling opportunities in Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres.
At AGLC, our goal is to encourage patrons to use gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
Alberta unveils online gambling website, expects to raise $150M in five years
Social Sharing
AGLC estimates revenue to be $3.7M in first year, hopes Albertans will use site
Albertans are now able to gamble online on a provincially-regulated gaming site.
"PlayAlberta.ca makes certain that money played in Alberta will stay in Alberta, ensures protection on account withdrawals and offers a suite of responsible gambling features, such as bet and time limits," Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis said Thursday.
The website launched with virtual slots and table games Thursday, with more features to be added in the coming months, Alain Maisonneuve, AGLC president and CEO, said at a news conference.
The province estimates the site will raise $3.74 million in 2021.
"Within five years, we're estimating that our site will generate approximately $150 million for Alberta," said Niaz Nejad, chief operating officer of AGLC.
Maisonneuve said he expects the revenue will be new money and not affect other gaming opportunities in the province.
"We don't anticipate PlayAlberta to be cannibalizing from land-based casinos and racing entertainment centres in Alberta, as we're focused on . giving options to online players who may be playing currently on unregulated offshore sites," he said.
"So that's our target market, that's what we're going for. Those are the funds that we want to repatriate into Alberta coffers."
The AGLC estimates Alberta residents were already spending $378 million gambling on websites set up outside the country, many which are unregulated.
The site integrates AGLC's best-in-class GameSense responsible gambling program, which promotes healthy gambling, Maisonneuve said.
When signing up, Albertans will be required to verify their identity before accessing the platform's features.
Earlier this year AGLC announced NeoPollard Interactive would build Alberta's online gambling platform. The company provides online gambling platforms for other jurisdictions including Michigan, Virginia, New Hampshire and North Carolina.
The province began looking at online gambling in early 2019. At the time Alberta and Saskatchewan were the only two provinces that did not offer a regulated service.
So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: Local & online casino reviews in Alberta 2021 - Our experts rank & review the top Casinos both online and locally. Play today to win huge Jackpots! at Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada
Contents of the article
- Alberta Casinos - Play Local or Online
- 1. Casino Lethbridge
- 2. Century Casino St Albert
- 3. Great Northern Casino
- 4. Casino Yellowhead
- 5. Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino
- 6. Jackpot Casino Red Deer
- 7. Boomtown Casino
- 8. Camrose Resort Casino
- 9. Medicine Hat Lodge
- 10. Eagle River Casino
- What is the Legal Gambling Age in...
- Gambling in Alberta Facts
- Best Online Casinos for Alberta
- Best Alberta Casinos
- Online Gambling in Alberta
- How we pick Best Gambling Sites?
- Security and Trustworthy
- Variety and Quality of Casino Games
- Mobile Version
- Generous Bonuses
- Banking Options
- Customer Service
- Highly Rated Online Casinos for Real...
- Top Alberta Gambling Sites for 2021
- Alberta Gambling Laws – Can You Gamble...
- How to Choose a Great Alberta Online...
- Best Alberta Online Gambling Sites for...
- Current Status of Online Gambling Laws...
- Applicable Online Gambling Laws in...
- What Does It All Mean?
- Regulated Online Gambling In Alberta?
- Alberta Seeking Vendors for Online...
- What the AGLC Seeks
- Gambling Options in Alberta Need to...
- What is Expected from Online Gambling...
- An Overview of Gambling in Alberta
- How Alberta Distributes its Gambling...
- If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them
- Where To Gamble Online In Alberta,...
- Bodog Casino
- Spartan Slots
- Uptown Aces
- SIA Casino
- Slots LV
- Canada: Alberta launches regulated...
- Online Gambling in Alberta in Canada
- Gaming
- Popular Links
- In This Section
- Alberta unveils online gambling...
- Social Sharing
- AGLC estimates revenue to be $3.7M in...
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