
Sports betting in Alberta is an industry that began after the C-218 Bill passed. Many Canadians have no idea of what to expect. Thus, this section delves into the legal issues affecting Alberta sports betting. This includes Albertans allowed to bet on sports online and the future of sports betting in Alberta.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Alberta?
After the updates on the Criminal code became active in 1985, gambling in Alberta became legal.
The code got an upgrade in 1992, legalizing Pro-Line betting, meaning that each odd has to come in combination with parlays. This meant that the wager was more risky to Albertans and other Canucks, but would also pay big for a win.
The Western Canada Lottery Commission (WCLC) was Alberta's governing authority for all gambling activities, including sports.
In 2021, Bill C-218 (Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act) passed, and Alberta legalized single-game betting. The new law allows each Canadian province to set its gambling laws regarding sports betting activities.
AB Sports Betting Updates
- In 1985, gambling became legal in Canada
- In 1992, the Gaming Control Act was established, allowing gambling on lotteries under the control of regional authorities like the Western Canada Lottery commission.
- In June 2021, Bill C-218 became active, legalizing single-game bets under the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC).
Why Legalize Single-Game Sports Betting in Alberta?
Alberta was one of Canada's worst-hit economies, dropping 8.2% in the province's GDP in 2020.
The University of Calgary reported a drop in revenue ($6,893,007,822) and net income ($2,532,108,329) generated in Alberta between 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019-2020, where revenue was ($13,646,133,373), and the net income was ($7,836,755,837).
At the same time, the world experienced a drop in oil prices, one of the major revenue sources in Alberta. With these hits coming one by one, the province needed a new way to increase revenue generation.
This is one of the main reasons for enacting the C-218 Bill in Alberta and Canada.
After the C-218 Bill became active, 7 Canadian provinces already legalized sports Betting before Alberta did. These include;
- British Columbia, August 27, 2021
- Manitoba, November 1, 2021
- New Brunswick, August 27, 2021
- Newfoundland and Labrador, August 27, 2021
- Ontario, Aug. 27, 2021
- Prince Edward Island, August 27, 2021
- Quebec, August 27, 2021
After Alberta on November 1, 2021, the other four regions also legalized even single gaming and betting. Nova Scotia was the last in the list to lift the ban on single sports betting.
- Saskatchewan, November 3, 2022
- Northwest Territories, November 1, 2021
- Nunavut, Nov. 1, 2021
- Yukon, November 1, 2021
- Nova Scotia, February 11, 2022
Today, Alberta's gambling revenue is on the rise with the introduced licensing and other gambling management responsibilities taken over by the regional authority.
PlayAlberta: Setting The Stage for Sports Betting Enthusiasts
Although AGLC provides the regulations governing sports gambling in the region, PlayAlberta is the platform offering gambling services. The AGLC is responsible for integrating the services on the online platform, offering access to gambling odds on popular sports to Albertans.
PlayAlberta latest introductions include bets on sports such as the under or over bets, points spread, and the popular moneyline wagers. Players can bet on football, hockey, horse racing, Golf, and many more. At the same time, each PlayAlberta Sportsbook is a partner to the AGLC Gamesense Program for players facing problem gambling.
Albertans can bet on any selected team supported by the platform. Aside from the popular Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, Albertans can also bet on American Football and Basketball. Plus, PlayAlberta is widening its range of betting options with in-play betting, such as halftime bet and results, winning margin, and more. In other words, PlayAlberta is the ultimate sportsbook in Alberta. But with continuous changes in betting and gambling regulations, what is there to expect in the future?
Future of Sports Betting in Alberta
Canada has no major restrictions on sports betting, especially with the legalization of single games wagers in 2021. However, sports betting is still a form of gambling and falls under recreational activities. Also, the AGLC and other Albertan authorities aim to monopolize the market with the limited operator approach.
Foreign operators may face strict regulations to enter the Albertan gambling market. But, as time goes and legalization continues to promote revenue generation, anything may change.
All bans and some laws may lift, especially with other Canadian states promoting gambling of all forms. There are rumors of the state welcoming other sportsbooks into the region come 2023.