Alberta Sports Betting in 2023

Punters in Alberta have had access to legal sports betting for many years through offshore betting sites and PlayAlberta. Here are some quick facts about the sports betting scene in the province:

Each day, new sports betting sites are entering the Albertan gambling market. Since all sites appear the same and offer similar features, our experts have a system for ranking gambling sites in Alberta. Here is how we rate and rank Alberta sports betting sites. 

• Security and trust: We look at the licenses and player safety features in place, e.g., SSL encryptions.
• Payouts: Must be fast, with high limits.
• Sports coverage: Betting odds from international and local sports events
• Customer support: Fast responses offering solutions/ answers to any player queries
• Bonuses and promotions: Free bets, no-deposit offers, and other promotions are a plus.
• Banking methods: Free and instant cash outs or deposits, with options for players.
• Mobile experience: Fully optimized for Android and iOS browsers with app option. 

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

Alberta welcomed single-game sports betting in September 2021. However, legal gambling on parlays was around long before that. Punters could also place wagers using offshore betting sites. Below are some of the key events and updates leading up to the current AB sports betting scene:

• 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 October 2020, Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) launches PlayAlberta as the first and only regulated gambling site in the province.
• In June 2021, Bill C-218 became active, legalizing single-game bets in Canada, including Alberta. The bill went through the House of Commons and Senate before receiving royal assent from the Chief Justice.
• In September 2021, AGLC announces that single-game bets are now available via PlayAlberta. Punters can also place bets at Sports Select WCLC retail outlets starting November 1.
• In January 2022, AGLC launches virtual/remote self-exclusion sign-up, allowing punters to take voluntary breaks from PlayAlberta. The self-exclusion offers terms ranging from six months to three years.
• In December 2022, AGLC temporarily bans UFC betting before lifting the ban a week later, allowing punters to bet on UFC markets via PlayAlberta.

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.

Alberta sports betting apps make it easy to explore sports markets and odds on the go. In Alberta, punters can enjoy mobile betting directly on their phone browsers. The bookmakers also have convenient home screen shortcuts that punters can add to their device. Even better, some sportsbooks have dedicated apps that you can download and install.  

You can find Android and iOS apps from the bookmaker’s website or through the Google Play Store and App Store. Alberta betting apps are legal and offer convenient gambling. You can skip the browser and go directly to the sportsbook to make your bets. Apps are also optimized for the device and offer seamless navigation, and intuitive designs. 

PlayAlberta doesn’t have a dedicated app, but you can download the home screen shortcut app. If you fancy dedicated experiences, Betway, Bet365, and 888sport are among the best betting apps in Alberta. You can install the apps on any modern smartphone, iPad and tablet for optimal mobile betting.

Legal sports betting has many regulations in Alberta. Only those who meet the indicated conditions can wager and successfully play on select sportsbooks in AB. The conditions are; 

• A minimum age of 18 years: if playing in Alberta, you need to be 18 years of age. Although an individual is an adult at 18 years, in some Canadian regions and offshore sites, you cannot access any gambling activities before you are 19.
• Mobile Sports Betting: Candian bettors that would like to bet through their mobile apps will be able to do that with offshore sites that offer betting apps in Alberta. However, PlayAlberta is yet to launch a gambling app.
• Taxable Wins: when it comes to taxes, the law is clear. Only income sources registered to earn money are liable to pay taxes. Sports betting is a recreational activity, not a source of income. Thus, Alberta imposes no taxes on player wins.
• Player Restrictions: Only players within Alberta can register remotely and play on PlayAlberta. Thus, before you wager, you must activate the location icon on your device. The icon confirms your current location, ensuring you are within the provincial borders.
• Retail Sportsbook: As of now, Alberta has no retail sportsbook. Interested players must submit their bets/wagers to the WCLC in person. However, this can change shortly, with the state planning on accepting offshore betting sites in 2023.

Offshore Sportsbooks in Alberta?

There is no regulation governing offshore betting sites in Alberta. Therefore, betting on an offshore site is not legal, but it is illegal. Offshore sites fall into a grey area concerning Canadian and Albertan gambling regulations. Thus, if one chooses to bet with offshore sites, Albertans have no protection. Today, sportsbooks like Sports Interaction and Bet99 offer betting services in Alberta. 

If you meet all the legal requirements for a bettor in Alberta specified by the AGLC, you can now register and start betting in Alberta sportsbooks.

Remember, you can only wager on single events. You can also visit offshore sportsbooks for more exciting offers. Here is how you go about betting on your favorite sports in Alberta. 

• Choose A sportsbook: You may think this is redundant due to Alberta's absence of other sportsbooks. But, with more offshore sites appearing each, choosing a sportsbook is a top priority. Follow the criteria in this guide to choose the top sportsbooks.
  
  
  
  
• Start Registration: Register with your sportsbook of choice. Enter all specified information. Verify entered information, submit the form and launch your gaming account.
  
  
  
  
• Deposit funds: Cash in the minimum deposit as requested. Use a convenient method with instant and free transactions. Sportsbooks offer various types, from bank transfers and e-wallets to credit cards and digital currencies.
  
  
  
  
• Claim sportsbook new player bonus: New players get a promotion to help acclimate to the sportsbook. Newbies usually get free bets, no deposit bonuses, or a match deposit offer.
  
  
  
  
• Wager: Study the bet options offered ranging from moneyline or point spread. Check the odds if the under/over bet is more to your taste. Study the teams and players and choose the best odds or bet available. Wager and wait for the results.
  
  
  
  
• Withdraw your Cash Wins: Alberta betting sites only take 5 days to process wins and cash in the amount to relevant players. But, players must track the terms and ensure compliance. Otherwise, wins become void in case of a breach.

AB Sports Betting Popular Banking Methods

Albertan sportsbooks offer a wide range of banking options for Canadian players. These include; 

Neteller: A Canadian-based e-wallet, making Neteller a popular sportsbook payment method. Transactions are fast without delays or excessive charges.

Visa: An internationally recognized and reputable payment method worldwide. Almost all sportsbooks accept Visa for payments or withdrawals.

Bank Transfers: Although not all sportsbooks accept bank transfers, the best, including PlayAlberta, allow players to use bank transfers. These websites link with banks with outlets all over Alberta for easy transactions. the only challenge is that bank transactions can be expensive and take longer to complete.

Skrill: The e-wallet may not be popular amongst Albertans or other Canucks, but it does offer fast and efficient banking. Most sportsbooks will offer both Neteller and Skrill.

Digital Currencies: These are convenient and offer instant transactions for both deposits and withdrawals. Examples Include Bitcoin And Ethereum.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Alberta

Not all sports make an Albertan heartbeat or induce the adrenaline needed to wager. However, there are few teams and sports with a huge fanbase in the country and Alberta. These include the NHL, CFL, and Soccer. Here is more on these sports. 

• 🏒 Hockey: The Canadian National Hockey League has two teams with intense competition, the Calgary Flames, and the Edmonton Oilers. The betting odds shoot through the roof whenever the two meet the match. In 1970, the competition between the two teams left the masses searching for more, and thus, the rise of the title The Battle of Alberta. Both teams proudly boast of winning the Stanley Cup Finals over the years. 

• 🏈 Football: The Canadian Football League is another major sports event that draws Canucks across the country together. CFL is an event where the outcomes of each match are unpredictable, surprising, and fun. Bettors can stream the matches on their devices, make in-play bets or seek out alternative wagers. The most popular teams competing in the Canadian Football League drawing major sportsbooks are the Edmonton Elks and the Calgary Stampeders. Edmonton Elks covet 14 Grey Cups Wins, while the Calgary Stampeders have 8 wins since the CFL's inauguration in 1945. 

• ⚽ Soccer: Canadian Premier League is another major sporting event allowing Albertans to bet on popular soccer teams, mainly the FC Edmonton and the FC cavalry. Soccer hasn't been popular in Canada, but these teams are becoming a bettor's favorite pass time. The FC Calvary shocked Albertans after beating the Vancouver WhiteCaps back in 2019. On the other hand, FC Edmonton is a true sensation in the Canadian soccer industry, with an experience of 10+ years. Once the CPL season starts, each Albertan is betting on the team set to win and enter the CONCACAF League. 

Global Sporting Events 

Sports betting on the global level is numerous. These range from the Tennis Grand Slam to Golf world tours. Players can look for betting odds from bookmakers on the latest Cricket World Cup when in Alberta. 

International events offered hundreds of betting markets at a go. Odds makers provide different odds, and Albertans can scheme through to find the best using offshore sportsbooks. Also, the pays rise with each winning odd as the betting odds are global.

Other Bets Avaialble

Sports Betting may be the most interesting activity for bettors in Alberta. However, there are other betting markets you can take on. These include; 

• Politics: The local sportsbook do not offer any odds for political activities. But Albertans can wager on political outcomes on offshore sports sites.
• Esports: PlayAlberta has no esports gaming platform as of today. However, players in Alberta can wager on esports activities on offshore sports betting websites.
• Alberta University sports: There is a chance to bet on university sports. However, other sports betting events may not be as riveting as the odds. However, you can take on the odds presented on the Golden Bears, who play football, or the Dinos, who play Basketball.
• Award Ceremonies: There are no betting odds for award ceremonies in Alberta, Canada, or the world. But you can do so in sportsbooks not located in Alberta.

Alberta has almost all sports on offer on PlayAlberta and other offshore sites. With the extension and introduction of extra wagers on local sportsbooks, local matches and teams draw extra attention during the game seasons.

Each team has a great reputation, with many wins under their names. Thus, each season is exciting for bookmakers and sports gambling enthusiasts.

Popular Albertan sports betting teams include; 

Calgary Flames: The hockey team has a rich fanbase in Canada. Previously known as the Atlanta Flames, the team changed the name to Calgary Flames after moving from Altlanta to Calgary in 1980. The team has had some successes and failures, but it is still a great team.  

Calgary Stampeders: The team is one of the major competitors for the Grey cups in the Canadian Football League. Stampeders are known as the best athletes in Canada due to their intense battles facing other football teams. 

Edmonton Oilers: Another favorite team in Alberta works against the Calgary Flames, competing for the Stanley Cups. The teams have much to boast off, including a slot in the Hall of Fames in the 1980s. In 2017, Edmonton Oilers received the Greatest NHL Team since the establishment of the NHL vote. 

Edmonton Elks: One of the longer-lasting teams in the CFL is the Edmonton Elks. The team formed back in 1949 and collected several Grey Cups with consecutive titles. Similar to the NHL, the Edmonton and Calgary football teams also have an enmity when it comes to competitions. Thus, each encounter always leaves the masses looking for more. 

Sports betting isn't the only form of gambling in Alberta. The AGLC regulates all forms of Gambling an individual can engage-in in Alberta. These include;

Local Casinos: These are brick-and-mortar or physical casinos spread across Alberta. Players visit local casinos to socialize and play popular table games and slot machines. A local casino has a limited number of games, dealers, and winnings a player can collect daily.

Examples of games you can gamble on in a local casino are blackjack and roulette. You can also play arcade games or indulge in a slot machine. 

Poker: Join an online or physical poker room in Alberta. Here you can play your favorite poker games or become a spectator and view matches between other people. 

Horse Racing: Bet on a horse of your choice during the Calgary Stampede. Alberta has two popular Horse Racing locations, i.e., the Edmonton Century Mile Racetrack Casino and the Calgary Century Downs racetrack. 

Fantasy Sports: Alberta allows players to engage in Daily Fantasy Sports. Bettors can engage in these sports on popular betting platforms on offshore sites. 

AGLC highlights all the specifics for an Albertan looking to gamble online. However, each player needs to have a sense of security. Thus, the AGLC established GameSense.

The online portal aids any Albertan looking to play responsibly in any online gambling facility in Alberta. The GameSense program offers players responsible gambling tools like budget and time limits, support if they suffer from compulsive gambling and more.

Sportsbook to Avoid

All sportsbooks desire to make a profit. However, most comply with AGLC regulations while others do not. For players who desire to remain secure and gamble responsibly online, here are sportsbook characteristics you should avoid. 

• Sportsbooks with malicious and negative player reviews.
• Sportsbooks without a known gambling license.
• Sportsbook with issues when cashing out, delay tactics, or confiscated player wins.
• Poor customer service and support systems like FAQs, live chat functions, and more.

A licensed betting site is a legal business. The sportsbook has to meet all the specified rules of the AGLC before getting the license. These include; 

• Quality, fair, and honest sports Betting odds
• Player safety and security measures to avoid information or data breach
• Freedom of choice to players regarding the use of the gambling services on offer
• Freedom for players to sue the sportsbook in case of unfair treatment, payment confiscation, and more.

A licensed sportsbook offers;

• Live betting on all single-game betting events
• online betting opportunities on different events
• Winnings without tax reductions

Any betting site operating in Alberta without a license from the AGLC is unlicensed. But, it is not illegal to offer sports betting services to Albertans. Most offshore sites are unlicensed in Alberta. However, these come with licenses from other known jurisdictions. But, players must be cautious when betting on offshore sites to avoid scams. 

Why Should I Use a Licensed Site?

A licensed sportsbook offers the best security and safe betting for players in Alberta. All data provided is private, with no sharing policy other than with the player's consent.

Albertans can deposit any amount without limits and be sure of the safety of their money. Plus, all bets are in-person and only made to the WCLC.  Licensed sites also offer exciting promotions, no identity verifications with WCLC for washouts, and various bet options, whenever you decide to bet

We’ve focused more on Alberta, but our team examines sports betting across all Canadian provinces. You can find accurate information about major league franchises, including NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and MLS betting in all Canadian jurisdictions. Here are links exploring similar sports betting reviews in other regions:

• Ontario
• British Columbia
• Quebec
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Northwest Territories
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nunavut
• Yukon
• Nova Scotia
• Saskatchewan