Alberta Sports Betting

Sports betting in Alberta became legal in 2019 when the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) announced that it would begin accepting applications for sports betting licenses. This followed a 2018 Supreme Court of Canada ruling that struck down a federal law which prohibited most forms of sports betting. 

As of now, Alberta sports betting consists of parlay betting, in which bettors must correctly predict the outcome of multiple games or events in order to cash in and win, as well as single-game betting. In fact, Alberta officially became the 8th Canadian province to offer single-game sports betting on September 21, 2021, which directly coincided with the launch of online sports betting in the province.

Today, bets can be placed online, at physical sports betting retail locations, or through the Alberta government’s online sports betting platform, known as PlayAlberta.ca.

Here at MansionBet, we review betting sites based on a variety of criteria. Some of the factors we consider when rating and ranking different bookmakers include:

• License and regulation: Our reviewers typically check whether the bookmaker is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority or in this case, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
• Odds and markets: We also evaluate the odds offered by the bookmaker as well as the number and variety of markets available for betting.
• User interface and mobile app: With this new wave of innovative technology, our team is always looking to asses the user-friendliness of the bookmaker’s website and mobile app. Highlighting how easy (or difficult) it is to navigate and place bets.
• Customer service: Another vital point to evaluate is the quality of the bookmaker’s customer service, including the availability of live chat and email support as well as the speed and helpfulness of responses.
• Payment options: Our team of reviewers also analyzes the safety and variety of payment options offered by the bookmaker, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
• Bonuses and promotions: Bonuses and promotions are another strong area of assessment when reviewing any sportsbook, including the terms and conditions attached to them.
• Trust and security: Arguably the most important factor to consider is the bookmaker’s safety measures. This includes researching the company’s SSL encryption technology and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Reputation: Lastly, we at MansionBet consider the bookmaker’s reputation as one of the most important factors to consider for new and registered users, including the sportsbook’s history of customer complaints or issues with payouts.

Based on these criteria, bookmakers are then rated and ranked according to their performance in each category.

Legal sports betting in Alberta has developed significantly since it was first introduced in 2019. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) was the first entity to allow legal sports betting in the province, and it started accepting applications for AB sports betting licenses shortly after the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling that struck down a federal law which prohibited most forms of sports betting.

Initially, sports gambling in Alberta was limited to parlay betting on multiple events, however, the government of Alberta officially made single-game betting on sports legal on September 1, 2021, following the rise of legalized sports betting nationwide.

The AGLC also launched PlayAlberta.ca, an online sports betting platform that allows users to place bets online or in person at one of their physical retail sports betting locations.

In addition, the AGLC has also partnered with licensed third-party operators to provide a broader range of betting options and to increase the number of physical locations where sports betting is available.

Furthermore, the Alberta government has also implemented measures to ensure that AB sports betting is conducted in a responsible and regulated manner. This includes strict age verification procedures, measures to prevent problem gambling, and the use of identity verification technology to prevent fraud. 

Overall, the legal sports betting industry in Alberta has grown rapidly since its introduction in 2019, with more and more Canadians taking advantage of the opportunity to place legal sports bets.

Yes, sports betting is legal in Alberta. It became legal in 2019 when the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) announced that it would begin accepting applications for sports betting licenses. This followed a 2018 Supreme Court of Canada ruling that prohibited most forms of legalized sports gambling in Alberta.

Currently, bets can be placed online, at physical sports betting retail locations, or through the Alberta government’s online sports betting platform, PlayAlberta.ca.

Keep in mind that while sports betting in Alberta is technically legal, there are rules and regulations that govern it, and they are strictly enforced by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

Why Should Single-Game Betting be Legalized?

Even though legal sports gambling was only introduced to Alberta in 2019, It wasn’t until September 2021 that residents could legally wager on single events or games, as there were still looming concerns and potential negative impacts associated with legalized single-event sports betting. 

Despite concerns over an increase in problem gambling, single-game betting ultimately won the legalization battle in Alberta. Here are a few reasons why:

• Increased revenue: Legalizing single-event sports betting generates significant revenue for the provincial and federal government through taxes on betting activity as well as licensing fees for operators. 
• Economic benefits: Legalizing single-event sports betting could lead to the creation of new jobs and businesses in the sports betting industry, which would therefore lead to economic benefits for the province of Alberta. 
• Consumer demand: There is a high demand for single-event sports betting, particularly for Canadians who are travelling to other parts of the world and using illegal bookmakers to place bets. 
• Consumer protection: Legalizing single-event sports betting allows for greater oversight and regulation of the industry, which helps to protect consumers from fraud and other forms of abuse. 
• Fan engagement - Legalizing single-game betting has led to a substantial increase in fan engagement and interest in sporting events. Since fans have a greater ability to participate in the outcome of games through betting, they have a more vested interest in the average sporting event. 

Sports gambling in Alberta is available to anyone who is 18 years of age or older, as this is the legal age for gambling in the province. 

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is the regulatory body responsible for enforcing this age requirement, and it uses strict age verification procedures to ensure that only those who meet the age requirements are able to place bets.

It is important to note, however, that while sports betting is legal in Alberta, there are also regulations that govern sports betting in the province and they are enforced by the AGLC.

In addition, users should understand that sports betting is a form of gambling, and therefore it is important to play responsibly. This means staying within one’s limits and not making emotional decisions that could impact your bankroll. 

Thankfully, the AGLC offers plenty of resources and tools to help individuals with gambling problems. However, individuals who are believed to have a gambling problem or who have been banned from gambling by the AGLC will not be able to participate in sports betting in Alberta. 

Alberta residents are technically allowed to use offshore bookmakers, but it is not recommended or considered legal by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), the regulatory body that oversees gambling in Alberta.

Offshore bookmakers are those that operate outside of Canada and are not licensed or regulated by the AGLC. As a result, they often lack the same consumer protections and oversight that licensed and regulated bookmakers in Alberta have.

Nevertheless, many Canadians still use offshore sportsbooks because they can sometimes offer a broader range of betting options, more favourable odds, or other features not available through legally licensed and regulated sportsbooks in Canada.

Additionally, some individuals may use offshore sportsbooks because they do not trust government-run options or because they believe offshore sportsbooks are more secure or private.

While they are considered illegal by the AGLC, offshore sportsbooks are still an option for Canadians in Alberta because it is difficult for the government to effectively regulate and shut down online betting operations that are based outside of the country 

Sports betting is now available to all Alberta residents who are of the legal age and fit to wager on games responsibly. Still to gamble through an AGLC-regulated sportsbook, there are steps one must follow: 

• Verify your age: It is important to reiterate that you must be at least 18 years old to legally bet on sports in the province of Alberta. The AGLC uses strict age verification procedures to ensure that only those who meet the age requirement are able to place bets. 
• Choose a sportsbook: Residents of Alberta can register with their local sportsbook, PlayAlberta, or another reputable offshore bookmaker instead. Although, you should select a sportsbook that offers competitive odds and markets for sports that you are interested in. 
• Register an account: Once you have chosen a sportsbook, you will then need to register an account by providing your personal information (first name, last name, address, phone number, etc.) and creating a username and password. You may also need to further verify your identity and address, depending on the bookmaker. 
• Claim your welcome bonus - Most bookmakers offer exciting sign-up bonuses to convince you to register with their sportsbook. PlayAlberta does offer an enticing welcome bonus, but you might find better sign-up promotions with other more established sportsbooks. You might also receive larger risk-free bets, deposit matches, and no-deposit bonuses depending on the sportsbook you register with.
• Deposit money into your account: To begin betting in Alberta, you will need to fund your betting account with real-life money. Luckily, this is generally a pretty quick and painless process, as almost every sportsbook allows you to make deposits using a credit card, debit card, e-wallet or other popular payment methods.
• Place your bets: Once your betting account is funded, you can start placing bets on the sporting events of your choice. This can be done either through the sportsbook’s website or mobile app. 
• Monitor bets and withdraw winnings: When your bets are live, you can keep an eye on how they are doing through the bookmaker’s website or betting app. Pay close attention to the outcomes of each event, and if you win, you can withdraw your winnings directly from your account using a supported withdrawal method (generally the same method used for the deposit). 

Keep in mind that there may be certain limits or fees associated with withdrawing money depending on the method of payment. To give you an idea, here are the most popular deposit and withdrawal methods accepted by most Alberta sports betting operators: 

• Credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most widely accepted credit/debit cards at sportsbooks. Deposits are usually processed immediately and there are no additional fees associated with this method.
• E-wallets: PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are popular e-wallets accepted by the majority of sportsbooks in Canada. Deposits are usually processed immediately and there are no additional fees associated with this method. Withdrawals may take up to a day to process.
• Bank transfers: Many AB sports betting operators accept bank transfers as a deposit and withdrawal method as well. However, deposits can take up to a few days to clear, and withdrawals can take up to a few days to process.
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are becoming increasingly popular deposit and withdrawal methods for sportsbooks. Plus, deposits and withdrawals are usually processed almost immediately and carry no additional fees.
• Prepaid cards: Some sportsbooks accept prepaid cards such as Paysafecard and Neosurf. Deposits typically process immediately and there are no additional fees associated with this method either.

Before we move on to our next section, it is important to remember that not all sportsbooks accept all payment methods, and fees, limits, and processing times will vary depending on the sportsbook. Therefore, it is recommended you read the bookmaker’s terms and conditions thoroughly, especially regarding fees and limits, before making any deposit.

Generally speaking, the most popular sports to bet on in Alberta would be those most widely watched and followed in the province, such as the Canadian Football League (CFL), National Hockey League (NHL), and National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as popular sports like soccer and football.

These sports are popular for gambling in Alberta due to their high level of engagement and interest from fans within the province, as well as the wide variety of betting markets available for them.

The most popular sports to bet on in Alberta (and Canada, in general) include:

• ⚽ Soccer: Soccer is one of the most popular sports to bet on globally as it is played in almost every country and has a very large following around the world. It is also one of the sports with the most extensive list of betting markets, including traditional moneyline, point spreads, and over/under, as well as more unique player props, correct score, half-time/full-time bets and more.
• 🏈 Football: Football is another incredibly popular sport to wager on in Alberta due to the CFL and NFL presence within the province. It is a complex and unpredictable sport with many different strategies, which makes it exciting for bettors to try to predict the outcome of games.
• 🏀 Basketball: Basketball is extremely popular in the Great White North thanks to the massive national following generated by the 2019 NBA champion, Toronto Raptors. It is a fast-paced sport with many scoring opportunities as well, which makes it exciting for bettors to try to predict the outcome of certain events.
• 🏒 Ice Hockey: As Canada’s official national sport, ice hockey makes up for a large percentage of sports betting in Alberta. It is another incredibly fast-paced sport and one with many scoring opportunities, which is enticing for sports bettors. It is also a sport that is embedded in Canadian culture and the province of Alberta.
• ⚾ Baseball: Baseball has a rather large following in Canada, and is one of the most bet-on sports nationwide as a result. Not only is it a sport with a lot of statistical data, which adds to the intrigue of sports betting, but it also has a long history and tradition and it is historically, one of the oldest sports to bet on in North America.

Most Popular Markets

The most popular Alberta sports betting markets vary depending on the sport, but some of the most common betting markets include: 

• Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a bet on which team or individual will win the game or event outright. It is a simple and straightforward way to bet on sports, which makes it a popular choice amongst all types of bettors.
• Point Spread: A point spread bet is a bet on the margin of victory in a game or event. The favourite team is given a negative point spread (e.g. -4.5) and the underdog team is given a positive spread (e.g. +4.5). To win the bet, the favourite team must win by more than the point spread, and for the underdog to win or lose by less than the point spread. Point spread betting in Alberta is popular because it allows bettors to bet on the favoured team without having to settle for terrible odds.
• Totals (Over/Under): A totals (or Over/Under) bet is a bet on the total number of points, runs or goals scored in a game or event. The bettor must predict whether the total will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook. This is a popular market because it removes the stress of having to predict a winner, just the total amount of points scored by both teams, which is generally a lot easier to predict. 

Other Bets

While most bookmakers are known for their selection of sports to wager on, hence why they are referred to as “sportsbooks”, they also typically offer a wide variety of other types of gambling beyond sports betting. These can include:

• Horse racing betting
• Casino games (slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, etc.)
• Lottery betting (wagering on the outcome of lottery draws)
• Election betting (wagering on the outcome of political elections)
• E-Sports betting
• Virtual sports betting
• Financial markets betting
• TV show/entertainment event betting

While Alberta sports betting operators promote wagering on professional sports, it is not currently legal to bet on university sports in Alberta, Canada.

In Canada, sports betting is regulated by individual provinces and territories, and each has its own laws and regulations regarding what types of sports betting are allowed. 

According to the AGLC’s policy regarding betting on amateur sports, including university sports, this is a type of gambling in Alberta that is currently prohibited.

Sports betting in Alberta is growing rapidly, but residents are still all-in on their beloved local teams: the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have a strong and dedicated fan base, due in large part to the team’s success in the 1980s when they won five Stanley Cups. The team has a history of generating star talent, including the G.O.A.T., Wayne Gretzky, as well as his possible successor, Connor McDavid.

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are also a well-supported team in Alberta, with a dedicated fan base in the city of Calgary and the surrounding area. The team also has a renowned history of playoff success and has made it to the Stanley Cup finals three times, winning once in 1989.

People tend to bet on the teams they support or have knowledge of, and this is what makes both of these clubs popular ones to bet on.

Both teams have been able to establish a strong fan base and culture around the team in their respective cities. Plus, hockey is hands-down the most popular sport in Canada, so having two NHL teams in the same province has naturally generated mass interest over the years.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) is another very popular league for sports gambling in Alberta as it also features two teams in the province: the Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders.

Both teams have a strong fan base and a history of success, and the CFL is the highest level of professional football in the country, which naturally garners a lot of national fan interest. Football is also one of the most popular sports in Canada, which has likely contributed to the league’s uptick in legalized sports betting as well.

In Alberta, there are several types of gambling available to local residents, including:

• Casino gambling at licensed operators
• VLTs (video lottery terminals) at licensed facilities
• Horse racing and off-track betting
• Charitable gambling (e.g. bingo, raffles, etc.)

Bear in mind that online gambling is only available through the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) website or another regulated bookmaker. Also, it is important to note that the availability and specifics of these types of gambling may change over time and differ from province to province.

Betting responsibly involves making sure that you are aware of the risks associated with betting in Alberta and taking the necessary steps to minimize those risks. Here are a few tips to help you bet responsibly:

• Set Limits: Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to that amount. 
• Take Breaks: Take regular breaks (timeouts) from gambling to give yourself time to think about your actions. 
• Keep Track of Time: Be aware of how long you have been gambling and take steps to limit the amount of time you spend gambling. 
• Don’t Chase Losses: Don’t try to win back money that you have already lost. This will inevitably lead to more losses and financial problems. 
• Seek Help (If Needed): If you ever feel that your betting habits are becoming a problem, do not hesitate to reach out to one of the many resources you have available. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) website has tons of valuable information on problem gambling, including contact information for organizations that can provide assistance. 
• Have Fun! - It is important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment, not just a way to make money. So fun should always be your top priority (within reason).

While gambling in Alberta can be both fun and rewarding, it is no secret that responsible gambling is not a guarantee against developing a gambling problem.

As such, if you, or someone you know, ever display signs of restlessness, irritability, or secretiveness when gambling (or when you are not gambling), these could be early signs that it is time to seek professional help.

Thankfully, responsible sports betting in Alberta is a top priority for the province, which is why they provide several resources and program tools to help residents gamble responsibly, including:

• The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is the government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing gambling laws in the province. They provide information and resources on responsible gambling, including the “Play It Safe” program, which provides education and awareness about responsible gambling.
• AGLC’s Self-Exclusion program is another way in which individuals can manage their behaviour, as it allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all casinos, racing entertainment centers, and gambling locations in Alberta for a minimum of one year.
• The AGLC also operates a Voluntary Self-Exclusion program for online gambling through the Alberta Online Casino.
• AGLC’s GameSense program promotes responsible gambling as well by providing information and resources to help players make informed decisions and better understand the odds of the games they wager on.
• The AGLC offers a Responsible Gambling Helpline to provide information, advice, and support to individuals who have concerns about their own or someone else’s gambling.
• The Alberta Government also provides funding to the Alberta Gambling Research Institute to conduct research on problem gambling and to develop/evaluate programs and services to prevent and treat problem gambling in Alberta.
• The Alberta Health Services provides resources to individuals experiencing problem gambling, including counselling and support groups.
• The Canadian Centre for Responsible Gambling (CCRG) is a national organization that offers resources and information on responsible gambling, including research and evaluation of responsible gambling programs and policies.

Sportsbooks to Avoid

The majority of sportsbooks and Alberta sports betting operators are reliable and trustworthy options as they are regulated by the AGLC. However, there are some general characteristics of bookmakers you should avoid:

• Lack of regulation or licensing: Make sure that the bookmaker you register with is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This ensures that the bookmaker follows fair play rules and protects your personal information and financial transactions. 
• Poor customer service: Look for reviews or ask around to see if the sportsbook has a history of poor customer service. If a bookmaker has poor customer service, you might find it difficult to resolve any issues or disputes that may arise. 
• Slow payouts (or strict withdrawal policy): Avoid bookmakers that have a history of slow payouts or strict withdrawal limits. This can be a sign that the bookmaker is having financial difficulties or is not a trustworthy operator. 
• Limited or low odds: When comparing sportsbooks, one should always shop around to ensure that you are getting the best odds available. If a sportsbook is offering less than ideal odds, it could indicate that the bookmaker is not competitive and may not offer the best value for your bets. 
• Unrealistic bonus offers: Keep in mind that some bonus offers might seem too good to be true because they have unrealistic terms and conditions attached to them. Most bonuses are designed to lure customers in, but some may be difficult or even impossible to actually claim. 
• Lack of transparency: A general lack of transparency is a good sign to turn the other way with any business. Therefore, you should avoid bookmakers that are not transparent about their terms and conditions or have a history of not being upfront with their customers. This could be a sign that the bookmaker is hiding something or not operating honestly.

If you are ever concerned with the legitimacy of an sports betting operator, you can always check with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to see if they have any information on bookmakers that are not licensed or in compliance with regulations.

Regardless, it is vital to do your own thorough research about a sportsbook before placing any bets, this way you ensure that you are putting your money in the hands of a reputable and trustworthy operation. 

A licensed sports betting site is one that has been authorized by a government regulatory body to operate legally within a specific region. These sites typically have to follow strict regulations and are subject to regular audits and oversight from the government to ensure they are operating in compliance with laws and industry standards.

In addition, they have to comply with strict rules around things like customer protection, information privacy, responsible gambling, and preventing money laundering.

On the other hand, unlicensed sports betting sites operate without the proper authorization from the government regulatory body. This means that these sites may not be subject to the same level of oversight or regulations, and therefore, may not have the same protections in place for customers. 

They may also be operating illegally, meaning there is a higher risk of fraud or other criminal activity associated with the site.

Furthermore, if you encounter any issues with your account using a licensed sports betting site, there is a trustworthy team of professionals you can contact to investigate the situation further. However, if you encounter any issues with an unlicensed site, it will be far more difficult to resolve the issue at hand. 

Why Should I Use a Licensed Site?

Using a licensed sports betting website is important for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that the website is operating legally and has been vetted by a regulatory body to ensure it is operating fairly and transparently.

Additionally, licensed websites are required to have measures in place to protect customer information and ensure that their transactions are secure. This means that if you use an unlicensed sports betting site, you could put your personal information at risk and potentially be subjected to criminal activity involving your account.

Lastly, if you have any issues or disputes regarding your account with a registered and licensed bookmaker, there is a regulatory body in place for you to contact. Whereas if you commit to an unlicensed website, you won’t have access to a reliable source to help you solve the dispute.

About PlayAlberta

PlayAlberta is a government-run online gambling platform that operates in the Canadian province of Alberta. Much like other Alberta sports betting operators, PlayAlberta offers various forms of gambling, such as sports betting, casino games, and lottery games, all of which are regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).