Alberta Licensed Casinos - Guide for 2024
Due to complex gambling laws many find themselves asking - are online casinos legal in Alberta? One of the largest provinces in Canada has gone above and beyond to regulate gambling business and make this hobby safe. Alberta licensed casinos are regulated by the AGLC Commission and a large portion of their earnings is allocated to charitable causes.
However, there isn’t a clear yes or no answer to the question - is it legal to play online casino in Alberta? There is a legit online casino in Canada Alberta where players can register and enjoy games from top-tier software developers. That being said there are other Alberta online casino platforms Canadians can access. These are technically legal online casinos in Alberta but aren’t regulated by AGLC. Here we will address the issue of whether is it legal to play online casinos in Alberta, and talk about the gambling laws and available gaming options.
Online Casinos in Alberta
PlayAlberta.com – The Online Casino Legal in Alberta
PlayAlberta is an online casino Alberta legal operator and they are registered with AGLC. This also makes it the best legal online casino in Alberta, as there are no other legit competitors. Still, the operator does have a decent game library of slots and other table games. They even have live dealer content and lotteries. Read our PlayAlberta online casino review to find out more details.
Players who want to support the local economy and help charitable causes won’t mind the limited gaming options at the only legal online casino in Alberta. However, if you want more options on your hands, you should opt for another legit online casino in Canada Alberta.
Legal Casino Alberta Land-Based Establishments
While there aren’t many legal online casinos available in Alberta, the province offers a wide variety of land-based casinos. According to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) database, there are 28 registered casinos across the province. These venues are well-equipped with slot machines, table games, and some even feature poker rooms, providing plenty of options for those who prefer the atmosphere of a physical casino.
Gambling enthusiasts can find a range of casino entertainment in major cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer:
Calgary
This city hosts several well-known casino brands, such as Pure Casino, Elbow River Casino, and Grey Eagle Resort & Casino. These casinos offer a mix of slot machines, table games, and live entertainment, making them popular spots for both locals and tourists. In addition, players can explore various Calgary online casino websites that provide additional gaming options.
Edmonton
In Edmonton, you’ll find casinos like Century Casino, Pure Casino, and River Cree Resort & Casino, along with other establishments. These venues are known for their wide range of gaming options and vibrant atmospheres. While there are Edmonton casinos online available, it’s important to note that not all of them are regulated by the AGLC.
Red Deer
The city of Red Deer is home to the Jackpot Casino, which is part of the Red Deer Resort and offers a luxurious gaming experience with its selection of slot machines and table games. Cash Casino is another popular choice for those looking for a land-based gaming option in Red Deer. If you prefer to gamble from home, there are also several Red Deer casinos available online.
Who Can Play at Online Casino Alberta Legal Websites
Anyone who wants to play on an online casino legal in Alberta or in brick-and-mortar establishments should know that these operators must follow certain rules. Here players need to be at least 18 years old to have access to this content. In other provinces, the age restriction is 19.
This age restriction applies to lottery tickets, sports betting, and all legal casino Alberta institutions. There is a small portion of gambling operators that will allow minors to buy lottery tickets if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have recently turned 18 make sure to carry ID verification because retailers must confirm your legal age. If you play on a legal online casino Alberta you will verify your age and identity through sign-up.
Who Can Play at Online Casino Alberta Legal Websites
If you want to play at an online casino legal in Alberta or visit a land-based casino, there are some rules you need to know. In Alberta, you must be at least 18 years old to gamble. This age limit applies to all forms of gambling, including online casinos, land-based casinos, lottery tickets, and sports betting.
All legal casino Alberta operators must follow this 18+ rule. There are only a few exceptions; for example, some places may let minors buy lottery tickets if they are with a parent or guardian. If you have just turned 18, remember to bring your ID with you, as casinos and retailers are required to check your age before letting you play or buy anything. When you sign up at a legal online casino Alberta, you will also need to prove your age and identity as part of the registration process to ensure you meet the legal requirements.
Gambling Laws at Legal Online Casinos Alberta
Many people wonder if online casinos are legal in Alberta because of Canada’s Criminal Code. This is a federal law that generally bans gambling. However, each province can create its own rules and manage gambling within its borders.
In Alberta, only charity organizations are allowed to offer gambling services. The Criminal Code also prevents provincial governments from giving licenses to private companies. This means there aren’t any local online casinos in Alberta. Instead, most players use offshore sites that are available to Canadians.
Here’s a list of some popular online casinos and the licenses they hold:
| Casino | License |
|---|---|
| Bettilt Casino | Curacao |
| Betsson Casino | Swedish Gambling Authority, Malta Gaming Authority |
| Starvegas Casino | Malta Gaming Authority |
| LeoVegas Casino | Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Danish Gambling Authority, Swedish Gambling Authority |
| Spin Samba Casino | Curacao |
| Jack Million Casino | Curacao |
Alberta Licensed Casinos vs Offshore Gambling Platforms
As mentioned, there is only one legal online casino in Alberta, along with many land-based casinos. Playing at these locations helps support the local economy and contributes to charitable causes.
Any other legit offshore platforms, while available to players in Alberta, operate in a legal gray area. These sites often offer a wider range of slot games, live dealer content, and poker rooms. Players can also take advantage of more bonuses, cashback offers, and even no-deposit or no-wagering promotions, making it potentially cheaper to play at offshore casinos.
Many offshore operators are also active in other provinces and are registered with regulatory bodies, like iGaming Ontario. While sports betting options at Alberta-licensed casinos may be limited, offshore websites often offer more sports, a wider range of betting markets, and different odds.
Legal Online Casinos FAQ
Yes, so long as you are over 18 you can play in legal online casinos in Alberta. You can even play on offshore websites since no one was ever fined for using these foreign operators.
No, you only pay income tax if you are a professional gambler or play poker professionally.
There are almost 150 slot titles, 6 live dealer games, and over 20 table games. You can also place bets on sports: Hockey, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Boxing, and Golf.
It’s generally safer to play at an online casino legal in Alberta since it is locally regulated, and your government can hold them accountable. Although consumer protection won’t apply on offshore sites, some of them are very reputable and trustworthy brands.
If you want to have more gaming and betting options then you should definitely explore what offshore websites have to offer. If you are a casual gamer that wants to support charitable causes and the local economy then Alberta licensed casinos are a better choice.