Alberta Licensed Casinos
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 - 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. You can go over PlayAlberta online casino review if you want to find out more specifics. But it’s understandable if some players feel that the site leaves much to be desired.
Those 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 additional gaming options then you should opt for another legit online casino in Canada Alberta.
Legal Casino Alberta Land-Based Establishments
There aren’t many legal online casinos Alberta has to offer, but there are plenty of land-based gambling parlors. If you go over the AGLC’s database you will find 28 registered establishments. These entertainment and hospitality hubs are well-equipped with slot machines and table games. Some of these legal casino Alberta establishments also have poker rooms.
Gambling enthusiasts can typically find casino entertainment in big towns like Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.
- Calgary – There are a few notable casino legal Alberta brands here. Pure Casino, Elbow River, and Gray Eagle Resort. There are also multiple Calgary online casino websites that players can browse.
- Edmonton – Here you can find Century, Pure Casino, and River Cree Resorts, along with some other establishments. Once again there are Edmonton casinos online that users can access, but they aren’t necessarily regulated by AGLC.
- Red Deer – Jackpot Casino is a part of Red Deer resort and it’s the most luxurious entertainment hub this city has to offer. Cash Casino is another solid land-based option. You can check out Red Deer casinos that are available online if you wish to gamble from home.
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.
Gambling Laws at Legal Online Casinos Alberta
One of the main reasons why people ask – are online casinos legal in Alberta, is because of Canada’s Criminal Code. This is a federal law that prohibits all forms of gambling. However, every province is allowed to create its own laws and regulations, therefore they have the right to manage this form of entertainment.
According to this law, only Canada’s organizations that do charity work are allowed to offer gambling content. It’s also worth noting that this criminal code has prevented provincial governments from issuing licenses to privately held companies. Since there are no local businesses that can be legal online casinos in Alberta, the operators that are typically available are offshore gaming sites.
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 and lots of land-based entertainment hubs. Those who wish to play here are actively supporting the local economy and helping those less fortunate.
Any offshore platform is a legit online casino in Canada Alberta but it is in the gray area legally speaking. Players will have access to more slot games, different live dealer content, and even poker rooms. Additionally, they will be able to claim multiple bonuses, cashback offers, and even no deposit and no wagering promotions. From that perspective, it’s cheaper for users to play in offshore casinos.
Lots of these operators are also active in other provinces and are even registered with their regulatory bodies like iGaming Ontario. Sports betting options can also be limited in any casino legal Alberta place. Offshore websites on the other hand have an array of betting markets, varying odds, and cover more sports in general.
FAQ about Legal Online Casinos
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 on 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.