Alberta Online Gambling in 2024
Online gambling is popular among Canadians, and Alberta residents are no different. Players in Alberta enjoy a wide range of games, including slots, live dealer games, roulette, and various card games. If you want to learn more about online gambling in Alberta, check out our article. We cover everything from the legality of online slot machines and the licensing requirements for casinos to the most popular online casinos and bookmakers in the province. Interested in finding out more? Keep reading!
Online Casinos in Alberta
Overview of Legal Online Gambling in Alberta
Alberta allows various forms of gambling, including online lotteries and casinos. Casinos must register as charitable organizations and donate part of their profits to social programs. Only people aged 18 or older can gamble online in Alberta.
Role of the AGLC
Gambling in Alberta is regulated by the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission). The AGLC is responsible for:
- Issuing licenses and overseeing charitable gambling operations.
- Registering people who work in the gambling industry.
- Providing information on responsible gambling practices.
Types of Legal Online Gambling
In Alberta, you can legally gamble online onç
- slots;
- live dealer games;
- table games;
- card games;
- lotteries.
How Casinos Get a Gambling License
To run a legal online casino or gambling site, operators must get a license from the AGLC. This involves registering the business, preparing the required documents, and submitting an application through the AGLC website. The review process can take up to six weeks, and the result is sent in writing.
Help for Gambling Problems
For any gambling problems, players in Alberta can get support from the Alberta Health Services Addictions Help Line. You can reach them in person or by calling 1-866-332-2322.
Casino Alberta Online Gambling
All types of gambling are available to players in Alberta. They can enjoy playing online or visit land-based casinos. Only operators with an AGLC license can legally run an online casino or live casino Alberta. Typically, these are charitable organizations that align with AGLC’s guidelines and policies. Alternatively, players in Alberta can also choose an internationally licensed casino site to play. Let’s take a look at each of the options:
PlayAlberta – the Only Legal Online Casino
Currently, PlayAlberta is the only legal online casino in Alberta. To learn more, check out our detailed PlayAlberta online casino review. The site offers a variety of games and betting options, including:
- Slot machines;
- Sports betting;
- Live dealer games;
- Lotteries;
- Instant win games.
Each game on PlayAlberta comes with clear descriptions, including minimum and maximum bet sizes and the Return to Player (RTP) percentages.
The site also features a GameSense portal, where players can learn about responsible gambling, how games work, and use tools like “Self-Exclusion” to manage their gaming habits.
Offshore Online Casinos for Alberta Players
While Play Alberta is the only online casino legally allowed to operate within the province, many Alberta players still choose to gamble at offshore online casinos. These casinos are based outside of Canada and are not regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). However, they are often licensed by reputable international gaming authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.
Offshore casinos offer a much wider selection of games compared to Play Alberta. Players can find thousands of slot games, various table games like blackjack and roulette, and many specialty games that aren’t available on the local platform. These offshore sites also frequently offer more attractive bonuses and promotions, such as bigger welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs, which can be appealing for players looking to get more value from their deposits.
However, playing at offshore casinos comes with certain risks. Since these casinos operate outside of Canadian jurisdiction, they follow different rules and regulations. This means that if a dispute arises or if there are issues with payouts, players have limited legal protection compared to playing on a locally regulated site like Play Alberta. Therefore, players need to choose reputable offshore casinos that have strong regulatory oversight to ensure their safety and security while gambling. Always check for reviews and licensing information before signing up to make sure the casino is trustworthy and reliable. Here are a few that we can safely recommend after a careful check:
| Casino | License | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bettilt Casino | Curacao Gaming License | 100% up to $500 |
| Betsson Casino | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | 100% up to $200 + 100 FS |
| Starvegas Casino | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | $30 + 60 FS |
| LeoVegas Casino | Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) | 100% up to $100 + 50 FS |
| Spin Samba Casino | Curacao Gaming License | $3000 + 150 FS |
| Jack Million Casino | Curacao Gaming License | $3000 + 150 FS |
Land-Based Casinos in Alberta
In addition to online gambling, Alberta also has several popular land-based casinos where players can enjoy a traditional casino experience. These venues provide a mix of gaming options, entertainment, and dining, making them great places to visit for both locals and tourists.
- Cowboys Casino — Located in Calgary, Cowboys Casino is a lively spot with a wide range of slot machines and gaming tables, including blackjack, poker, and roulette. The casino is also known for its exciting nightlife, featuring a nightclub and an event space that regularly hosts concerts, themed parties, and other live events. With several dining options ranging from casual snacks to full-service meals, Cowboys Casino is a popular choice for those looking to have a fun night out.
- Pure Casino — With locations across Alberta, including Lethbridge, Pure Casino offers a more relaxed atmosphere with classic slot machines and table games. The Lethbridge casino stands out for its live rock concerts, restaurants, and spa services, making it a great place to enjoy a mix of gaming and relaxation. It’s a popular spot for players looking to unwind with some entertainment and leisure after a busy day.
- River Cree Resort and Casino — Just outside of Edmonton, River Cree Resort and Casino offers a comprehensive gaming experience with over 1,350 slot machines and a variety of table games such as poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. The casino also features a 12-table poker room catering to both low-stake and high-stake players. In addition to gaming, River Cree boasts a luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, and an ice rink, making it a great destination for both entertainment and leisure.
- Grey Eagle Resort and Casino — Located in Calgary, Grey Eagle Resort and Casino is a modern facility with over 900 slot machines, various table games, and a large bingo hall. The resort also features a 4-star hotel, several dining options, and an event centre that hosts concerts and live performances. Known for its upscale amenities and excellent service, Grey Eagle is a top choice for both casual gamblers and those looking for a more luxurious experience.
- Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino — Set in the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino offers a unique gaming experience with a beautiful natural backdrop. The casino features a selection of slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It’s also located near outdoor attractions like hiking trails, ski resorts, and fishing spots, making it a perfect getaway for those who want to combine gaming with outdoor adventure.
Alberta Sports Betting
Sports betting is a popular pastime in Alberta, with many Canadians enjoying the fun of making predictions on their favourite games. The most common sports to bet on include hockey, football, basketball, and tennis. In recent years, eSports has also gained popularity, with thousands of fans placing bets on games like CS:GO and Dota 2. These bets are often placed through apps and websites that cater to the Alberta market.
For those looking to bet legally in Alberta, the PlayAlberta platform is the only provincially regulated online option. It offers a variety of sports for betting, including hockey, American football, basketball, and baseball. Players on PlayAlberta can enjoy a range of promotions, such as free bets, credits, and welcome bonuses, which add extra value to their betting experience.
Payment Methods for Alberta Online Gambling Sites
Gamblers can find information about depositing and withdrawing winnings in online gambling Alberta reviews. Typically, Canadian online casinos offer several payment options:
- Bank Cards — a popular choice for players who prefer traditional payment methods. The most commonly used cards in Canadian casinos are VISA and MasterCard.
- E-Wallets — for players who prefer fast and modern technology. Popular choices in Canadian casinos include Interac, WebMoney, Skrill, and Neteller.
- Cryptocurrencies — offer anonymity and fast transactions. More and more Alberta players are using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other digital currencies to deposit and withdraw their winnings.
Let’s take a look at some popular casinos in Alberta and the payment methods they accept:
| Casino | Payment Methods |
|---|---|
| Bettilt Casino | EcoPayz, MasterCard, Neteller, Visa, Multibanco, Skrill, AstroPay Card, Bitcoin |
| LeoVegas Casino | Maestro, MasterCard, Neteller, Paysafe Card, Visa, POLi, Trustly, Skrill, AstroPay Card, Sofort, EcoPayz, ecoVoucher, EnterCash, Fast Bank Transfer, Interac, Jeton, MuchBetter, Pay4Fun, SafetyPay, Zimpler, Swish, Siru Mobile, Euteller, GiroPay, PayPal, Klarna Instant Bank Transfer, iDebit, instaDebit, Bradesco, JCB |
| Playuzu Casino | Mastercard, VISA, PaySafeCard, WebMoney, ecoPayz, Neteller, PayPal, Trustly, Wire-transfer, Bank transfer, Fast Bank Transfer, Cashlib |
| Betsson Casino | Bank Wire Transfer, MasterCard, Visa, Skrill, Paysafe Card, Maestro, PayPal, Neteller, Entropay, Instant Bank Transfer, Sofort, Boleto, Trustly, Interac, EcoPayz, MuchBetter |
| Starvegas Casino | Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Paysafecard, Neteller, Klarna, Trustly, Bank transfer |
| Mr Green Casino | Visa, Mastercard |
| LeoVegas Casino ES | PayPal, VISA, PaySafeCard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Trustly, Neosurf, Bank transfer, AstroPay, Mastercard, SOFORT Überweisung, InstaDebit, Boleto Bancario, Zimpler, iDebit, Santander, PayTrail, JCB, Tapiola Bank, Swish, VenusPoint, Interac, MobilePay, Klarna, Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Finnish e-banking, Pay N Play, PIX, ApplePay, MuchBetter |
| Spin Samba Casino | VISA, Mastercard, Neosurf, Bank Wire, Bitcoin, Ethereum, eZeeWallet, Klarna, Litecoin, Giropay, Trustly |
| Jack Million Casino | Bank Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Ethereum, eZeeWallet, Giropay, Klarna, Litecoin, MasterCard, Neosurf, Trustly, Visa |
Casino Games for Online Gambling in Alberta
Casinos in Alberta offer lots of games that are fun and different. Here’s why you might want to try them, along with some popular examples:
- Slots — easy to play and can give big payouts. You just spin the reels and hope to match the symbols. Popular games like Book of Dead, Starburst, and Gonzo’s Quest are loved for their exciting themes and bonuses, like free spins.
- Card Games — games like poker and blackjack are great if you enjoy using strategy to win. Texas Hold’em is a well-known poker game, and Blackjack is a classic for fast play. These games are perfect if you like thinking through your moves and having more control over your chances of winning.
- Roulette — In roulette, you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. It’s fun because you have lots of betting options. Many people prefer European Roulette because it has better odds than the American version. If you like fast and exciting games, roulette is a good choice.
- Lotteries — games that are simple and fun. You just buy a ticket and see if your numbers match the winning ones. Some casinos also have instant scratch cards if you want something even quicker. This is great for players who want to take a chance with little effort.
Online Gambling Alberta FAQ
All types of gambling are legalized in Alberta, a province of Canada. Gamblers can access slots, card games, roulette, live dealer casinos, and sports betting.
AGLC issues gambling licenses. It also registers people working in the gambling industry, organizes charity events, and warns about responsible gambling.
To obtain a license to open a casino, business people must collect a package of documents, register a company and submit an application on the AGLC website. The response time is 1.5 months.
You can visit gambling clubs and play in a virtual casino only from the age of 18. Underage players are not allowed to enter the sites and establishments.
Bookmakers are legal in this province. Most often, Canadian players make predictions for hockey, American football, and eSports.
Many slot games are available on mobile devices based on HTML-5 technology.
Usually, in virtual and land-based casinos, players spend time playing slot machines, roulettes, table games, and sports betting. Gamblers also love live dealer games and lotteries.