Sports Betting in Alberta (2023)

Alberta Sports Betting Guide

Interested in sports betting in Alberta? To help you out, we’ve created the ultimate guide. 

Our team has brought you the most important information on domestic and online sports betting in Alberta. We’ll cover legislation surrounding sports betting and recent law amendments.

Our goal is to help you find a secure and legal sports betting platform. With the help of this trusted guide, you can start placing your wagers today! 

Sports Betting Laws in Alberta

Sports betting is legal in Alberta.

Recent changes in federal legislation have opened up more options for sports bettors in Canada. Bill C-218, which was passed on August 27, 2021, allows Canadians to wager on the outcome of a single sporting event.  

Federal gambling laws don’t always reflect provincial law. However, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) is very much in favour of Bill C-218. The AGLC has always advocated for progressive gambling laws. The organization believes that Albertans should have more choice when it comes to placing bets on their favourite sports teams. 

Bill C-218 gives individual provinces and territories the right to handle sports betting rules in their area. Therefore, Alberta will allow gamblers in the province to engage in single-game betting. 

Domestic Sports Betting in Alberta

The AGLC and the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) work together to provide sports betting games in Alberta.  

At various casinos throughout the province, you can bet on your favourite sports via the following games:

• Over-Under - to play, simply guess whether the total score of the game (or match) will be over or under a certain number. 
• Point-Spread - with this game you have two options - will the favourite team win by a set margin? Or will the underdogs keep them from reaching that spread?
• Pools - this wager allows you to bet against other sports fans. Simply predict the outcome of various games and get the most predictions right to win. 
• Props - you’ll be required to guess the outcome of a proposition (e.g. number of goals or points, total receiving yards, etc.). Decide which of the two selected players will win or whether you think the match-up will result in a tie. 
• PROLINE - in this simple game, you just need to predict which team will win and by how much.

Online Sports Betting in Alberta 

Play Alberta is the only provincially regulated website for domestic online sports betting in Alberta. This site is controlled by AGLC.  

Play Alberta has tons of options when it comes to sports betting. Albertans can choose to wager on any of these available sports:

• Hockey betting
• Football betting
• Basketball betting
• Baseball betting and more 

By visiting Play Alberta online you can place the following wagers: 

• Spread 
• Moneyline 
• Totals, and more 

What other online sports betting options are there?

In addition to the Play Alberta website, sports gamblers can use international sites. Similar to other provinces, any offshore site without physical ties to Canada is legal for Albertans to use.  

When looking at offshore sportsbooks, it’s important to ensure your safety and security. Be sure to review any website before you provide personal information.

Check to see that the online sportsbook is licensed and trustworthy. Look for licensing by regulatory bodies like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the UK Gambling Commission.

The Future of Sports Betting in Alberta 

The future of sports betting in Alberta is bright. The AGLC is a very progressive organization that wants the best for gambling and entertainment in the province.

The AGLC and Play Alberta added sports betting to their website in 2021. This includes the option to bet on single-game outcomes. Play Alberta plans to continue to improve this site and to expand on the available betting options.

Canada may continue to pass legislation that allows for a more vast and open sports betting market. As a result, Albertans can look forward to more diversity in sports betting in the future. 

Domestic vs Offshore Sportsbooks in Alberta

Domestic Sportsbooks in Alberta

The only domestic online sportsbook available to Albertans is Play Alberta.  

Play Alberta now allows for wagers to be placed on single games. However, before August 27, 2021, only multiple bets or parlays were allowed. This meant that wagers had to be placed on more game outcomes. If each bet didn’t win, then the entire wager was lost.  

There are 28 land-based casinos in Alberta. Here are some casinos where you’ll find sports betting:

• Century Downs Racetrack and Casino 
• Casino Dene 
• ACE Casino Blackfoot 
• Pure Casino Calgary 
• Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, and more 

Looking for more variety in your sportsbook? Check out the vast world of offshore online sportsbooks. 

Offshore Sportsbooks in Alberta 

When it comes to sports betting in Alberta, offshore sportsbooks offer the most betting options and diversity. Many safe and reliable international sportsbooks are legal for Albertans. Here are some of our top picks: 

• Betway 
• Bodog
• 888Sport
• Unibet
• Sports Interaction

Each of these online sportsbooks is licensed and regulated. However, remember to always be vigilant when gambling online. Be sure to protect your personal and financial information.

Using reliable guides like our Best Sportsbooks in Canada for 2023 is the best way to find safe and legal offshore sportsbooks.  

If you decide to research on your own there are many factors to consider. Most importantly, be sure that the sportsbook is located completely outside of Canada to guarantee that it’s legal.