Alberta Betting Sites | 2023 Legal Updates

Is Sports Betting Legal in Alberta?

Yes, definitely! Sports betting is legal in Alberta and has been for decades. Betting activity is regulated by the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) in conjunction with the WCLC (Western Canada Lottery Corporation).

Manitoba sportsbooks, NWT, and Saskatchewan sports betting are also included under WCLC’s management.

However, there’s been a lot of recent changes due to updates in legislation. Let’s take a closer look at these developments!

Alberta Online Sports Betting in 2023: The Latest Updates

Up until 27th August 2021, only parlay betting was allowed at regulated provincial sites. This meant that bettors could not make use of single bets at sites like Sport Select and Play Alberta.

Since the law dictates that it is up to each province to regulate single-event betting as they wish, provinces have taken a different approach to these changes.

In the case of Alberta, single-event betting was rolled out in September on Sport Select and Play Alberta, which are the official provincial betting sites managed by the AGLC and the WCLC.

Moreover, on the 10th of December 2021, the AGLC announced that they are accepting bids from private operators that want to enter the market. So while betting sites in Quebec and other provinces remain in a grey area, Alberta is looking to legalize its market further.

Unlike Ontario, Alberta is limiting the market to two private operators. This is likely to be at an initial stage and the number will increase if it works out well.

The Request for Proposals will close on January 31, 2022, and the two sports betting sites will likely be operating in 2023.

If this comes to fruition, bettors in Alberta can likely look forward to a couple of operators that have already expressed interest in Ontario.

What International Sportsbooks Can Albertans Access?

In the meantime, Bet365 Alberta is a legal and safe option, and so is Betway.

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Although these sites are not regulated by the province, each sportsbook we recommend has acquired an iGaming Ontario license.

Currently, Ontario is the only fully regulated online gambling market, which means that sportsbooks with an iGO license offer safe and fair betting options.

Brands like Bet99 and BetVictor have recently acquired an iGO license as well and are available and safe for Alberta bettors to wager on.

How to Start Betting in Alberta

If you want to bet online in Alberta, you currently have two options available:

1. Bet at a provincial site like Play Alberta.
2. Use one of the international offshore operators like Betway and Sports Interaction.

Which is the best option? We’ve summarised the pros and cons below to help you make your choice!

Provincial Lottery Sites

International Betting Sites

As you can see from the summary above, international sites tend to be a more attractive option when betting in Alberta.

To start betting at one of these sites, just follow these steps:

1. Pick one of our recommended Alberta sportsbooks and visit the sportsbook. If you choose Sports Interaction, it will look like this.

1. You’ll see the “Sign Up” button on the top right. Click on it and you’ll get redirected to a registration page.
2. Fill in your personal details like name, address, and phone number.

1. Make a first deposit using your preferred payment method.
2. You can start betting!

Can You Bet on NCAAB in Alberta?

The answer is — yes! Plenty of safe, renowned sportsbooks such as Bet99 have a decent amount of NCAAB bets available. Besides the expected moneyline, totals, and spreads, Bet99 lets you bet on the winning margin and even place combo bets.

What Else Can You Bet On in Alberta?

While Albertans prefer betting on:

• Hockey
• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Tennis

Due to enormous betting markets of the most popular sports, those looking for more niche ones won’t be disappointed, either. From curling to lacrosse, the more Canadian options are also available at our safe and recommended sportsbooks.

Major Sports Teams in Alberta

Bettors in Alberta do not only have a wide selection of sportsbooks to choose from.

They can also look forward to betting on the province’s own teams in major leagues! The following are the most well-known teams.

Edmonton Elks (CFL).

Active since 1949, the Elks were previously known as the Edmonton Eskimos. The team has won the Grey Cup an astounding 14 times, with five consecutive wins between 1978 and 1982.

The last time they won it was a while back, in 2015, and in 2020, the team officially changed its name to “Elks”. Last season, they were eliminated from the playoff by Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Calgary Stampeders (CFL)

Founded in 1945, the Calgary Stampeders have a long-standing provincial rivalry with the Elks.

The Stampeders won 8 out of 17 Grey Cups they competed in, and the last one not so long ago in 2018. With 20 Western Division Championships under their belt, it’s a team many Canadians like to bet on.

In 2022, the team way defeated by the BC Lions in the West Semi-Final.

Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

In 1971, W. D. “Wild Bill” Hunter and Dr. Chuck Allard formed the Edmonton Oilers. The team briefly known as Alberta Oilers competes in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

After a 9-year playoff drought, the Oilers managed to win the 2015 Draft Lottery and get their spirits up. And in the last season, the team had their first 40-win season since 2017.

They’re still somewhat of an underdog considering all of their previous results, but the team is undoubtedly on an upward trajectory.

Calgary Flames (NHL).

Second of the two Albertan teams in the NHL, Calgary Flames also compete in the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.

Formed just a year after their provincial rival, Calgary Flames have twice been the top team of the regular NHL season.

But despite being objectively stronger, with 50 wins last season, the Edmonton Oilers managed to kick Calgary Flames out of the playoff in the second round of the 2021/22 season.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Alberta?

Gambling at online casinos is perfectly legal in Alberta. To start gambling, you can opt for the provincial lottery site Play Alberta, or one of the international licensed casino brands.

Same as sports betting, it’s not illegal to play at online casinos situated outside of Canada, and they remain a superior option to the provincial site because of a better selection of games.

Related reads: Guides to other provinces

• Quebec sportsbooks
• British Columbia sports betting
• Ontario sports betting
• Saskatchewan betting sites
• Nova Scotia betting sites
• Sports betting in Manitoba
• Newfoundland sports betting
• Yukon sportsbooks
• NWT betting sites
• New Brunswick betting sites
• Prince Edward Island sports betting
• Nunavut sports betting