Zephyrnet Logo

Alberta Gambling Laws

Date:

We will discuss the legal and illegal gambling activities in the province, as well as the legal Alberta gambling age. Finally, we will give you a few suggestions about the top brick-and-mortar casinos you can try in the Canadian province. Let’s start with a brief overview of the history of gambling laws in Alberta.

History of Gambling Laws in Alberta

Alberta has a long relationship with gambling. Initially, it started on a more negative note, with most forms of gambling being illegal. Things began to change at the beginning of the 20th century when Canada’s Criminal Code legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing, as well as charitable gambling.

The revised 1970 Criminal Code allowed Canadian provinces to choose whether or not to allow other gambling activities and capitalize on them. Since then, Alberta has adopted a charitable gaming model of regulation. All legal gambling activities in the province are governed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) and the Alberta government.

As per the information on the AGLC’s website, the revenue from gaming, liquor, and cannabis in Alberta has been used to fund over 8000 Alberta charities. We are talking about more than $40 billion in the last 20 years. Among the charity organisations receiving support from the AGLC are Voices of Albertans with Disabilities, Special Olympics Alberta, and Hope Haven.

So, we have already established that most gambling activities are legal under Alberta gambling laws. Residents and visitors of the province can enjoy slots, sports betting, horse racing, online gambling, lottery games, and more. Here is a brief summary of Alberta gambling activities and their corresponding legal status:

🎰 Slots Legal
⚽ Sports Betting Legal
🏇 Horse Racing Legal
🌐 Online Casinos Legal
🏨 Commercial Casinos Legal
🎱 Lottery Legal
❓ Charitable Gambling Legal

Alberta is home to over 20 land-based casinos, including First Nations and non-reservation ones. Single-game sports betting became legal in 2021. Albertans can now wager at the only locally regulated gambling site – PlayAlberta.ca. We expect to see many other sportsbooks appear for players from the province very soon.

The same way that there is a variety of choices when it comes to the best online casinos in Alberta. You can also bet in person at any retailer taking Sport Select bets. If you like horse racing, then there are a few high-quality Alberta racetracks you should check out.

Alberta Laws on Gambling at Land-Based Casinos

If you prefer the thrill of real casinos, then Alberta has got you covered. According to the gambling laws in Alberta, casinos are entirely legal. The Canadian province hosts five First Nation casinos, as well as over 15 non-reservation gambling venues. Here are the recommended Alberta casinos you should visit:

  • River Cree Resort and Casino ⭐ 1350 slot machines, 40 table games, poker tables
  • Grey Eagle Resort and Casino ⭐ 1000+ slot machines, 40+ table games, poker tables
  • Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino ⭐ 250+ slot machines, table games, poker tables, off-track betting
  • Pure Casino Lethbridge ⭐ 400+ slot machines, 10+ table games, poker tables
  • Great Northern Casino ⭐ 400+ slot machines, table games, poker tables

As you can see, these operators provide access to various casino games. You can enjoy popular slot machines, as well as video lottery games. Free Bet Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em Progressive Jackpot, and Chase the Flush are just a few of the table games available for Albertan players and completely legal under the Alberta gambling laws.

Online Gambling Laws in Alberta

The online gambling laws in Alberta allow for internet casino gaming. As of writing this article, there is only one locally regulated online casino for Albertan players. This is the Play Alberta website. You will not be disappointed, though. The site provides access to various casino games and gambling products.

You can choose between more than 130 of the most popular slots like Big City 5’s and Cleopatra by IGT, and 7s Wild by Amatic. There is an excellent selection of 20 table games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker. Play Alberta provides access to a live casino powered by Evolution.

Alberta Online Gambling Laws

In addition, you can enjoy lottery and instant win games. The sports betting section on the site allows you to place your wagers on your favourite sports, including basketball, hockey, football, tennis, etc. There are also popular sports events like the NFL and the NBA. The quality is very similar to that of the best sports betting sites in Canada.

If you are looking for diversity and want to try another operator, then you are free to do that. Alberta players have access to some of the top Canadian online casinos. Your number one priority before choosing any site is, and we cannot stress this enough, safety. Make sure that the casino holds a valid gambling license from an official regulator like the Malta Gaming Authority, for example. Ultimately, this means that it adheres to the latest industry standards.

Now, this is also very important. After all, you would not want to get in any trouble, right? Most Canadian provinces have a legal gambling age of 19 for casino gaming. However, the legal gambling age in Alberta is 18. The same applies for two other provinces – Manitoba and Quebec. The legal age for playing lottery games in Alberta is 18. In British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, this is 19.

Alberta Gambling Laws Conclusion

Alberta gambling laws are extremely liberal. Albertans can play pretty much everything they can think of. Whether this is slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, or sports betting – these are all legal in the Canadian province. You have access to many online and land-based gambling venues. All of them promise an excellent gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have reached the end of our article about the latest gambling laws in Alberta. Now, you should know which gambling activities are legal in the state in case you live there or are simply visiting. If you have any outstanding questions, have a look at our short FAQ section below.

1️⃣ Can you gamble in Alberta?

Yes, you can gamble in Alberta. The Canadian province is quite liberal in that aspect. The Alberta gambling laws allow most activities, including brick-and-mortar casinos, online gambling, sports betting, horse racing, and more. The gambling industry is well-regulated, so you can play with the peace of mind you need to enjoy your experience to the fullest.

2️⃣ Are there any land-based casinos in Alberta, Canada?

You bet there are. The Canadian province is home to over 20 land-based casinos. According to Alberta gambling laws on casinos, both First Nations and commercial venues can operate completely legally. Some of the most popular Alberta casinos include River Cree Resort and Casino, Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino, and Great Northern Casino.

3️⃣ Is online gambling legal in Alberta?

Yes, online gambling is legal in the province. According to online gambling laws in Alberta, there is only one locally regulated site – Play Alberta. In addition to that, however, you have access to many reputable, high-quality offshore operators. Albertans can play online slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, live dealer games, etc. They can also bet on sports.

4️⃣ What is the legal gambling age in Alberta?

The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18. This applies to both casino and lottery games. If you want to play in other Canadian provinces, make sure to check the corresponding legal age requirement. For example, the legal casino gambling age in most areas is 19. Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba are the exception to the rule.

5️⃣ Can I bet on sports in Alberta?

Yes, sports betting is legal according to Alberta gambling laws. In fact, most gambling activities are legal. There are a few racetracks in the Canadian province. You can also wager online at the locally regulated Alberta Play website or at retailers taking Sport Select bets. Soon enough, Albertans will have access to many other high-quality sportsbooks.

spot_img

Latest Intelligence

spot_img