Calgary Alberta Online Casinos - 2024 Review of the Province's Best Sites
Alberta is one of the most lively and attractive provinces for both offline and online Canadian casino players. You can enjoy different gambling opportunities with poker, bingo, roulette, and all the other fan favourites here. Although finding the best Calgary casinos can be hard, our team has researched the best Alberta online casinos for you and backed it with meaningful insight. Here we will take you through the online and brick-and-mortar venues, the bonuses available, the laws on gambling in the province, and much more.
Best Ranked Calgary Online Casinos in 2024
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Jackpot City casino is fully available to residents and offers a massive game library - with the predominant game type being progressive jackpots. Players can find all the most popular jackpot games, including Mega Moolah and Thunderstruck II.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $1600 -
With over 600 Microgaming games and a great variety of all types of slots, Spin Casino is an excellent online site that welcomes Calgary players. The site is safe, secure, and offers great bonuses for Canadian players.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $1000 -
Betway Casino is among the most popular online gambling brands in the world, and now welcomes players from BC. It offers a massive game library of over 400 games and a great variety of bonuses with low wagering requirements.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $750 -
TonyBet has over 3,500 games in its library, making it a great choice for every casino enthusiast who is looking for the hottest slot games, popular table games, or poker. The promotions section offers bonuses for both new players and regulars.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $100 -
Available in Alberta Fire Vegas Casino offers a diverse gaming selection and a unique Pay’n Play system. Others follow standard registration and deposit processes. Accessible on various devices, the casino operates under the full licensing and regulation of the Malta Gaming Authority for a secure gaming environment.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $200 -
Megaslot Casino offers diverse gaming, including video slots, table games, and a live casino. Supporting multiple languages, players can enjoy the casino instantly through a web browser or on the go. Licensed and regulated, Megaslot ensures a secure gaming environment.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $300 -
Available in Alberta With over 1,800 games on offer, ComeOn! Casino is a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and reliable online casino in Canada. It offers great bonuses to both new players and regulars.
150% Match Bonus, Up to $150 -
Available in Alberta N1 is a famous casino brand that recently launched in Calgary under a valid licence. It features seamless design and provides excellent mobile experience, with all the games at the casino being available on mobile.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $150 -
Available in Alberta Karamba has been offering its services for over 15 years and offers an impressive game library, with dozens of slots by top-notch software providers such as NetEnt, Quickspin, NextGen, and more. Moreover, Karamba offers stellar bonuses for Calgary players.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $500 -
Available in Alberta Casombie Casino offers a diverse gaming platform accessible through web and mobile browsers, supporting multiple languages. Licensed by the Government of Curacao, it ensures a secure online gaming experience for members.
100% Match Bonus, Up to $500
If you are wondering if gambling is legal in Calgary, the simple answer is - yes, it is. Calgary is the third largest city in Canada and the most populous one in Alberta, so it's natural it houses many of the casinos regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
Aside from the privacy and convenience of playing online, Calgary online casinos give out bigger bonuses, more gaming options, and convenient payment methods. We subjected all casinos in Alberta to rigorous reviews and strict rating criteria, listing only the 10 best Calgary online casinos below.
Jackpot City
Overall best casino for payouts and welcome bonusesThis casino lives up to its reputation. It has a huge game collection with incredible titles from slots and table games to live dealers. New players can enjoy a welcome bonus of up to C$1,600 and existing players also get their hands on regular promotions. It has licences from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Kahnawake Gaming Commission as well as an eCOGRA seal of approval.
Spin Casino
Biggest progressive jackpot casinoJust as the name would suggest, Spin casino is best for slot games. You can enjoy hundreds of slots and progressive jackpots at this Canadian casino online. Other games, like table and live games, are obviously featured too. The platform has been around since 2001 and now has a licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. It welcomes new players with a match deposit bonus of up to C$1,000 spread over the first three deposits.
Betway
Lots of captivating live dealer gamesLive dealer games have many fans in Calgary as they provide a real-life experience with dealers or at least come very close to it. Betway has lots of these and other games in its lobby. The website also incorporates sports betting in Alberta, which is a plus in our books. Betway welcomes new players with a 100% deposit bonus of up to C$1000. The operator holds licences with many prominent regulatory bodies and is regularly audited by eCOGRA.
TonyBet
Casino with the fastest withdrawalThis Alberta casino online has a vast games lobby. You can enjoy thousands of games with slots and table games taking a prominent spot for obvious reasons. It welcomes online Canadian casino players with a generous bonus of C$1,000 plus 120 free spins. The operator has a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, among others.
Fire Vegas Casino
Great playing experience on both desktop and mobile appsFireVegas boasts a huge casino welcome bonus of up to C$2,000 for Calgary players. There are not as many games as seen with casinos above but we’ve seen very smooth gameplay on mobile and desktop devices. It has evergreen and new interesting jackpots with great winning potential too.
MegaSlot
Best casino for slot fansMegaSlot casino has slots from over forty of the best software providers like NetEnt and Play'n GO. Apart from regular slots, there's a separate segment in the game lobby for bonus buy slots and jackpots. MegaSlot offers services with a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and welcomes new players with C$800 in bonuses.
ComeOn Casino
Best live dealer experienceAt ComeOn Canadian online casino, you will enjoy live dealer games like never before. The site boasts WeSpin, a feature that combines streaming with gambling and allows for community chat simultaneously. The collection of live games is superb as well and ComeOn welcomes players with a deposit bonus of up to C$1,000.
N1 Casino
Best games variety casinoN1 casino adds separate game categories like unique Mystery Drops, Bonus Buy, Drops and Wins, and Jackpots, all pumped with great games from great developers. In addition, new Calgary players can grab up to C$2,000 in deposit bonuses.
Karamba
Best bonus casino for existing playersAs a Karamba player in Calgary, you can enjoy different weekly bonuses and promotions including weekly prize draws and a lot more. While you could say it has a mediocre game lobby, you still get to enjoy many top games from popular providers. It welcomes new users with a $200 match deposit bonus and reassures us of legitimacy with a license from the Malta Gaming Authority.
Casombie
Best cryptocurrency casinoCasombie accepts token-based payment methods like Bitcoin, and Ethereum, together with traditional banking methods. On top of that, it has a very appealing design on its desktop and mobile sites. New players can get up to $1,000 in bonuses on their first 3 deposits. Casombie holds a Curacao Gaming licence and offers a legit service to Canadian gamblers.
How to Find the Best Calgary Online Casino?
All that glitters is not gold. Calgary has a great number of casinos, and therefore, even with the regulations in the province, it is likely you will come across shady casinos. So what are the characteristics that set the best casinos apart? This section highlights seven key determinants to look out for in Canadian online casinos.
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Examine Casinos' Licensing and Reputation: This is the first thing to consider. Check if the operator has a license with Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission or other important Canadian online casino regulatory bodies, like AGCO and MGA.
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Check Security and Privacy Measures Employed: In this day and age, players' financial and personal information can be compromised at casinos that do not implement up-to-date security and privacy measures.
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Check Availability of Casino Games: The primary purpose of casinos is to provide players with enjoyable games and a fair potential of winning. When choosing among the best casinos in Calgary, you should look at the game categories for slots, table games, and live games to determine the range of games on offer.
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Look for Lucrative Bonuses and Promotions: Bonuses and promotions are enticing. They mean you can play games for free, play more games for the same amount or reduce your risk on a bet. Check the welcome bonus terms as well as promotions for existing Calgary users.
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Check Supported Payment Options: With many payment methods included, players can easily deposit and withdraw their winnings. Check if the site has your preferred payment methods among those available to Alberta casino online players. Check for the maximum deposit and maximum withdrawal amounts as well as the fees charged.
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Check Customer Support Channels and Working Hours: No matter how good a casino is, players will still have to reach out to the support at one time or another. Therefore, a good casino should have responsive, easy-to-reach customer support with knowledgeable staff.
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Look into Mobile Compatibility: Mobile gaming options give more convenience and playing on the go has become standard practice. The best casinos have well-optimized mobile sites or native apps that effortlessly convey the experience.
Am I Legally Allowed to Gamble Online in Calgary?
Many Canadian players are overwhelmed with the gambling laws and keep asking if gambling is legal in their regions or not. Federal law does not explicitly allow all forms of gambling but it gives power to each province to issue licences and regulate their gambling markets. Alberta allows online gambling within the province and it is thus legal in Calgary, regulated by the AGLC.
iGaming Legislation in Calgary – Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act
Although gambling is legal, the activities at online casinos in Alberta are regulated. This is important to ensure Canadian citizens do not fall victim to scam casinos or engage in gambling malpractices. As said, the government agency that regulates the market is the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) in accordance with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. This Act is enforced in the region and any practices going against it are illegal in Alberta.
Who is Legally Allowed to Gamble Online in Calgary?
Any player over 18 years of age can gamble in Alberta. This is in contrast to the minimum gambling age in many other provinces in Canada, where you have to be at least 19.
Are My Online Gambling Winnings Taxed?
In Canada, the law does not see gambling as a professional business but as a means of fun. For this reason, there is no tax on online Canadian casino winnings or sports betting for that matter. Hence, Calgary online casino players do not have to worry about paying taxes on their online gambling winnings.
Who is Responsible for Monitoring Calgary Online Casinos?
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission is responsible for regulating and monitoring the entire Alberta iGaming scene. Its activities include but are not limited to ensuring only socially responsible best online casinos are accessible to residents of Calgary, providing responsible gaming tools and resources, administering gambling acts, and settling disputes.
Calgary Online Casinos vs Other Canadian Online Casinos
Alberta is not the only province that allows gambling in Canada. Regions like Ontario and Quebec have regulated markets as well. Comparing how Calgary online casinos bode among other Canadian online casinos, we’ve seen the same or very similar bonuses and games available across the country.
How Calgary Online Casinos Compare with International iGaming Sites
Although the best online casinos operate in a similar fashion, there can be minor differences in how they provide service in different regions based on the regulatory requirements, available payment methods, and ultimately the players' affinity.
Alberta has AGLC to regulate the gambling market in the province. Therefore, there are specific security and other measures a site must oblige before it can obtain a license to operate.
In terms of bonuses and promotions, it’s fair to say the regulated Alberta market lags behind international iGaming sites with fierce competition as the main reason behind it. When it comes to game libraries, casinos in Calgary have more Canadian-themed games but lack the range and sheer numbers that are available elsewhere.
Recommended Online Casino Games for Calgary Players
Wondering about the games with the best player experience at Calgary online casinos? It can be quite frustrating to search for the best games from the thousands of games online. We have highlighted below the best and the most popular games among Canadian online casino aficionados.
Best Online Slots to Play
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Starburst
This is an evergreen for both experienced and novice players. NetEnt’s renowned title features in-game free spins, a high 96.09% RTP, and 10 paylines in a classic design inspired by arcade games such as the Galaga Arcade. It has a low to medium volatility and the coin value betting range is from C$0.10 up to C$100 - which makes it enticing for both casuals and high rollers.
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Rich Wilde and Book of Dead
This popular game has an RTP of 96.21% and 10 paylines. The min and max bet are set at C$0.1 and C$50, respectively, which makes it a great pick for high-rollers and those far off. As the name suggests, Book of Dead is inspired by Ancient Egypt and many classic movies such as The Mummy. All the symbols resemble Egyptian artifacts, and the standout feature are the bonus free spins activated when three books land on the reels.
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Immortal Romance
Immortal Romance is the most popular Vampire-themed slot game for Canadian players. Microgaming’s superb title is often part of promotions as the go-to slot for many aficionados in Calgary too. It's a video slot game with very high variance and features 5 reels and 243 ways to win. The betting range is from C$0.30 to C$30, and the maximum win is 12,150x your stake.
Table Games and More
Awesome Jackpot Games
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Mega Moolah
It’s fair to say this game turned quite a few players into overnight millionaires. With some of the highest jackpots ever hit in Canada, the game features an RTP of 88.12% and 10 paylines. Developed by Microgaming, Mega Moolah is the most famous progressive jackpot slot of all time and holds the Guinness World record for the highest casino win payout of all time, reaching above $21 million.
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Jackpot 6000
Jackpot 6000 has an RTP between 95.10% and 98.90% with just 5 paylines. The min and max bet are between C$0.1 and C$10, as NetEnt caters low-rollers here. It boasts an old-school design with fruits and jokers, resembling the classic Vegas-style slot machines. The maximum payout is 6000 coins, which is respectable for a slot game with high volatility and high RTP.
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Dynamite Riches Megaways
Players have 117,649 ways to win a maximum of 7000x the stake in this game. It has a very solid RTP of 95.75% and the minimum bet you can place is C$0.1 as well. Developed by Red Tiger Gaming, it's an exciting slot game that employs the Megaways structure and features a mining theme with old-school symbols such as diamonds and pots of gold.
Play Games by the Most Popular Software Developers
Software developers are the brains behind the games. With the boom in the Canadian online casino industry, many of the top software providers are heavily featured at Canadian casinos. We have highlighted the three most popular and a few of their games below.
- NetEnt: The Swedish powerhouse is not only popular among Calgary online casino players but people across the globe just love it. NetEnt’s most popular games include the likes of Gonzo's Quest, Starburst, and Mega Fortune.
- Microgaming: Being one of the pioneers in software development, Microgaming keeps releasing record-breaking games. Some of its most popular games are Mega Moolah, Game of Thrones, and Jurassic Park.
- Play’n Go: Play’n Go is an award-winning software provider also based in Sweden. It has released many beloved games and some of its top titles include the Rich Wilde series, Book of Dead, and Troll Hunters 2.
Calgary Online Casino with the Best Gaming Selection
Casitsu is the Calgary online casino with the largest game collection. It has 3,500 plus games in all the game categories combined. This is far more than the few hundred you can find at Play Alberta, for example.
Casitsu will satisfy your hunger for fresh games regardless of your preferences. It has popular and vague titles under different game sections such as online slots, classic table games, jackpots, live dealer games, and even online poker.
Online Casinos That Let You Play Free Games
You can play casino games for free in demo mode at some casinos. We’ve shortlisted a couple of them below.
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PlayAlberta
Play Alberta is the only fully licensed casino in Alberta. You can play many of its games for free in demo mode, including 7s Wild, Blackjack, and Cash Eruption. You don’t have to commit real money or even sign up at the site.
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Betway
This casino allows players in Calgary to play some slot games like Thunderstruck ll for free. There’s more to choose from but you must be a registered player on the site.
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Spin Casino
Like Betway, players can't play all games for free. However, you can play specific titles like Mega Moolah for free and this certainly allows you to learn the ropes quickly.
Recommended Online Casino Bonuses for Calgary Players
Bonuses and promotions are what operators use to attract players. Calgary online gambling is no different. As a Calgary casino player, you can enjoy bonuses like welcome packs, free spin no deposit bonuses, cashback, and reload bonuses. We’ll cover more about these below and uncover the online casinos where you can find them.
Welcome Bonuses
This is a bonus exclusively tailored for new users and can come in many ways--sometimes as a no deposit casino bonus or a deposit match bonus, and other times as a combination of both with added free spins. The main purpose of welcome bonuses is to attract new players to online casino sites, and all Calgary casinos offer welcome promotions to their players. Although deposit match bonuses are more popular, they require an investment, where the operator matches it in bonus funds. You can find these at Calgary sites like Jackpot City and Betway.
Free Spins Bonuses
Canadian casinos online usually give free spins as an additional bonus on specific slots or as a part of the welcome package. This bonus thus caters only to slots fans. Free spins come either as part of the welcome bonus, free spins with no deposit, or reload free spins - but they all have one thing in common: they allow Calgary players to spin the reels of popular slot games for free. Free spins bonuses are increasingly popular in Calgary, and TonyBet is an example of a great free spin online casino.
Cashback Bonuses
The cashback bonus is the bonus you get as a percentage of your losses over a period of time. This is a type of promotion primarily reserved for existing players that have already made a deposit at a casino site. The operator often offers a cashback percentage of all the losses a player has experienced on a given day, usually in the form of a betting credit. Loyal players can claim this offer at Casitsu.
Reload Bonuses
This bonus is similar to the first deposit bonus, but it's for existing players. Essentially, it's a deposit match offer and you get a percentage of your deposit when you reload as part of a certain promo. While some casinos offer reload offers on a certain day of the week, others have ongoing reload promotions for every qualifying deposit a player makes at the site. The percentages here are usually less than 100%, though, and you can find this in many Calgary casinos including MegaSlot, for example.
Loyalty Bonuses
Some call these VIP or loyalty programs, but a loyalty bonus is a system that rewards occurring players that regularly deposit at the site. It is a somewhat more complex way to reward regulars and players who play often at the casino, and you can enjoy these at many Calgary casinos too, such as Jackpot City. Most loyalty programs are tiered systems where players climb VIP ladders and get more generous rewards with each level.
Referral Bonuses
You can get a bonus when you refer a friend who completes a particular task, like signing up or making their first deposit. These are great for players who take part in gambling communities and can be found at almost any online casino. Referral bonuses in Calgary reward both the referrer and the referee, and usually come in the form of free casino credits that can be used on the site or free bets.
No Deposit Bonuses
As the name suggests, no deposit bonuses are casino offers that don't require players to make a qualifying bonus. Instead, they're offered as freebies - usually as a part of the welcome bonus or by using an exclusive bonus code. Due to their nature, such incentives are fan favourites, and can come in the form of free spins or free money that can be used on different casino games. There are quite a few sites with such offers but two big no-deposit sites you can go for are Spin Casino and 888.
Calgary Online Casino with the Best Selection of Bonuses and Promotions
The Calgary online casino with the best selection of bonuses and promotions is Jackpot City. Here, you can enjoy new player bonuses like the first deposit bonus but also find great bonuses for existing users like loyalty rewards. Aside from these common ones, the operator keeps rolling out different promotions almost weekly.
Are There Any Mobile Casinos in Calgary?
Most players now prefer to play casino games on their mobile phones because of the convenience and ease of access. With that in mind, Calgary is the place to be with many of the best online casinos here supporting mobile gambling.
This means HTML5-powered games are accessible on iOS and Android devices via both fully optimized sites and native mobile apps. Indeed, you get instant access to your gambling account with both instant-play mobile sites and downloadable apps with a high-quality interface.
The Best Mobile Casino Apps for Calgary Players
Most casinos in Calgary have both desktop and mobile gaming options to satisfy the shifting market needs. Not all operators have mobile apps that are well-optimized for Android and iOS users, though. We tested these apps and our reviews showed Calgary casinos with the best mobile apps are:
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LeoVegas
You can enjoy games with great graphics and immersive effects at this site. You can play hundreds of mobile games and enjoy a unique experience on the go which already reaped awards for the operator.
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Jackpot City
On Jackpot City mobile, Calgary players can get their hands on 71 different titles neatly categorized under slots, poker and table games. What’s more, most of the website features are available in-app as well.
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Spin Casino
Spin has mobile-specific promotions and bonuses and while there might not be as many games as some would like, we certainly enjoyed what the operator has to offer on the go.
Calgary Online Casinos – Best of Lists
One thing that stands out in Calgary's online gaming market is that regardless of your gaming preferences and bankroll, there will always be casinos in Calgary that will satisfy your needs. We highlighted a couple of possible preferences and the Alberta online casinos that best meet them below.
- Best Casino for High Rollers: JackpotCity Casino is a high-roller casino. It offers high-payout games and many viable perks for its VIP users.
- Best for Players on a Budget: Spin Casino is for you if you are on a tighter budget. You can deposit and play with as little as C$10 with many games featuring bets as low as C$0.1.
- Best Casino for Playing Slots: MegaSlot has a vast slot category bound to satisfy all Calgary casino players. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the slots library here.
- Best for Playing Live Casino Games: ComeOn casino offers a great range of live games that work flawlessly across devices.
- Best for Instant-Play Mobile Gaming: Players are allowed to play mobile games at Play Alberta with no download with or without a deposit.
- Best Casino for Poker Fans: 888, as the renowned poker brand it is, allows Calgary players to enjoy different poker games in its gaming lobby.
- Best for Tournaments: Again, Spin Casino has frequent tournaments that cater to all its players but it’s primarily focused on newcomers.
- Best for Crypto Gambling: Casombie allows players to gamble with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Deposits and Withdrawals Made Easy
One thing of special interest to players in Canadian casinos online is the ability to deposit money and withdraw their winnings fast. There are many methods through which you can do these at Alberta casinos. Here are some of the top casino online deposit and withdrawal methods.
Most Popular Deposit Options
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Credit and Debit Cards: These are available at all online casinos in Alberta and are very popular among players. You can always use either Mastercard or Visa.
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Skrill/Neteller: Depositing with e-wallets is very fast and secure in Calgary. Aside from allowing near-anonymity, sending and receiving money is straightforward, usually offering the quickest processing too.
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Ecopayz: This is also an e-wallet that is very popular among Canadian casino players. It offers great convenience and there is always a minimal transaction charge with this payment method.
Most Popular Withdrawal Options
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Skrill/Neteller: Aside from convenience we’ve already mentioned above, these usually mean you have your hands on money within hours at casinos offering quick withdrawal processing.
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Paypal: This is one of the most secure online payment methods for Canadian casino players. It’s a renowned processor with an impeccable reputation but it’s not as widespread among operators.
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Bank Wire: Although this is the slowest payment method available, it does not have a maximum withdrawal amount. While it’s also the only available option in Calgary on occasion, many players also like it for big transactions.
Can I Keep My Winnings Collected from Bonuses and Promotions?
All online casinos give one bonus or the other. So a popular question online players ask is whether they can withdraw these bonuses or keep winnings from them. To answer this question, there are two things to pay attention to. That is, whether the bonus is cashable and what the wagering requirements are.
Most bonuses are not directly cashable, but winnings from them are. However, you have to meet the associated rollover requirements before requesting withdrawals and these range from 20x to 70x the bonus funds.
Gamble Responsibly – Responsible Gambling Tools for Calgary Players
Gambling is a form of entertainment but can also be dangerous and destructive when abused. This is part of the reason why online gambling has been considered illegal in some provinces until recently.
Now that gambling is legal in Calgary, responsible gaming procedures ensure it does not harm individuals or society as a whole. They are often imposed by regulatory bodies but many of the best casinos online provide tools like self-exclusion, cool-off, betting and time limits on their own.
There are also fully functional responsible gambling agencies in Calgary. The two most important bodies in support of player well-being are the AGLC and GameSense.
History of Gambling in Calgary
- 1970Sweepstakes came to Calgary in the early 1970s.
- 1980Cash Casino, the first permanent casino in Alberta, opened in Calgary.
- 1985The Canadian Criminal Code was amended in 1982 to allow certain gambling activities and it became fully legal in 1985.
- 1988Frontier Casino was launched in Calgary.
- 1994ALGC commissioned a report on gambling abuse in Alberta. AADAC receives funding for research, education and treatment of the problems.
- 1995The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) was formed after the government reviewed different policies.
- 1999Alberta Gaming started a review of gaming licensing policies after a series of court actions.
- 2001The government released the new First Nations Gaming Policies and Gaming licensing Policy Review (GLPR).
- 2002New gaming acts came into effect after a series of reviews.
- 2004The AGLC established a Social Responsibility Division for the gaming and liquor industries.
- 2006ALGC and AADAC launched the Responsible Gambling Information Centre (RGIC), and the Ministry of Gaming was dissolved after the government reorganization.
- 2006 and 2008Many venues like River Cree Resort and Casino, Century Casino & Hotel, and Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino were formed.
- 2013Updated machines were put in place of all VLTs in Calgary.
- October 1, 2020Play Alberta Casino was launched as the only licensed online operator.
- 2020-2022Markets across the country have been liberalized since and it’s expected the same will happen in Alberta.
Play Alberta - Who is Responsible for it?
PlayAlberta is a government-owned site regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission. It is the only licensed casino in Alberta at the moment, although it is legal for players to play at offshore online casinos.
You can enjoy different games from providers like Pariplay and IGT with the popular game categories available including favourite Alberta slots, card games, live dealer games, lottery, and scratch cards. It is important to note that the range of games is not as good as offshore sites grant.
How PlayAlberta Compares with Other Casinos in Calgary?
PlayAlberta is a government-owned casino. So, how does it compare with other online casinos in operation in Alberta? In terms of games available, PlayAlberta is better than some sites but the library is nothing compared to the best online casinos in the province.
In addition, many popular software providers cannot be found here. Its bonus and promotion section is not as generous either but the operator offers a viable wagering requirement, in contrast to many others.
The payment methods it uses are relevant to its audience but many payment processors are not supported, which is a letdown when compared with competitor sites licensed by offshore gambling authorities.
The Best Land-Based Casinos in Calgary
Calgary is friendly to both online and land-based casinos. The first privately-owned venue was established as far back as 1980. After this, many other land-based operators followed suit and we have now highlighted four of the best for you below.
Gray Eagle Resort and Casino: This resort in Calgary also houses 860 different slots and 40 table games along with a four-star hotel. It is built on 84,000 square feet of land. Since this is not just a gambling venue, there are other fascinating entertainment like movie night, comedy night, and shows. In the casino, aside from slots and table games, you can find interesting poker tables 24 hours a day.
Cowboys Casino: Cowboys is a great casino where you can play 370 slot machines from 10 am to 3 am. You can enjoy 30 table games under 7 different categories. In addition, there are other games like poker and electronic blackjack too.
The location also operates a nightclub where local talents and DJs play to entertain people. Other attractions here include the Melrose Cafe & Bar, Zen 8 Grill, and Elite club.
Elbow River Casino: This is the oldest gambling venue in Calgary and is located near the Victoria Park train station. It also has slot machines, table games and a poker room. Elbow casino operates between 9:30 am to 3:00 am every day. Besides trying out different games, you should make sure to visit Jester's Deli and Sammy's Sports Bar.
Online or Offline Gambling – Which is More Rewarding?
Many players still prefer to play at land-based establishments despite the popularity of online casinos in Calgary. In contrast, some online casino players have never set foot in a land-based venue. It’s safe to say that each player certainly has their own reservations.
Generally speaking, though, online casinos have more generous and enticing bonuses in Alberta as brick-and-mortar operators don’t push you through the door as much. For example, you can't find offers like no-deposit bonuses offline.
Another example is the welcome bonus. In online casinos, welcome bonuses often come in the share of a 100% match deposit bonus while some sites offer as much as 1000% in bonus funds. You will hardly be able to find any land-based venue that welcomes new users with a bonus at all.
New Calgary Online Casinos
New Ace is a new land-based casino slated to open in late 2022, sitting on 72,000 square feet of land with very modern entertainment facilities. It will open at YCC International Airport shortly. On the other hand, most casinos in Calgary are not the newest online casino operators out there but are rather just expanding into the province. Still, you can find some of our top picks below.
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SpinYoo Casino
One of the best new casinos to hit the Alberta online gaming market is SpinYoo. It offers a massive game library with over 2,500 games, including popular slots, classic table games, and numerous poker variations. It collaborates with top-notch software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Play'n GO, and delivers generous bonuses to Calgary players.
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All Slots Casino
As the name suggests, this is a casino site primarily for slot enthusiasts. There are over 500 games on offer, powered by software providers such as NextGen, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming. The banking methods available are specifically chosen with Canadian players in mind, and there are excellent bonus offers for both newcomers and regulars.
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Pino Casino
It's one of the newest online casinos to hit the Alberta gaming market and offers a no deposit bonus for new players. The gaming library includes more than 3,200 slot games, table games, poker tables, and an excellent live casino, powered by more than 20 software providers. The website design is intuitive, and the casino offers an excellent gaming experience.
Calgary Online Casinos Pros and Cons
- Both land-based and online casinos are easily accessible.
- Players can enjoy many different games in a matter of minutes at Calgary casinos.
- Anybody is eligible to play games, as long as they’re over 18 and physically present in the province.
- Bonus wins are not taxed.
- You can enjoy enticing bonuses and promotions online.
- There are too many sites to choose from and it may prove difficult choosing a good one.
- The province did not issue licences to other online casinos after doing it for Play Alberta.
What the Future Holds for the Calgary iGaming Scene?
Alberta online gambling future looks promising. Based on the current gambling conditions and the moves of other provinces like Ontario, Alberta may start issuing licences to privately-owned operators any day now.
If this should happen, more online casinos will troop into the province. Since competition drives the market, this will be an advantage for the government and especially the players.
Take a Break from Gambling, Visit Top Attractions in Calgary
Last year, Calgary was rated the best place to live in Canada. The same year, the Guardian ranked the city among the top places to visit. These quick facts imply that casino gambling is not the only interesting thing in this beautiful city.
There are many other fascinating tourist attractions, as we highlight below.
- Calgary Zoo: Calgary Zoo is an accredited zoo where you don't only find beautiful animals but also aquariums. The Zoo has many enjoyable events that they run on a regular.
- Calgary Heritage Park: This park sits on 127 acres of land. It has the world's largest collection of antique vehicles and is Canada's largest living history museum.
- Calgary Tower: You can have a breathtaking view of Calgary and discover what the tower's lightning looks like first-hand.
- Calgary Olympic Park: You can enjoy different interesting outdoor activities like skiing, hockey, and mountain biking at this park.
- Prince’s Island Park: This park is located on an island on the Bow River. Here, you can participate in many events but also enjoy many of the activities at the park.
- Rocky Mountaineer Tour: You can have great adventures and view wildlife that isn't easily accessible by taking the Rocky Mountaineer train tour.
- Glenbow Museum: If you are a great lover of arts and history, Glenbow Museum is a must-see as one of the best museums to visit in Calgary.
FAQ
- Is online gambling legal in Alberta? Yes, you can play at both online and brick-and-mortar casinos if you are currently in Alberta.
- What is the minimum legal age to play games in Alberta? The minimum legal gambling age in the Alberta province is 18, as opposed to many other provinces in the country.
- Do I have to pay taxes when I win? No, the law does not see gambling as a full-time business but as a means of entertainment. Therefore, winnings are not taxed.
- Can I play live games at Alberta online casinos? Yes, most online casinos in Alberta have a special category for live dealer games.
- Do land-based gambling venues in Calgary offer no deposit bonuses? No, you can only find online casinos with no deposit bonus and the same goes for welcome packs.
Meri has spent the last five years planning, writing, editing and publishing content on AlbertaGambling.ca and other GambleSites network websites. Her expertise is focused on the Canadian Betting & Online Casino space in which she reviews and compares gambling services.