Best Alberta Casinos For Online Real Money Gambling - An Expert Guide

The Canadian province of Alberta is home to a thriving gambling industry, with dozens of casinos and racetracks spread across the province. While the province is the best place in 2023 for land-based gambling, it hasn't done much to cater to the growing demand of the population for online gaming sites.

Top Recommended Alberta Real Money Casino Sites in 2024

    Casino Rating & Review Sign-Up Bonus & Standout Features
  1. Jackpot City
    4.5/5
    Jackpot City Review Available in Alberta

    Enjoy over 500 casino games with the best bonuses and instant payouts. Play age-old classics and the latest games from top game developers in a bold and immersive interface with top-notch security and a plethora of banking options.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $1600
    Jackpot City Review
  2. Spin Casino
    4.5/5
    Spin Casino Review Available in Alberta

    One of the best choices for online gambling in Canada. Play for real money on a wide variety of slots, table games, and live dealer games. Get 24/7 support, amazing mobile bonuses, responsible gaming tools, and more.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $1000
    Spin Casino Review
  3. Ruby Fortune Casino
    3/5
    Available in Alberta

    Ruby Fortune offers guaranteed fun for gamblers. The growing selection of games from famous software developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming is undoubtedly its key selling point. A $750 welcome bonus is the cherry on the cake.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $750
  4. CoolBet Casino
    2.5/5
    Available in Alberta

    Coolbet Casino, founded in 2016, is renowned for swift payments, generous rewards, and a commitment to fairness. Its visually appealing design, characterized by cool and dark tones, ensures a user-friendly experience, available on both desktop and mobile browsers for convenient access.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $200
  5. Betway Casino
    5/5
    Betway Casino Review Available in Alberta

    400+ casino games and rewarding promos, along with a massive sportsbook, are highlights of Betway - an oldie operating since 2006, amassing the most loyal following of online gamblers. Play here for some competitive games on the go!

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $750
    Betway Casino Review
  6. Europa Casino
    3/5
    Available in Alberta

    Europa boasts a rich history when it comes to delivering an incredibly secure gaming experience for its players. Powered by 256-bit encryption technology, it offers a beautiful interface, a massive line-up of promotions, and payment options.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $100
  7. Casumo Casino
    4.5/5
    Available in Alberta

    Casumo is an award-winning casino that features over 2000 slots and a blockbuster live casino section. You can win massive jackpots worth $12,000,000 and play exclusive games on the native Android and iOS apps.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $1800
  8. TonyBet Casino
    4.5/5
    TonyBet Casino Review Available in Alberta

    TonyBet is a premier sportsbook and casino that offers a huge welcome bonus split into two deposits. Give this casino a try if you want a grand collection of real-money online slots: progressive jackpots, video slots, and 3D games.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $100
    TonyBet Casino Review
  9. 888 Casino
    4.5/5
    888 Casino Review Available in Alberta

    888 is a leading casino, poker, and sportsbook operator known for its global presence and award-winning customer service. 888 is heaven for online gamblers looking for a variety of games, immersive gameplay, and massive promotions.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $1000
    888 Casino Review
  10. CasiGo
    4.5/5
    Available in Alberta

    CasiGO is a newbie worth a try! Get everything you want when gambling online, from top games to secure banking methods to 24/7 customer support. The casino has a great interface for PC and mobile, exclusive promos, and great payouts.

    100% Match Bonus, Up to $1100

Currently, there are no online casinos operating from Alberta except PlayAlberta. However, there are plenty of reputable ones located elsewhere in Canada and other parts of the world that are legal for residents of Alberta. Players from the province can enjoy all the benefits of playing at an online gaming venue without compromising their safety. These benefits include convenience, bonuses, promotions, multiple language support, ease of transactions in the Canadian currency, and a wide selection of games that allow you to win big money.

But with so many options to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start and which site to trust. Luckily for you, our expert team has looked all over the internet and compiled a list of the best Alberta casinos, so you can easily find the perfect one for your gaming needs.

Whether you're looking for a casino with great bonuses, a wide selection of games, or a mobile app for gaming on the go, you'll find a perfect match with your preferences on this page. We've even included some helpful tips on how to play and claim bonuses at an online casino and discussed the history and future of the legal status of online gambling in Alberta. By the end of this essential guide, you will know all you need to know about online gambling in the province of Alberta.

Casino chips, dice, and a deck of cards with a casino machine for the top online casinos in Alberta

There are a lot of great online casinos out there, but not all of them are created equal. We've picked out the best of the best for Alberta players based on a number of factors, including game selection, bonuses, banking options, safety, and customer service.The following are our top picks.

Laws and Regulations Regarding Online Casino Gaming in Alberta

In Alberta, online gambling is a regulated activity. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) is responsible for ensuring that all gaming activities, whether physical or online, in the province, are carried out in a legal and responsible manner. The AGLC has strict laws and regulations in place to ensure that all gambling activities are conducted legally and safely.

Online gambling falls under the same category as land-based gambling and is subject to the same rules and regulations. Players must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in the country.

Online gaming is legal in Alberta as long as the operator holds a valid license from the AGLC. All online casinos must adhere to strict guidelines set by the commission in order to maintain their licenses. These guidelines include ensuring that all games are fair and transparent and that all players are of legal age. The AGLC does not regulate Offshore gambling in Alberta.

Are Alberta Online Casinos Licensed by the Alberta iGaming Regulatory Agency?

Currently, there is no more than just one legal online gaming site in Alberta, which limits the options for players looking for a regulated place to gamble online in the province.

However, one plus point is that the province does not explicitly ban offshore casino sites. This means that serious gamblers who wish to play online can do so at reputed websites that hold remote licenses from highly reliable regulatory bodies such as the MGA, the UK Gaming Commission, or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

All the casinos mentioned in this article are safe and secure zones for residents of Alberta to gamble online. We’ve browsed through hundreds of other websites and chosen these as the ultimate best sites for online gambling. So, you can rest assured you’re playing at a site that industry experts personally recommend.

Players who wish to gamble at an offshore casino site should be aware that they are doing so at their own risk. The AGLC does not condone or endorse any form of illegal gambling, and players could face penalties if they are caught breaking the law. While there have been no reports of anyone being prosecuted for gambling at an offshore casino site, it is still possible that it could happen, so caution is highly advised.

PlayAlberta – The Only Legal Online Casino in Alberta

PlayAlberta is the only legal online gaming venue licensed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission. This online casino was recently established in 2020 in the province and has since operated as a standalone in the market. The site has built-in safety credentials as the Canadian government directly legislates it. Therefore, all of the player's personal data is secure, and the website is safe to play on.

Various games are available on this gambling website, including online slots, roulette, and table games such as Baccarat, Keno, Instants, and more. The games are developed mainly by Pariplay, Wizard Games, and IGT.

This gaming venue also offers many bonuses, including an initial $10 deposit welcome bonus where you will receive 50 CAD that can be wagered on casino games, instants, and live dealer games. While this offer seems low compared to those offered by other Canadian casinos, the super low wagering requirement of 20x makes up for the small bonus amount.

Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission – Major responsibilities

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) is a regulatory body founded in Alberta in 1996 and is responsible for regulating the gaming, liquor, and cannabis industries in Alberta. The AGLC's mission is to ensure that these industries are operated in a safe, fair, and legal manner.

The AGLC oversees all aspects of gaming in Alberta, including casinos, lotteries, bingo, and horse racing. The Commission also regulates the sale and consumption of liquor in the province. In addition, the AGLC is responsible for licensing and regulating cannabis retailers in Alberta, ensuring that these establishments comply with the law, and investigating complaints about them.

The AGLC website offers online services for license holders, such as renewals and applications. The Commission also conducts research on gambling and alcohol consumption trends in order to develop effective policies and programs.

How Alberta Online Casino Gambling Laws Compare to Gambling Laws in Other Provinces

When it comes to online casino gambling, the laws in Alberta are pretty similar to what you'll find in other provinces. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) regulates all gambling in the province, including online casinos.

There are a few notable differences between Alberta's gambling laws and those in other provinces, though. For one thing, the AGLC is more permissive when it comes to online casino advertising than some other provincial gaming commissions. Secondly, the legal age for gambling online passed by AGLC is 18, whereas regulatory bodies in Ontario and Quebec specify 19 as the minimum age.

Legal vs. Offshore Online Casinos in Alberta

When gaming online in Alberta, Canada, it is legal to use online betting sites which are based overseas and operating in Canada. Since there is only one legal online gambling venue in Alberta, PlayAlberta, gamblers often opt for offshore gaming venues.

Comparing the two, PlayAlberta has only been around for two years, while other gambling sites have been operating for much longer. Therefore, the latter usually have a much more extensive gaming library as they have partnerships with various game developers. Furthermore, they also have better welcome bonuses and loyalty programs as they serve a much wider audience.

On the other hand, because PlayAlberta serves only citizens from Alberta, the payment options, languages, game providers, etc. are limited.

International Online Casinos to Be Licensed by the Alberta iGaming Regulator

Many international online gaming websites will be able to receive a remote gaming license from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission because they follow the regulations set by multiple licensing committees.

Gambling venues such as Spin Casino, Jackpot City, Ruby Fortune, etc., are some of the most reliable online casinos in Alberta. They all have Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses and operate in Canada.

Therefore, it is highly likely that many of these new online casinos operating in Alberta will be able to get a remote gaming license in the near future based on their pre-established credibility.

How We Choose the Best Alberta Online Casinos

There is a lot you need to consider before you sign up on an iGaming site. Below are a few key things that we look at when determining which are the best Alberta online gaming sites.

Licensing and Reputation

The first thing we look at when choosing a casino is its credibility through its licensing. All of the casinos that we recommend are licensed by reputable gambling authorities. This ensures that they are subject to strict regulation and that they operate fair and safe games.

We only recommend casinos that have a good reputation with players and industry experts. These casinos have proven themselves to be trustworthy and provide a great experience for their players.

Security and Privacy Measure

We also take a close look at the security and privacy measures in place at the casino. We want to make sure that your personal and financial information is safe and secure when you play at an online casino. Here are some of the things we look for when choosing the best Alberta online casinos:

We believe that these three elements are essential for any online casino that wants to provide a safe and secure experience for its players. When you gamble at one of our recommended Alberta online casinos, you can rest assured that your information is protected.

Customer Care Service

We always check the customer care service of any casino we recommend. Every casino on our list has a good customer care team that can answer all your questions and help you with any problems you may have. All of our recommended platforms offer a live chat option and helpful 24/7 support to Canadian customers.

Gaming Libraries

The size and quality of the casinos’ gaming libraries and the number of software providers they’re affiliated with are other key factors that we consider before choosing a casino. We make sure that they have a good selection of slots and other casino games from various software providers with unique titles and gameplays. We also ensure that the site has a good mix of old classics and new releases. This way, you can always find something new and exciting to play.

Bonuses and Promotions

We also take into account the bonuses and promotions that each casino offers and the wagering requirements that players need to meet to acquire the reward money. We want to make sure that you are getting the best possible value for your money, so we only recommend casinos that offer generous bonuses and promotions in the form of no deposit bonuses, free spins, reloads, substantial cashback rewards, and exclusive welcome packages. Most of the casinos on our list also offer loyalty programs to regular customers.

Banking Options

We make sure the casinos we choose all offer banking methods that are convenient for everyone. Whether you want to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, every casino on this list likely has a method that works for you.

We factor in other aspects of banking, such as minimum deposit and withdrawal limits, withdrawal pending times, and commission fees charged by the casinos. Ideally, the top ones on this list offer all types of payment methods, have an average 24-hour withdrawal processing time, and charge zero commission fees.

Mobile Compatibility

The last thing we look at in our decision is whether or not the casino is compatible with mobile devices. This is important because more and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to gamble online. Therefore, casinos that offer mobile apps have a competitive advantage than those that don’t.

Alberta Online Casinos to Avoid

Most offshore casinos operating in Alberta are safe and fair. However, players often complain about iGaming sites offering unfair games. Our experts never recommend unfair and dangerous sites. Keeping your safety in mind, we’ve listed a few cainos here that you should avoid.

Casino Reason 50 Stars Casino Restrictive payouts and questionable licensing Absolute Poker Unfair gaming practices BTC Casino Long withdrawal pending times and delayed payouts Casino Del Rio Questionable licensing and other suspicious policies Indo Casino Extremely poor customer service
Roulette machine, casino chips with Jackpot sign for casino bonuses in Alberta

Bonuses Available at Top-Ranked Alberta Online Casinos

Alberta residents have no shortage of gaming venues to choose from, and many offer a large variety of bonuses to attract new customers and retain their old ones. Many top-rated Alberta online casinos have various rewards, and here are some of the best ones.

Welcome Bonuses

Almost every online gaming venue offers signup bonuses. These come in the form of free spins, cash you can spend on specific games, and more. An initial deposit is usually needed to get a welcome bonus but some casinos offer no-deposit bonuses.

Top-ranked gambling websites offering the most generous welcome bonuses include Ruby Fortune, SpinCasino, etc.

Free Spins

Many gambling venues offer free spin bonuses on slot machines. If you win an amount, it goes into your bankroll and has a wagering requirement, meaning you have to play the amount a certain amount of times before claiming it. These bonuses are often integrated into welcome bonuses.

Some Alberta casinos online that offer free spin bonuses include Jackpot City, SpinCasino, etc.

No Deposit Bonuses

No-deposit bonuses are also common rewards that allow you to play without making any deposit and win real money. The only requirement is to have an account on that online casino; sometimes, you need to enter a bonus code to claim the offer.

Some casinos in Alberta that offer no-deposit bonuses include Betway, 888 Casino and more.

Match Deposit Bonuses

Match deposit bonuses are monetary bonuses that are commonly offered to players where the casino matches the amount they have deposit up to a certain percentage.

For example, if an online gaming venue offers a 100% match bonus of up to 100 CAD, they will give you 100 CAD more to spend if you deposit 100 CAD. Therefore, your total bankroll will be 200CAD.

Most online gaming venues in Alberta offer match deposit bonuses, including 888 casino, Coolbet, etc.

Cashback Bonuses

When a gaming venue offers you a cashback bonus, they give you a part of your money back. The amount of cashback a player receives is often a percentage of losses, meaning the amount differs for every player. This bonus encourages people to spend more money.

Some online gaming venues in Alberta that offer cash back bonuses include Casumo and more.

Loyalty Bonuses

Loyalty bonuses are common among gambling venues. These are offered to regular players as a way to thank them for staying loyal to the gaming website and spending an above-average amount of money. These bonuses come in the form of free spins, cashback bonuses, etc.

Some online gaming venues in Alberta that offer cash back bonuses include JackpotCity, RubyFortune, etc.

Exclusive Bonuses

As the name suggests, Exclusive bonuses are rewards that an online casino offers exclusively to certain players. These bonuses are often tailored to you or the game you are playing. Furthermore, these are not awarded to all players.

Some online gaming venues with exclusive bonuses in Alberta include Casumo, 888 casino, and more.

Referral Bonuses

Online casinos offer “refer a friend” bonuses when players refer the casino to potential clients. These potential clients can be your friends, family members, acquaintances, or just people you know. When you bring in new players who make an account on the online casino you play at, you will receive a referral bonus, which usually includes free spins or cash bonuses.

For example, these bonuses may offer you and your friend a 10CAD free bonus when they create an account from your references. Online casinos that offer referral bonuses include Jackpot City and Ruby Fortune.

Make Use of Bonus Codes

Bonus codes are special offers from online gaming websites that offer you various bonuses, such as free spins, matched deposits, or more if you enter a unique code. Many online casinos require a special code. However, there are a few that offer bonuses without entering any codes.

The bonuses you receive from bonus codes are often much better and bigger than regular bonuses and are thus exclusive in nature. Some Alberta gambling venues that offer bonus codes for promotions and exclusive bonuses include:

How to Claim Bonuses at Alberta Online Casinos?

The process to claim bonuses at Alberta online casinos is pretty simple. To claim your welcome bonus, you can follow the following steps:

  1. Navigate to the online casino
  2. Select Register or Sign Up
  3. Choose an appropriate username, and enter your personal details and a suitable password.
  4. Select your desired language, the currency you will use, and your bank details.
  5. Then make a deposit.

Some online gambling venues in Alberta require you to enter a code to avail of the welcome bonus, while others do not.

If you are an existing player wanting to avail rewards, there are often reward pages with various daily or weekly deals available. On many online gambling websites, they simply pop up on your screen once you log in, and you can simply click ‘claim’ to claim them. Other bonuses, including cashback or match deposit bonuses, may be applied automatically or include a code that you have to enter.

Our Top Pick for Loyalty Rewards

The casino with the best loyalty rewards in Alberta is undoubtedly Jackpot City. It has a free-to-join loyalty program divided into six levels, and you have to have a certain number of loyalty points for each level.

Loyalty Level Point Range Bronze 0 - 2499 Silver 2500 - 11,999 Gold 12,000 - 49,999 Platinum 50,000 - 124,999 Diamond 125,000+ Prive Invite Only

As you progress through the levels, more valuable rewards become available to you, which you can access by spending these points. Loyalty points are earned on JackpotCity by making wagers on games available in the gaming venue. You earn loyalty points depending on the games you play and the wagers you make.

For example, if you play slots at Jackpot City, you can earn one loyalty point for every 1 CAD you spend. However, other kinds of games, such as table games, require you to spend 5 CAD to earn just one loyalty point.

When you sign up at Jackpot City, you are automatically added to the bronze level, and after you make your first deposit, you receive cash bonuses and a boost on the loyalty scheme with 2500 points added to your account. Therefore, without playing any game, you can enter the silver level.

Casino chips, dice, and a deck of cards with a slot machine for available online casinos in Alberta

Available Games at Alberta Online Casinos

On online casino sites in Alberta, there is a wide variety of games that players can choose from. They range from slots to jackpots to table games. Here are some of Alberta's most popular gaming categories on online gaming sites that citizens enjoy.

Online Slots

Online slots are computerized versions of classic slot machines where the player can spin the reel and hope that the symbols match up so that they can win big. The outcomes are random because they use RNG software. Online slots also have additional features such as scatter and wild symbols.

Some popular online slots played in Alberta include:

Classic Table Games

In casinos, table games such as blackjack, craps, etc. are quite popular. These games are often operated by one or more croupiers and are different from other games because they are played on mechanical devices, much like slot machines. Some popular classic table games available on almost all online casinos include:

Video Poker

Video poker is also called fixed-odd poker, which is based on a five-card draw. This game has a skill level, where you have to play the hand you are dealt most intelligently according to the poker hand rankings. Some popular video poker games include:

Poker Games

Poker is popular among online gamblers because it has many variants, so players rarely get bored. Each variant has its own rules, but the basic rules are simple. Texas Holdem is one of the most popular poker variants played at online gaming venues in Alberta.

Jackpot Games

Jackpot slots are exciting for most players because there is always that small hope that you might win the big prize. There are two kinds of jackpot games, including fixed jackpots where the size of the prize does not grow with the number of times the game is played. The prize on progressive jackpots, on the other hand, is determined by the number of spins.

The most popular jackpot games include:

Specialty Games

Specialty games on online gaming websites are those that do not fit into a single category. Although most people tend to gravitate towards games they know, some specialty games can act as a light buffer between more intense games.

Some popular specialty games include:

Live Casino Games

Live casino games are one of the newest trends on gambling sites. These games allow the player to interact with human dealers online. Therefore, they emulate the feeling of being in a casino from the comfort of your home. The game is often televised using video cameras, and the players can interact and ask questions through chat boxes.

The most popular live casino games played in online gambling venues in Alberta include:

Three Most Popular Online Casino Software Developers in Alberta

Online gaming sites are impossible to run without iGaming software developers that create games such as slots, table games, live dealer games, etc. Often such online websites have games from different software developers to form their extensive catalog. Here are some of the most popular software developers in Alberta.

A deck of cards, a slot machine with a lot of casino chips for high RTP games in Alberta

Online Casino Games in Alberta with the Highest RTPs

The iGaming industry in Alberta is booming, with many online gambling venues that feature hundreds of games. Out of these games, a few have a high RTP, or Return to Player, as compared to others. RTP is a theoretical number showing the amount a game is expected to pay out over a certain period. Usually, this is shown as a percentage. Here are a few games that have the highest RTP.

High RTP Online Slots

We have picked Mega Joker, Jackpot 6000, and Blood Suckers as our top picks. These offer some of the best RTPs among slots. Each has a different layout and features. Some might offer progressive jackpots, too.

Classic Table Games with High RTPs

Table games are popular among many gamblers because they are often skill-based games. Craps, Baccarat, and Pontoon will offer you the best RTPs in this section. We’ve discussed these games below.

High RTP Video Poker Games

Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild Bonus Poker are our top picks for the Video Poker category. These are very popular among Alberta players. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Recommended Jackpot Slots

Jackpot slots attract many players because of the high payout, which is why they seem to be some of the most popular types of games on online gambling sites. Here are the top jackpot slots that Alberta citizens can enjoy.

A million-dollar slot machine for top jackpot slots in Alberta

Recommended Alberta Online Casinos to Play Jackpot Slots

Jackpot Slots are one of the most popular games that casinos in Alberta offer. Jackpot City, Spin Casino, Betway, and Ruby Fortune have the richest selection of jackpot slot games. Here are just a few recommended ones.

Casino Jackpot Slots JackpotCity Casino Wheel of Wishes, Mega Moolah, Major Millions, and Treasure Nile Spin Casino Mega Moolah: Atlantean Treasures, Mega Moolah: Absolootly Mad Ruby Fortune Cash Splash, Major Millions, Mega Moolah, and Lots a Loot Betway Casino Blazing Diamonds Wowpot, Mega Moolah: Lucky Bells
A baseball, dice, and a deck of cards with a slot machine for best mobile casinos in Alberta

Gaming on the Go – The Best Mobile Online Casinos in Alberta

Much like online gambling websites, mobile casinos allow you to gamble online but do not restrict you to your PC or laptop. You can play these anywhere on your phone, and mobile casinos often have an optimized website that works perfectly on mobile phone browsers. Some gambling websites also have native iOS/Android that can be installed.

How to Play Your Favorite Games on the Go?

A few casinos offer their players the opportunity to play their favorite casino games on the go using their mobile phones. There are two ways that a gambling venue can offer this functionality, the first is through mobile-optimized websites, and the second is through mobile apps.

If a gambling website offers a mobile-optimized website, here is how you access it.

A debit cards on a mobile phone for banking options in Alberta

Banking Made Easy

The deposit and withdrawal methods vary according to which site you’re playing at and whether or not it is located and regulated in Alberta. If you’re playing at PlayAlberta, the deposit options are unfortunately very limited to you. The platform only allows transactions through Visa, Mastercard, and InstaDebit.

However, if you choose to play at an offshore site, your options become pretty vast. You can then make deposits and withdrawals using credit/debit cards, e-wallets such as ecoPayz and Skrill, as well as bank transfers using InstaDebit and Interac.


Recommended Deposit Options

After thorough research, our experts recommend ecoPayz, Paysafecard, and Credit Cards as the best deposit methods. These will enable you to make swift and easy payments. Each method has its own perks.



Recommended Withdrawal Options

ecoPayz is on this list, too. The other two methods we recommend for withdrawals are Instadebit and Wire Transfer. Wire Transfer is obviously the safest option but the withdrawal time can be relatively long.

What is the Minimum Deposit Amount Accepted at Alberta Online Casinos?

Different casinos may have different deposit limits. The minimum deposit amount accepted at most online casinos in Alberta is $10. There are a few casinos that do not allow deposits under $20. Very few iGaming sites accept as low as $5. So, $10 is the industry standard.

Average Withdrawal Pending Times at Alberta Online Casinos

Different casinos have different withdrawal pending times but the average wait time is 24-48 hours for most. Depending on which payment method you’ve chosen for the transaction, these pending times can increase even more. The following are the withdrawal pending times for different transaction methods.

Method Name Withdrawal Time ecoPayz Instant Visa or Mastercard 2-5 business days iDebit 4-10 business days InstaDebit Up to 10 business days

Great Alternatives to Online Casinos - Alberta Land-Based Gambling Venues

Going to an in-person casino has its own charm and excitement, and Alberta has 24 land-based casinos that provide you with a wide choice of games to spend your money and time on. Here are some of the best land-based gaming venues in Alberta.

A lock, timer and 18+ sign with a security logo for responsible gambling tools

Responsible Gambling Tools for Alberta Online Casino Players

Responsible gaming tools are designed to help gambling site users to avoid engaging in harmful gaming activities. These tools are standard on most online gaming platforms in Alberta as they allow the players to have fun and make informed choices when spending their money.

Game sense is a popular gaming tool used. It is a responsible gambling program that includes many tools and resources that keep safe gambling at the forefront. Its features include setting a budget and a time limit before you play so that you can be mindful of your gambling habit.

Other tools used include deposit limits, AutoPlay controls, activity statements, reminders of how long you have been playing, self-exclusion options, and more. These allow you to keep a check on yourself and gauge whether or not you should take a break.

History of Gambling Before Online Casinos in Alberta

Gambling became possible in Alberta in 1969 when the Criminal Code of Canada was amended, and authorized lotteries and sweepstakes were legalized. In 1975, the Alberta Provincial Government started granting multi-day casino licenses that allowed charitable organizations to generate revenue.

However, the first permanent privately-owned casino in Alberta was opened in Lethbridge in 1993. Following this gambling venue, many others started popping up, and in 1994, Alberta Lotteries and Gambling released a commissioned report highlighting the gambling problem in Alberta. Other casinos opened in Alberta include Gold Dust Casino and Boomtown Casino.

How have Alberta Gambling Laws Changed Over the Years?

Gambling in Alberta became legal under certain conditions in 1892 after the amendment of the Criminal Code of Canada. After a revision of the Criminal code in 1910, pari-mutuel betting and participating in games of chance were allowed for religious and charitable purposes.

In 1969, the laws were further revised, and lotteries and sweepstakes became authorized. Provinces could also authorize and give licenses to various lotteries and casinos. In 1979, the law deemed lotteries to be under provincial authorities to increase checks and balances.

After gathering the views of Albertans’ on the disbursement of unused lottery revenue, an amendment was made to the Criminal Code of Canada, allowing provinces to operate mechanical gaming devices. Therefore, the history of casinos in Alberta depicts that gaming online in Alberta was slowly legalized over the years, and many more games were introduced and legalized for gamblers.

When Was Online Casino Gambling Legalized in Alberta?

Online casinos became legal in 2020 under the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act. Before that, the situation was not clear-cut, as there was no specific rule that banned Alberta citizens from accessing offshore gaming websites.

Due to this, It became difficult to manage the safety of the players, which is why it became legal based on the charitable casino model. Alberta then launched its own new online casino in Alberta called Play Alberta, which features many different games such as slots, lotteries, and more.

Alberta iGaming Market vs Ontario Online Gambling Scene?

In Canada, the Ontario online gambling market is much larger than Alberta’s in terms of revenue and online gambling venues because of their new gambling license. This license prioritizes the safety of players and implements an RG check to ensure that the players play responsibly. iGaming Ontario has also gained the players' trust by increasing deposit amounts and reducing the conversion rates of third-party casinos.

Therefore, they have a much higher revenue of 162 million CAD, while ALGC reported that the revenue in Alberta was only 37 million CAD. Ontario also has 31 legal online gambling venues, while Alberta has only one legalized gambling website, Play Alberta. Therefore, the iGaming market in Ontario is much larger than Alberta's.

What the Future Holds for the Alberta Online Casino Industry?

A review of the casinos in Alberta shows that the industry has a lot of potential to become one of Canada's most lucrative iGaming industries. Its revenue alone is proof of that.

According to Alberta online casino reviews, despite having just one legal iGaming website, Play Alberta managed to rack up revenue of 37 million CAD. Furthermore, this industry is relatively new, as it launched in 2020.

To expand the industry, new online casinos in Alberta need to gain licenses from the Alberta iGaming regulatory body. To do so, they will first have to find out whether or not they are eligible to apply, then apply for a license.

Alberta follows the charitable casinos model; therefore, gambling can only be conducted by religious or charitable organizations and government lottery companies. Thus, an organization must apply for a license to gain a permit, and game developers can cooperate with them to offer their services.

How to Start Playing? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Online Casinos in Alberta

At most online gambling websites in Alberta, Canada, players have to register themselves and make a deposit before they are able to play the games available. To do so, follow these steps:

The gambling venues operating in Alberta also follow the KYC policies, which stand for Know Your Customer. These are standards designed to protect financial institutions, such as gambling websites, from corruption, fraud, and money laundering.

Therefore, they aim to establish customer identity, authorize the legitimacy of the source of funds and understand the nature of the player’s activity on the website.

KYC policies are framed into four key elements, including:

Important Facts About Online Casino Gambling in Alberta

If you are looking forward to start gambling, you should know a few more facts. You have to make sure that you are of legal age. You should also know whether you have to pay taxes on your winnings. We discuss them briefly below.

Legal Gambling Age

Even though the minimum age for gambling in Canada is 19, the minimum gambling age in Alberta is set to 18, after which you can visit casinos in person and play on gambling venues online.

Alberta Taxation System

If you win a sum of money on an online gaming site, you are not required to pay taxes on it because, in Canada, it is not considered a constant source of income. Furthermore, since these winnings did not come from employment, property, or a viable source, casino winnings can not be taxed.

Alberta Gambling Revenues

Alberta earns a lot from gambling revenues, as it was reported in March 2021 by ALGC that the net revenues earned by Play Alberta amounted to 37 million CAD in the previous six months.

Pros and Cons of Alberta Online Casinos

Pros

Cons

Tips from the Editor

Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment but it is more complex compared to other forms. This guide from our expert team at AlbertaGambling.ca should help you choose a casino best suited to your needs. However, you need to be careful about a few things that are listed below.

FAQ

  • Are online casinos legal in Alberta? Yes, residents in Alberta can legally gamble at sites that hold remote licenses from reputable regulatory bodies.
  • What are the legal online casino sites in Alberta? There is only one legal casino in the province, PlayAlberta. Offshore casinos do not fall under Alberta jurisdiction
  • Are there any casinos except the online sites in Alberta? There are around 26 land-based casinos in the province that people can benefit from while there.
  • What is the minimum age for gambling at online casinos in Alberta? You need to be at least 18 years of age to be able to gamble online legally.
  • Which are the most reliable Alberta casinos online? Our top picks include Jackpot City, Spin Casino, Ruby Fortune, Betway, Europa, Casumo, Tony Bet, and CasiGo. These are all trusted and secure sites with credible licenses.
Meri Zimic - Author
Meri Zimic - Author

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.

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