Understanding Gambling Laws in Alberta
Is online gambling legal in Alberta? Yes, but due to the stringent gambling regulations, which will soon change, the options have essentially been Play Alberta or going offshore. Here's how things stand right now in late 2025:
- Play Alberta is the only legal online casino currently in the province
- Gambling winnings are not subject to tax unless you're a professional gambler
- Lotteries, bingo, and raffles are legal in Alberta
- Slots and table games can be played in person
- The GameSense responsible gambling program includes tools mandatory at every venue
- The AGLC's Self-Exclusion Program applies to all Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres
- Offshore casinos not subject to provincial regulation can be accessed by players
- Online and in person gambling is legal in Alberta from the age of 18
The Legal Framework and the iGaming Alberta Act
Gambling operations are set to be dramatically overhauled in the near future, with Alberta online casino laws undergoing a fundamental change when the iGaming Albert Act comes into effect. Private casinos in Alberta will soon be able to operate, expanding consumer choice beyond just Play Alberta. The iGaming Alberta Act will:
- End Play Alberta's position as the only online casino in the province
- Create a new Crown corporation, the Alberta iGaming Corporation, which will oversee regulated online gambling operations, promote responsible gambling, and work alongside the AGLC
- Enable private operators to enter the Albertan marketplace and receive licensing from the AGLC
- Allow authorities to inspect operators and subject casinos to financial penalties if necessary
- Support responsible gambling practices including mandatory requirements for casino operators
- Require operators to maintain suitable records and have them audited
iGaming Alberta Act Timeline and Implementation
- 2020:Play Alberta is launched and becomes the only legal online casino in the province
- 2022:Ontario became the first province to establish a domestic casino market
- 2023-24:Play Alberta continues to grow, generating $235m in net sales
- 2024:Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta, introduced Bill 16 to prepare the way for regulated online gaming
- March 2025:Bill 48 is introduced by the Albertan Government
- May 2025:Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, is passed and paves the way for Alberta to become the second province with a domestic casino market
- Early 2026:New online casino and sports betting operators expected to start operations in the province
Online Casino Laws in Alberta
Albert online gambling laws are going to greatly increase the range of Alberta online casinos available for players within the province. Here's how Alberta gambling laws currently stand and will soon change:
- Play Alberta is the only licensed site in the province (in 2025)
- Offshore casinos can be legally accessed but are not regulated in Alberta
- Winnings are not subject to tax, unless a player is a professional gambler
- The provincial iGaming market is anticipated to launch in the first half of 2026
- When the market launches licensing for operators will come from the AGLC
- The legal age to gamble in Alberta is 18
Legal Gambling Age and Sports Betting Regulations
Alberta sports betting has already seen big changes in recent years, and these are only going to continue in the near future. For a long time Canada only permitted sports betting in a parlay fashion (also known as accumulators or multiples), with each bet requiring multiple contingencies to come off. Alberta gambling rules changed in 2021, as per the rest of Canada, to legalise single event sports betting. This made sports wagers far more accessible and helped prevent online bettors from drifting to American and other offshore sportsbooks.
The iGaming Alberta Act is going to open up not just the casino marketplace but also domestic sportsbooks. This follows in the footsteps of Ontario, where many online betting operators host both casino gaming and sports betting markets under the same virtual roof. We've reviewed the best Alberta betting sites and will continue to add to them as more and more become available.
The legal gambling age in Alberta for sports is 18, the same as for casino gaming.
The Future of Gambling in Alberta
Come 2026 Alberta gambling laws are going to go through a sea change with the establishment of Canada's second regulated provincial iGaming market. It should be highly similar to Ontario's, but perhaps enjoy a smoother start thanks to learning early lessons from Ontario.
Most online casino gaming currently occurs offshore, and adding a domestic casino market will help reverse this (as happened in Ontario). More competition means more player choice, coupled with strong player protection. And by shifting players' habits from offshore to domestic platforms the province will benefit from increased revenues.
More in our Alberta Guide
If you'd like to know more about Alberta gambling as a whole we have more guides you can read. These include what happens to gambling revenues, responsible gambling resources in Alberta, how the AGLC regulates gambling in the province, and more. Be sure to check out the links below.
