Understanding Gambling Laws in Alberta
Is online gambling legal in Alberta? Online gambling is legal through provincially regulated sites, and due to the stringent gambling regulations, which will soon change, the options have essentially been Play Alberta or accessing sites that are not regulated within the province. 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 operate outside of provincial regulation and aren't overseen by the AGLC
- 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 significantly revised 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 be able to apply for a license to operate in the regulated market. This will introduce additional regulated options alongside 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 subject to approval
- 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 sites may begin operating under the regulated framework according to provincial plans
Online Casino Laws in Alberta
Alberta online gambling laws are going to expand the range of Alberta online casino sites 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 are outside provincial regulation and are not overseen by the AGLC
- 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 be issued by the AGLC, subject to regulatory approval
- The legal age to gamble in Alberta is 18
Legal Gambling Age and Sports Betting Regulations
Alberta sports betting has already seen significant regulatory 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 expanded the types of wagers allowed under Canadian law and reduced reliance on unregulated 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 betting sites for Alberta and will continue to add to them as regulated options 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 undergo significant changes with the establishment of Canada's second regulated provincial iGaming market. It is expected to follow a framework similar to Ontario's, and Alberta will use Ontario's experience as a guide.
Most online casino gaming currently occurs on offshore sites. The new Alberta market is meant to give players a regulated option, similar to what happened in Ontario. A regulated market may give Albertans more choice among regulated sites while keeping safety rules in place. If more players use regulated sites, the province expects revenues to stay within the regulated system.
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.
