Alberta online sports betting laws

Following the passage of bill C-218 by the Canadian government in August 2021, Alberta sports betting fans can now place single-game wagers online. The only licensed sports betting website in the province is Play Alberta, which is operated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). This is an impressive site with easy navigation around a broad range of markets on national and international sport.

The steps to follow to sign up for Alberta online betting are as follows:

1. Find your way to the Play Alberta website and hit the Sign Up button.

2. Enter all your details to verify your identity, age and location within the boundaries of Alberta.

3. Deposit funds in your new account.

4. Look for a sign-up bonus - however, you may be unable to use this for sports betting.

5. You’re all set to enjoy Alberta online betting.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games are legal across Canada. There has never been a law specifically prohibiting them here – unlike the confused situation in some parts of the United States. As a result, major DFS operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel have been offering games to sports fans in Alberta for many years.

In the process, they have built large and loyal followings. At the same time, both have developed a sportsbook capability that has been rolled out in several states south of the border. If Alberta does decide to offer licenses to international sportsbooks, DraftKings and FanDuel will have a significant edge thanks to their existing profile in Canada.

Alberta sports betting is a well-established activity, and the need for it to be conducted responsibly is also widely recognized. Most people enjoy sports betting as a harmless bit of leisurely fun to while away the hours and be more involved with their favorite events or teams. For a minority, however, gaming can lead to addiction which, in turn, causes mental health issues and financial problems. Several agencies exist in Alberta to point the way towards responsible gambling – and to offer assistance in the form of resources and practical help to those who may need it.

• The Responsible Gambling Council , set up many decades ago, is widely seen as the principal resource for assistance in Canada.

• Problem Gambling is an organization with a vast stock of responsible gambling tools to help people who may have a problem.

• The AGLC offers a guide to responsible gambling and links to various resources including a self-exclusion program.

• The Play Alberta website includes a Gamesense page, which has tips, a helpline and links to other problem gambling resources.

With the launch of Play Alberta, as long as you are 18 you can enjoy Alberta online sports betting anywhere in the province provided you have a mobile signal. You can also get involved in your favorite sporting action through the Sport Select facilities available at a wide variety of retail locations across the province. Alberta is also home to an impressive total of 59 land-based casinos. It will be interesting to see if sports betting facilities become available at these premises as the market matures in the years to come.