Alberta Sports Betting October 2023

How to find the best Alberta sportsbooks

Alberta officially launched single-game sports betting on September 1, 2021. Online sports betting went live the same day, with PlayAlberta.ca as the province's lone regulated online sports betting site.

There are rumours that Alberta will allow third-party sportsbooks at some point in the future, as Ontario did in 2022. If that happens, the province's four million+ residents will be potential targets for industry heavy hitters like DraftKings and FanDuel, plus popular Canadian brand theScoreBet.

Read on for the all details on Alberta sports betting options, including the best sportsbooks, how to choose one, and get started.

Is sports betting legal in Alberta?

Sports betting is legal in Alberta. Single-game sports betting came to the province (and the rest of Canada) in 2021 following the passing of Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act.

The lone online regulated option for Alberta sports betting is PlayAlberta.ca, run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC). In-person sports betting is available at authorized retail locations via Sport Select, run by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC).

Alberta has not opened its doors to third-party operators like Ontario. However, in December 2021, the AGLC did request proposals from sports betting operators interested in entering the Alberta sports betting market.

Best Alberta sportsbooks

The only online sportsbook officially licensed and regulated by the Alberta government is PlayAlberta, which is owned and operated by the government itself, specifically the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

Our top-rated Alberta sports betting sites

Alberta residents can access legally regulated online sports betting through PlayAlberta.ca. However, they can still wager on some offshore online betting sites, which remain a legal grey area in Canada. 

While sports betting operators cannot technically operate in Canada without a license, Canadians are not forbidden from using offshore sportsbooks to bet. Our top-ranked offshore sportsbooks for Albertans are listed below.

1. bet365 

Bet365 is one of the best sportsbooks in Canada and around the world. It offers competitive odds on a vast range of sports from North America and all over the globe. 

Their in-game betting options are among the best in the industry and deliver lucrative odds boosts that often payout more than their competitors. With a stellar reputation and a user-friendly website and app, bet365 is a top choice for Alberta sports betting. 

Read our detailed bet365 review to find out more.

2. Sports Interaction

Sports Interaction delivers strong lines and odds, plus generous welcome promotions to Alberta bettors. A long list of convenient deposit and withdrawal options delivers easy access to your Canadian funds with no fees or surcharges. 

Sports Interaction, initially founded in Montreal, also offers a score of casino games and an online poker room. It's been a favourite among Canadian sports bettors for years, offering a generous welcome bonus for new customers — a 100% first deposit match, up to $1,000.

To learn more about one of the most popular online sportsbooks in Canada, check out our in-depth Sports Interaction review.

3. BetVictor

BetVictor delivers an easy-to-use sportsbook for both beginners and seasoned pros. They deliver solid odds across the board, covering various sports and markets. BetVictor has also earned a reputation for being one of the sportsbooks with the fastest payouts, which is always a bonus when your hit that big parlay. 

BetVictor operates in over 50 countries worldwide, with roots in the U.K. since the 1950s. They have a head office in Gibraltar and are regulated by multiple betting authorities around the globe, making BetVictor a solid choice for Albertans looking to get started on sports betting. The 100% first deposit match bonus (up to $500) to also a great reason to try this book.

Our BetVictor review offers much more detail, if you're interested in further research.

4. Pinnacle

Pinnacle stands out by offering some of the best value odds of all Alberta sportsbooks. Pinnacle doesn't spend much money on ads, endorsements, sponsorships, or a welcome bonus. They don't even have a dedicated mobile app, although the mobile-friendly version of their website does an excellent job of imitating one. They pass those savings on to bettors by offering top-notch lines for all their betting markets.

Pinnacle has been in business since 1998, giving them decades of experience. It initially launched with high limits, aiming to attract high rollers. It's much more inclusive nowadays, making it a strong option for both serious and casual sports bettors. 

This is the go-to sportsbook for many seasoned betting veterans, even without mobile apps and a welcome bonus. Head over to our Pinnacle review to learn why.

Quick facts: Alberta sports betting

Who can bet on sports in Alberta?

Legal age for betting 

The legal age to bet using Alberta online sportsbooks is 18 years old. You can use your mobile device or personal computer to access sports betting apps or websites, or use licensed lottery Sport Select retail locations.

You can bet at PlayAlberta.ca or any retail Sport Select locations if you are 18 or order. However, some offshore sportsbooks still require bettors to be 19 to create an account. Double-check the rules on your sportsbook of choice to ensure you're eligible. 

Tax on winnings

There is no tax on gambling winnings in Alberta or any other Canadian province. The Canadian Revenue Agency does not consider gambling or lottery winnings as taxable income. 

Mobile betting

Albertans can bet from anywhere in the province on their mobile devices using PlayAlberta.ca or through offshore apps that customers from the province. Unfortunately, some of the best sports betting apps in Canada in the industry, like FanDuel and DraftKings, remain off the table for Albertans.

Remote registration

Alberta residents can complete an online sign-up for these sportsbooks anywhere in or outside the province.

Retail sportsbooks

Alberta’s brick-and-mortar casinos currently do not have sportsbooks. All retail sports bets must be placed at officially licensed WCLC locations.

Signing up with an Alberta sportsbook

Alberta residents can easily bet online through the AGLC-regulated PlayAlberta.ca platform. However, the best odds, bonuses, and a more comprehensive range of betting options remain with offshore sportsbooks. Use the links provided to sign up for our top-ranked international books.

1. Pick a sportsbook

Picking a sportsbook isn’t as simple as searching for "Alberta online sportsbooks" and mindlessly clicking the top result. Do some due diligence before making your bets by comparing books and checking out reviews. 

Determine which sportsbooks offer the deposit options you prefer and also deliver quick and easy payouts. You'll want to see which books offer the most competitive odds so that you can get the most out of your winnings. 

2. Sign up online 

Alberta residents can register with the locally based PlayAlberta.ca or take their business to one of many reputable offshore sportsbooks. No matter where you sign up, you must provide your personal information and confirm your identity to accept any bonuses and rewards.

3. Claim the bonus

Most offshore sportsbooks offer generous sign-up bonuses that can start you off with a bigger bankroll or bonus bets. You can get a small initial casino sign-up bonus at PlayAlberta.ca for $50 with the code CASINO50. However, you can't use it to make sports bets.

You'll receive a much larger bonus from almost any international sportsbook that accepts customers in Alberta. Popular welcome bonuses include 100% deposit matches, refunding the amount of your first bet in bonus bet credits if it loses, and other ongoing rewards programs. In some cases, you may have to make a deposit and initial qualifying wager first before you can claim a bonus.

4. Deposit

If you’re depositing to your account through PlayAlberta.ca, you’ll be limited to credit and debit cards. Offshore sportsbooks have more extensive deposit options, including Interac e-transfers, ecoPayz, InstaDebit, and crypto assets like Bitcoin.

5. Select your type of bet

PlayAlberta.ca offers several bet types: point spreads, moneyline, totals (over/under), and props. Offshore sportsbooks also have all these bet types and often much more, including same-game parlay options and a huge variety of game and player props.

If you're new to betting, be sure to brush up on how to read odds and how to bet on sports before you slap down your cash for the first time.

6. Place your wager

When you place your first bets, ensure you get the best bang for your buck. You don’t have to settle for the first line or odds you find. Alberta sports bettors can sign up at multiple sportsbooks and compare odds to maximize profits. 

7. Withdraw

When you win a big bet, you may want to get your hands on those winnings as soon as possible. Most online Alberta sportsbooks have a short waiting period before your money hits your bank account again. Depending on the sportsbook and withdrawal method, processing may take one to five banking days.

You may have to submit additional verification details before your first withdrawal. Online sportsbooks often ask for a copy of your government ID or proof of address before processing your initial cashout. 

How we rate the best Alberta sportsbooks

So, how do you choose the right online sportsbook for you? Our expert review team can help you out. Here’s a quick rundown of what we look for when evaluating sportsbooks and why it's crucial when choosing your next Alberta sportsbook.

Odds Quality

Not all bettors look closely at the odds when choosing their sportsbook, which could cost them money. For example, betting the money line at +100 at one sportsbook when +110 odds are available at a different book may not seem much different. However, those extra few dollars can add up quickly over time. 

Market Coverage

If you’re simply looking to bet on the NFL or the NHL, most sportsbooks will suit your needs. However, not all books are created equal if you want to bet on international sports or look for unique props or futures on more niche sports.

Betting Features

Critical features like free live streaming, early cash-out, and live betting may seem common, but that doesn’t mean every sportsbook has them covered. We looked for these features and tested the betting interface to ensure you can navigate it easily and make your bets quickly. 

Bonuses

Bettors love bonuses. Getting additional bonus bets or a boost in your bankroll is always a nice touch. However, bonuses and rewards aren’t everything. That bonus won’t seem like a great reward if the rest of the betting experience is lousy or it's tough to claim.

Security and Trust

The best sportsbooks are transparent with their licenses and security features. It could be a red flag if this info is hard to find. All the sportsbooks mentioned on this page are verified and legitimate.

Banking Options

Our reviewers look for sportsbooks that offer several deposit and withdrawal options. We also looked for the sportsbooks with the fastest payouts to make all transactions quick and easy.

Mobile Capabilities

Our reviewers want to be able to bet anywhere, anytime, without issue. Only sportsbooks that offer comprehensive apps or optimized mobile sites make the grade.

Customer Support

Contacting customer support should be quick and easy for all of the top Alberta online sportsbooks. Addressing a problem with support shouldn't create new headaches. All sportsbooks listed on this page have top-notch support, with multiple ways to contact them.

Popular Alberta bet types

Moneyline

When betting on the moneyline, you’re simply trying to pick the winner. It could be the victor on NFL Monday Night Football or the pugilist who will beat their opponent in a boxing match. 

Moneyline bets are listed with minus odds for the favourite and plus odds for the underdog. For example, the favourite to win a match might have odds of -200, while the underdog is at +150. In this case, a $100 bet on the favourite would only return $150 (including your original stake), while the same bet on the underdog would return $250.

Betting on the underdog comes with more risk but returns a larger payout.

Point spread

Betting on the point spread is more involved than simply picking a winner. You're actually predicting the margin of victory. Point spread betting is meant to even the playing field.

For example, the Calgary Stampeders might be expected to beat the Hamilton Ti-Cats by a large margin in CFL football. Sportsbooks might list them as -12.5 favourites, meaning they must win by at least 13 points for Stampeders bettors to succeed.

Conversely, a point spread bet on Hamilton at +12.5 means your bet wins if the Ti-Cats lose by less than 13 points or win the game.

Totals (Over/Under)

Betting on totals means picking the combined number of points scored in a game. Sportsbooks will set the over/under number where they think they can get action on both sides and then you have to make a choice.

Let's say the Edmonton Oilers are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the total is set at 7.5. If you bet the over, you think the two teams will combine for eight or more goals. Betting the under means you think McDavid, Draisaitl, and Matthews will all have off-nights.

You can also bet totals on several different prop bets. You could bet on over 5.5 strikeouts for your favourite MLB starting pitcher or under 22.5 saves for the Canucks starting goalie.

Parlay

A parlay is when two or more individual bets are grouped into a single wager to deliver a potentially higher payout. Every section (or leg) of a parlay bet must win. If a single pick is wrong, the entire bet is graded as a loss.

A simple example is a three-team parlay on the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks to all win on the moneyline. If all three teams win, the parlay bet is a winner. However, if one of the teams loses, the entire bet is lost. 

Parlay bets are popular because they can have huge payouts if you win, especially as you add more legs. However, the more bets you add to your parlay, the harder it is to win them all.

Props

Prop bets, or proposition bets, are wagers on a specific part of a game. You wager on a particular player's performance or a specific game outcome. 

For example, you can make a prop bet on how many yards an NFL quarterback will throw for. Or you can bet that a specific wide receiver will score a touchdown.

There are also more exotic props, like whether a game will go to overtime, which team will win the coin toss, or how many outs a pitcher will record.

Teasers

A teaser bet is a variation of a parlay in which the bettor can move the point spread or totals in their favour to improve their chances of winning the bet. You can only make teasers on parlay bets, which means two or more wagers must all be correct to win. 

The most common teaser is a 6-point teaser, which allows a bettor to add or subtract six points from a spread or total. An example of a 6-point NFL teaser would see the bettor move the Dallas Cowboys from 9.5-point favourites to 3.5-point favourites and the Detroit Lions from 5.5-point underdogs to 11.5-point underdogs. 

After teasing the lines, Dallas only has to win by four points instead of 10, while the Lions can lose by as many as 11 points. Teasing the lines can make the outcomes more favourable but usually reduces the potential payout.

Futures

As the name suggests, a futures bet is a wager on a future occurrence, such as wagering on who will win the Super Bowl before the new NFL season starts. A futures bet won't settle for weeks or even months. 

When you place a futures bet, the odds are locked in no matter what happens to the team (or their odds) for the rest of the season. 

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to wager on a game as it's happening. The odds will constantly change, adjusting with every single play. 

For example, if the Dallas Cowboys trail by 14 points in the second quarter, but you think they will come back to win, you can place a live bet on that outcome. Since they are already losing, you'll get longer odds and a more significant potential win.

Live betting also allows bettors to wager on immediate action, like if the next play in a football game will be a run or a pass, which team will score the next goal in hockey, or whether the next pitch will be a ball or a strike.

Alberta sports teams to bet on

The Battle of Alberta dominates the professional sports landscape in Alberta, with the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers locked in a fierce rivalry every season. Clashes between the Flames and Oilers highlight the NHL season in Alberta and are popular among bettors. There are also two CFL teams in the province to put action on.

Calgary Flames 🏒

The Flames were the first NHL franchise to abandon Atlanta and arrived in Calgary in 1980. The team won its lone Stanley Cup in 1989 behind a tenacious roster that included Hall of Famers Lanny McDonald, Al MacInnis, Joe Nieuwendyk, Joe Mullen, and Doug Gilmour. The Flames returned to the Cup Final in 2004, only to fall to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, Calgary cleaned house and will look to return to the promised land.

Edmonton Oilers 🏒

The Oilers filled the rafters of Northlands Coliseum with five Stanley Cup banners in the 1980s and 90s, but they’ve yet to taste that kind of success in Rogers Arena. The history of the Oilers is littered with hockey's greatest names, like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Kari Jurri. The current roster boasts arguably the two best players of their time, Connor McDavid and Leon Drasaitl. They rack up hundreds of combined points yearly but still chase that elusive Stanley Cup.

Calgary Stampeders 🏈

Named after the world-famous rodeo that takes over Calgary every summer, the Stampeders are eight-time Grey Cup champions. They last drank from the CFL’s holy grail in 2018. With a long history dating back to their founding in 1945, the Stamps have never been a CFL dynasty. However, they boast several CFL Hall of Famers, including Allen Pitts, Doug Flutie, and Dave Dickenson.

Edmonton Elks 🏈

The Edmonton CFL team rebranded as the Elks in 2021 after playing as the Eskimos since their founding in 1949. The franchise has 14 Grey Cup victories, the second-most in CFL history. However, they haven't won under their new moniker yet. The last Edmonton CFL championship was in 2015.

Other Alberta betting markets

If you’re into betting on niche markets like entertainment, politics, or eSports, you only have one option in Alberta. The government-licensed PlayAlberta.ca only offers basic sports betting, so you must look to offshore sportsbooks to place those quirkier bets. 

You can make a pick for what movie will win Best Picture at the Oscars, bet on your favourite League of Legends eSports team, or who will be the next U.S. president. 

Other types of Alberta gambling

Betting on sports online isn't the only way to play in Alberta. Here are some of the other options you can find in the province.

Online and land-based casinos

There are over 25 brick-and-mortar casinos in Alberta, all overseen by the AGLC. PlayAlberta.ca is the only regulated online casino site in the province and offers table games like blackjack, roulette, five-play draw poker, and over 50 slot games.

Some popular Alberta choices for live casino gaming include:

• River Cree Resort and Casino - Enoch, Alberta
• Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino - Morley, Alberta
• Eagle River Resort - Enoch, Calgary
• Starlight Casino - Edmonton, Alberta
• The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino - Calgary, Alberta
• Casino Lethbridge - Lethbridge, Alberta

Horse racing

Alberta is home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, but it also has a rich horse racing history across the province. The province's two most popular horse racing tracks are Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Edmonton and Century Downs in Calgary. 

Other live horse racing tracks in the province include Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie, Millarville Racing in Millarville, and Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge. The WCLC offers in-person betting on horse racing through Sport Select, and many offshore sportsbooks also offer racebooks that include horse races in Alberta. 

Poker

Live poker rooms are legal in Alberta and can be found in many of the province’s brick-and-mortar casinos. PlayAlberta.ca does not offer online poker to Alberta residents, but many offshore sportsbooks offer their customers poker rooms. 

Fantasy sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal in Alberta. Top DFS platforms FanDuel and DraftKings are the most popular for Alberta residents. However, neither of these companies has its actual sportsbook open to Alberta residents. 

Lottery

Lottery games are available in Alberta and overseen by WCLC. The most popular lottery is Lotto 6/49, also available across Canada, which regularly awards seven-figure jackpots.

Responsible gambling in Alberta

The AGLC develops a score of policies, regulations, programs, and resources to educate Alberta residents on responsible gambling. 

The AGLC operates the GameSense program, an online portal available to all Alberta residents and provides information to gamblers on how to gamble safely and responsibly.  

Alberta Health Services offers a toll-free helpline for anyone experiencing problems with addiction and mental health concerns, including gambling-related issues.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis

GameSense Alberta

Alberta Health Services Toll-Free Help Line: 1-866-332-2322

Legal sports betting in Canada

Canada sports betting became legal in September 2021 following the adoption of Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. Before signing the bill into law, Canadians were only allowed to make parlay wagers using their provincial-regulated sportsbooks.

Betting with offshore sportsbooks remains legal for Alberta residents, who often find better odds and lucrative bonuses from international sportsbooks.

Sports betting in other provinces

Sports betting in other regions

Sports betting in legal U.S. states

Sports betting in potential legal U.S. states

Sports betting in international regions

U.K. sports betting