Alberta sports betting: legal sportsbooks and updates in 2025
Making bets on sports is legal for Albertans, and there are two licensed sportsbooks in the province: PlayAlberta and Sport Select. Sports betting has been legal throughout Canada since 1985, but on August 27, 2021, single-game betting was legalized in the country thanks to the signing of Bill C-218. Read this article to learn more about Alberta sports betting, the markets available, the bonuses on offer, and much more.
Recommended Alberta sports betting sites 2025
Found: 91 Bookmakers
Overview of sports betting in Alberta
⚖️ Sports betting status | Legal |
📅 Year of legalization | 1985 |
🏢 Retail market launch date | Not launched |
💻 Online market launch date | 01.10.2020 |
📱 Sports betting sites | PlayAlberta & Sport Select |
🎰 Retail sportsbooks | None |
🚫 Restricted bet types | Minor leagues or amateur events |
🎂 Legal betting age | 18+ |
🧾 Tax on winnings | None |
🏛️ Regulatory body | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) |
📈 Market size | Around $700 million annually |
Is sports betting legal in Alberta?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Alberta and overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). You must be at least 18 years old to gamble. Betting on sports was allowed in Canada in 1985, but single-game sports betting was legalized across the country after the signing of Bill C-218 in August 2021. Shortly after, PlayAlberta.ca became the first regulated bookmaker in the province, and now Albertans have plenty of markets to bet on. Betting on non-sports events, such as politics and popular TV shows, was permitted recently. However, you can’t bet on minor leagues or amateur events.
Is online sports betting legal in Alberta?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Alberta. There are two sportsbooks available for the Albertans: PlayAlberta.ca and Sport Select, a product of Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). Both are licensed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
Where can I bet on sports in Alberta?
You can bet online via licensed Alberta betting sites. The PlayAlberta website offers gambling on 30+ sports and a few Esports disciplines, while Sport Select covers only six sports. Both operate under AGLC regulations.
While Alberta has no licensed retail sportsbooks, you can still make bets in-person. Generally, WCLC-licensed retail locations are within racetracks and casino properties, including Century Casino, Northlands Park, and Woodbine Entertainment.
Another option to bet would be offshore sportsbooks. Technically, they can’t work in the country without a license, but local residents still can use their services. Here’s our list of the best offshore sportsbooks in Canada. Please remember you must be at least 19 years old to use some of these bookies.
Popular sports to bet on in Alberta
We did some research to see which sports are the most popular for Albertans in terms of betting. Unsurprisingly, hockey is leading the way, but other sports are also attracting considerable interest, with basketball, football, and tennis just behind.
Sport | Major league | Number of bettors | % of total bets |
Hockey | NHL | ≈ 200 000 | 25% |
Football | NFL | ≈ 182 000 | 15% |
Basketball | NBA | ≈ 180 000 | 14% |
Soccer | UEFA Champions League, MLS | ≈ 160 000 | 10% |
Baseball | MLB | ≈ 141 000 | 8% |
MMA | UFC | ≈ 130 500 | 7% |
Canadian football | CFL | ≈ 125 000 | 6% |
Tennis | ATP, WTA | ≈ 117 000 | 6% |
Lacrosse | NLL | ≈ 65 500 | 3% |
Golf | PGA | ≈ 60 000 | 3% |
Motorsports | F-1 | ≈ 56 000 | 2% |
Horse racing | - | ≈ 40 000 | 1% |
Alberta sports teams to bet on
Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers are the most popular sports teams in Alberta, and both have victories in the Stanley Cup. Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks are always title contenders in the Canadian Football League. Calgary Roughnecks are doing good in the National Lacrosse League with three championships under their belt.
Team | Sport | League | Location | % of total bets |
Calgary Flames | Hockey | NHL | Calgary, AB | 30% |
Calgary Roughnecks | Lacrosse | NLL | Calgary, AB | 14% |
Calgary Stampeders | Football | CFL | Calgary, AB | 11% |
Edmonton Elks | Football | CFL | Edmonton, AB | 10% |
Edmonton Oilers | Hockey | NHL | Edmonton, AB | 35% |
Alberta sports betting timeline
- October 2024: According to the local government, plans to open the online gambling market in Alberta are pushed forward to 2025, as more time is required to construct a detailed regulatory framework.
- May 2024: The officials have a strong will to create an open betting market in Alberta, following the steps of Ontario.
- September 2021: Alberta becomes the eighth province in Canada to legislate single-game betting, launching the PlayAlberta platform.
- 1996: AGLC (Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission at the time) is created to oversee sports betting in Alberta.
- 1994: Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) starts working on gambling treatment issues, research and education.
- 1974: The Western Canada Lottery Corporation is founded to allow Albertans make parlays of at least three legs via Sport Select.
Responsible gambling in Alberta
Gambling is more and more popular, but it’s essential to play safely, as it may become an addiction and lead to big problems. There are a few tools to inform Albertans about responsible gambling and give a helping hand if needed.
- GameSense - This AGLC-operated portal provides betting tips, advice on keeping gambling fun, and a self-exclusion program to the bettors in Alberta province.
- Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline (1-866-332-2322) - A toll-free addiction and mental health helpline is available 24/7 to all Albertans.
- Gambler Anonymous - Provides locations in Alberta where the locals can meet daily to share their thoughts and listen to stories of other addictive gamblers.
- Problem Gambling in Alberta - The platform makes 1 to 2-hour presentations to raise awareness about possible gambling problems among both young and adult Albertans.
Sports betting in other Canadian provinces
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British Columbia
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Saskatchewan
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Manitoba
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Ontario
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Ontario
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Quebec
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Quebec
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New Brunswick
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in New Brunswick
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Newfoundland and Labrador
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Newfoundland and Labrador
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Nova Scotia
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Nova Scotia
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Prince Edward Island
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Prince Edward Island
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Yukon
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Yukon
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Northwest Territories
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Northwest Territories
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Nunavut
Learn about the top sportsbooks available in Nunavut