Alberta Sports Betting Sites: Best Legal Alberta Sportsbooks in 2025

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Is online sports betting legal in Alberta?

Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Alberta, albeit in a limited fashion. The PlayAlberta website, under the oversight of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, is the only regulated online sports betting website for people in the province. 

The only other way for Albertans to bet on sports is through Sport Select, a sports betting game provided by the Western Canada Lottery Corp., similar to the Proline+ Sportsbook in Ontario. Neither PlayAlberta nor Sport Select are available via an app, so bettors must place wagers through their websites. 

The status of sports betting in Alberta

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis is a provincial organization that oversees PlayAlberta, which includes the sportsbook, the province’s lottery, and online casino offerings. 

While PlayAlberta is the only regulated sports betting website available to people in the province at the moment, Alberta Gaming Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) requested proposals in December 2021, soliciting bids from prospective sportsbooks to join the regulated market.

New legislation passed in May 2024 opened the door even further toward a competitive market in the province as Bill 16, or the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, amended the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act to allow the province to authorize commercial sportsbooks.

In June 2024, at the Canadian Gaming Summit, Alberta Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally officially confirmed that the province will introduce an open gambling market. Nally did not reveal a date, but speculation is that the launch could come sometime later in 2024. Alberta’s online gambling model will reportedly be similar to Ontario’s.

As the launch approaches, sports betting companies such as Penn Entertainment and Rush Street Interactive have started to express excitement over the growth opportunity.

What’s happening in Alberta sports betting right now

• March 27, 2025 — Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally introduced Bill 48 to establish regulations for Alberta sportsbooks and casinos
• Dec. 2, 2024 — Rush Street Interactive CFO Kyle Sauers expresses optimism that they will go live in Alberta
• Oct. 28, 2024 — Dave Nally, minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, announces Alberta sports betting will be delayed until 2025
• Oct. 17, 2024 — Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis approved Camrose Casino Resort’s move closer to Edmonton. The gambling hall is currently located in Camrose, more than an hour south of the capital.
• Oct. 9, 2024 — PlayAlberta announced that it launched an app for Apple and Android products. The PlayAlberta online sportsbook and casino were previously available exclusively on the website.
• Oct. 8, 2024 — On a recent Gaming News Canada podcast, Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns urged Albertans to exercise patience in waiting for the expanded online sports betting and casino industry in the province to launch.
• July 8, 2024 — PlayAlberta partnered with the Calgary Stampede for sports betting.

Guide to using PlayAlberta

Sign Up:

• Visit PlayAlberta.ca on your browser (no app exists—mobile users use the optimized site).
• Click “Sign Up” and provide your personal details: full name, email, phone number, address, and date of birth (must be 19+ despite Alberta’s legal betting age of 18, per AGLC policy).
• Set a username and password, and agree to the terms. You’ll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) during registration or before withdrawing.

Deposit Funds:

• Log in, go to the “Cashier” or “Wallet” section, and choose a payment method: Interac e-Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, or Play+ prepaid card (banking options are limited compared to offshore sites).
• Minimum deposit is typically $10. Enter your amount and confirm—funds appear instantly with Interac or cards.

Claim Promotions:

• Check the “Promotions” tab for offers. New users might get a $20 free bet with a $10 deposit (offers vary—confirm current deals). Casino-focused promos dominate, but odds boosts for sports (e.g., Oilers to win) pop up occasionally.

Place Your Bet:

• In the bet slip, enter your stake (e.g., $5). Minimum bets are around $0.50-$1. See potential payouts instantly (e.g., $5 on -150 odds pays $8.33 total).
• Click “Place Bet” to confirm. Bets are locked once submitted—no early cash-out.

Guide to using Sport Select

1. Understand Sport Select Basics

• What It Is: Sport Select is a regulated betting platform under the WCLC, available in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. It offers betting on sports like hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, with options including Pro-Line, Point Spread, Over/Under, Props, Pools, and Futures.
• Age and Location: You must be 18+ and within Alberta to bet legally.

2. Create an MVP Account

• An MVP account on the Sport Select website (sportselect.com) allows you to build betslips online, save picks, and receive updates on odds changes or promotions. It’s free and simplifies the betting process.
• Visit sportselect.com and click “Log In/Register” in the top right corner.
• Select “Register” and provide basic details (name, email, phone number, address, and age confirmation).
• Set up a password and security questions. No payment details are needed upfront.

3. Build Your Betslip

• Online Process:
  1. Log into your MVP account on sportselect.com (use a modern browser, as outdated ones may not work properly).
  2. Browse the “Game Lists” for upcoming events (next 3 days), covering sports like NHL, NFL, NBA, CFL, and international soccer.
  3. Select your bet type (e.g., Pro-Line, Point Spread) and pick 2–6 games for a parlay or a single game if available. Odds are displayed in decimal format (e.g., 2.0 means a $100 bet wins $200, including your stake).
  4. Choose your wager amount ($2–$100 per ticket). The site shows potential payouts as you build your slip.
  5. Generate a QR code for your betslip, which you can save to your phone or print. Odds may change in real-time, so you’ll need to confirm them at purchase.

4. Place Your Bet at a Retail Location

• Bring your QR code or printed betslip to a Lotto Spot retailer.Scan the QR code or hand over your slip. If odds have changed since generating the code, you’ll be notified and can accept or cancel.Pay with cash, Visa, MasterCard, or other accepted methods (digital currencies like Bitcoin are not accepted).Receive your official ticket. Bets are locked in once purchased, and you must buy before game time.
• Note: Single-game bets have a $100 cap, and total winnings per ticket are capped at $250,000.

5. Claim Your Winnings

Pros & cons of Alberta sports betting

Pros:

1. Enhanced Fan Experience: Betting on sports like hockey or football makes watching games more thrilling. As a user, placing a wager on the Edmonton Oilers or Calgary Flames adds a personal stake, turning casual viewing into an adrenaline-pumping event.
2. Convenient Access: With Play Alberta, the province’s legal online betting platform, users can bet from their phone or computer anywhere in Alberta. The app’s user-friendly interface offers live betting, real-time odds, and quick payouts, making it easy to jump in.
3. Safe and Secure: Betting through Play Alberta means your money and personal info are protected by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Users don’t have to worry about shady offshore sites stealing their data or refusing payouts.
4. Promotions and Bonuses: Play Alberta occasionally offers welcome bonuses, free bets, or odds boosts, which can stretch a user’s betting budget. These perks make betting more appealing, especially for newcomers.

Cons:

1. Limited Platform Choice: As a user, you’re stuck with Play Alberta for legal online betting. Compared to offshore sites, it may have fewer features, less competitive odds, or smaller bonuses, which can feel restrictive if you’ve explored other platforms.
2. Temptation of Illegal Sites: Some users turn to unregulated offshore betting sites for better odds or more options, but these come with risks like fraud, no recourse for disputes, and potential legal issues. It’s a gamble beyond the bet itself.
3. Learning Curve: For new users, understanding betting terms like spreads, moneylines, or parlays can be overwhelming. Play Alberta’s interface is simple, but without proper knowledge, users might make costly mistakes or feel discouraged.

Other sportsbooks that could come to Alberta

With sports betting in Alberta still evolving, it is difficult to predict which books may eventually launch in the province and begin offering online sports betting promos. With more than 4 million residents (around the same population as Oregon or Louisiana, two states where sports betting is legal) and two big-league sports teams, Alberta would likely be a desirable market for online sports betting companies. Some estimates have projected the province to surpass $700 million in revenue by its third year.

The province was reportedly looking for two sportsbooks to start, so it could be a while before three or more books are live there. With that in mind, here are four potential candidates, all of which already have a presence in Ontario:

BetMGM Sportsbook

One of the top sports betting platforms south of the border and in Ontario, BetMGM Sportsbook combines a recognizable brand with a large selection of wagering options. Also known for its “edit my bet” feature, BetMGM is one of the top names in sports betting in North America and a potential choice to be one of Alberta’s first couple of sportsbooks.  

If BetMGM does launch in Alberta, it is expected to be available on iOS, Android, and Desktop devices. In the U.S., BetMGM accepts online banking, Visa, PayPal, and Apple Pay as valid deposit and withdrawal options. All withdrawals on BetMGM should be processed in 1-3 days.. The minimum deposit required at BetMGM is $10.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
• Types of bets: Parlays, spreads, moneylines, player props, game props, over/under, futures, teasers, and round robins

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook is often in the conversation in smaller markets like Alberta. In places like Oregon or Wyoming, DraftKings is either the only legal online sports betting option or one of a small few. It also already has a built-in rapport with daily fantasy users in Alberta and is often quick to enter new markets. 

One of the market leaders in the U.S., DraftKings is renowned for their diveristy of live betting options, vigilant customer service, and a positive track record of security. Like most major sportsbook platforms, it is available on iOS, Android, and Desktop devices, and has a minimum deposit level of $10.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Types of bets: Parlays, spreads, moneylines, player props, game props, over/under, futures, teasers, and round robins

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook is similar to DraftKings in that people in Alberta are familiar with the brand through its DFS product. Additionally, fans may have seen ads for FanDuel Sportsbook on television broadcasts of various sports, notably as the book is partnered with TSN, one of Canada’s two national sports broadcasters. The sportsbook was one of the first to arrive in Ontario in April 2022 and is a front-runner to launch quickly in most new markets.

Currently available in Ontario, FanDuel sportsbook accompanies DraftKings atop the sports betting charts in the Americas. Known for its same-game parlays and competitive odds, FanDuel makes the sports betting experience an intuitive one. It is available on IOS and Android devices and requires a minimum deposit of 10

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Types of bets: Parlays, spreads, moneylines, player props, game props, over/under, futures, teasers, and round robins

TheScore Bet 

TheScore is a familiar brand north of the border already — and that could translate to Canada sports betting, as well — as the company previously owned theScore television network, a popular sports channel. After selling off its TV property, the company retained its digital media assets and added a sportsbook once the legal Ontario sports betting market opened in April 2022. 

TheScore Bet has since started operating its sportsbook in Ontario, and it would not be a surprise to eventually see it in Alberta, as well. 

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.2 (Android)
• Types of bets: Parlays, spreads, moneylines, player props, game props, over/under, futures, teasers, and round robins

Other types of legal gambling in Alberta

Western Canada Lottery Corp.

The WCLC manages and operates lottery games in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Games include several lotteries with differing prize amounts, keno, scratch games, pick games, and Sport Select.

DFS

Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Alberta, and bettors have been competing for years on DFS platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel. It is unclear at this time whether DFS contests would still be available on those platforms if one or both became active sports betting providers in Alberta.

In Ontario, both DraftKings and FanDuel ended their DFS offerings after launching online sportsbooks and casinos in the province. 

Horse betting

Alberta has a long history of betting on horse races, and six tracks in the province are open for harness racing and thoroughbreds:

• Century Downs, Balzac/Calgary
• Century Mile, Leduc/Edmonton
• Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie
• Millarville Racetrack, Millarville
• Rocky Mountain Turf Club, Lethbridge
• The Track on 2, Lacombe

Casinos

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis oversees Alberta’s 29 brick-and-mortar casinos, all of which offer some combination of slot machines, electronic table games, live table games, VLTs, and a casino experience called Replay Arena — a social entertainment space in some casinos where friends play automated or live games while “dealertainers” entertain and facilitate the games.

Popular sports to bet on in Alberta

As is the case in most of Canada, hockey is king in Alberta. The province has two teams in the NHL, the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, with die-hard fan bases. 

Alberta has no other pro teams among the major four leagues in North America, but there is a following for MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors as the only teams from those leagues in Canada. 

NFL betting is also popular in Alberta, with the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings the closest teams to the southern border of the province. 

But as ubiquitous as the NFL may be in North America, the CFL is quite popular in the Canadian prairies. The two teams in Alberta, the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks, are two of the most popular pro sports teams in the province. 

Types of Bets at Alberta Sportsbooks

Moneyline

Moneyline bets allow you to wager on the winner of a contest. If the Flames are playing the Oilers, for example, the moneyline odds may be Oilers (-155) and Flames (+140). In this case, the Oilers would be favored and individuals would need to bet $155 to win $100. Conversely, individuals interested in betting on the Oilers can win $140 from a $100 bet.

Spread

Spread bets give players the chance to wager on how close a game will be. In that same Flames vs Oilers game, the Oilers may be 1.5-point favorites. Individuals who bet on them at this number would need the oilers to win by two or more in order to cover the spread.

Player Props

Player props are over/under wagers on individual player stats. Examples of player props include “Connor McDavid over/under 5 shots on goal” or “Leon Draisaitl anytime goal scorer”.

Game Props

Game props are similar to player props, allowing bettors to wager on individual game stats. Examples of game props include “Race to X Goals” or “Correct Score”.

Alberta sports betting law

Sports betting has been legal in Alberta and Canada for many years, but most of that time it was only available in the form of parlay-style bets via provincial lotteries like Sport Select. 

That changed when Canada’s Parliament passed Bill C-218 — the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act — on June 22, 2021, opening the door for provinces to allow single-game sports betting. PlayAlberta launched soon after on Sept. 21, 2021.

Bettors must be 18 or older and located in the province to register and play on an AGLC-regulated sports betting website. Wagering on college sports is legal on PlayAlberta, but the sportsbook tends only to offer US-based college sports, like March Madness betting.

PlayAlberta vs. Grey Market Sportsbooks

Alberta’s sports betting scene is at a crossroads, with PlayAlberta as the only fully legal online sportsbook, overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), while grey market sites like Sports Interaction and Bet365 attract bettors seeking more options. When choosing a betting option in Alberta, it’s important to understand that PlayAlberta is the only licensed and regulated operator. Below are some key differences between regulated sportsbook operators and offshore, grey market options.

PlayAlbertaSupports Interac, debit, and credit cards, with deposits starting at $10 and withdrawals processed in 2-5 days. There are no cash advance fees, a big plus for Albertans. It is geared for local users (19+). It is web-based only, with no dedicated app and a functional but clunky interface. Live betting exists but lacks real-time stats or streaming. Recent updates (March 2025) improved navigation, but it trails competitors.

Grey Market: Wider options (PayPal, crypto on some sites), but credit card deposits may incur fees. Accessible globally, but geolocation can be inconsistent, risking access issues.

Despite any existing advantages, LSR recommends wagering with PlayAlberta to ensure legal compliance .

Alberta sports betting timeline

2025: Dave Nally, minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, announces the he hopes to have an open and free sports betting market by October 2025

2024: According to PlayCanada, Alberta gambling officials want to create a regulated, open market similar to Ontario’s.

Legislators passed Bill 16, an amendment to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act that allows the province to open the sports betting market to new sportsbooks.

PlayAlberta partnered with the Calgary Stampede for sports betting.

2023: PlayAlberta announces a switch to BtoBet as its new sportsbook provider. The partnership will result in a new sports betting experience for PlayAlberta users that includes additional features.

After PointsBet sells its US assets to Fanatics Sportsbook, the company’s CEO mentioned Alberta as a potential area of growth for sports betting in North America.

AGLC seeks two sports betting companies to run retail locations, with mobile extensions likely part of the deal. The bidding process’s original deadline was Jan. 31, 2022, but it was later moved to Feb. 14, 2022. Regulators in the province have been silent since that new deadline passed, and an AGLC representative told LSR in 2023 that the organization was still “working through the process.”

2021: C-218 clears Parliament and receives full House approval in April, and Senate approval in June. The provinces are able to institute their own regulations, with an effective date of Aug. 27. 

On Sept. 21, Alberta becomes the eighth province to offer legal single-game sports betting with the launch of PlayAlberta. 

2020: Private member Kevin Waugh introduces C-218, but the bill does not see much action during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill receives a second reading in February 2021.

2012: A federal single-game sports betting bill passes the House, but is ultimately not successful.

1996: The AGLC launches, combining the responsibilities of Alberta’s liquor, lottery, and gambling boards into one organization. 

1974: The Western Canada Lottery Corp. begins offering lottery games to residents in Western Canada. 

Alberta sports betting FAQ

Who can bet on sports in Alberta?

You need to be 18 or older and inside provincial borders to bet on sports legally in Alberta.

Am I able to use my phone to bet in Alberta?

Yes. Your phone will work for sports betting through the PlayAlberta website. There is no app for PlayAlberta, so bettors must use the web browser on their phone or another device. 

Who regulates Alberta sports betting?

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission is the regulator for sports betting in the province.

Where can I place a bet on sports in Alberta?

As of now, you can wager online via the PlayAlberta website or bet through Sport Select at various lottery retailers. 

Can I play daily fantasy sports in Alberta?

Yes. DFS contests are legal and available in Alberta through providers such as DraftKings and FanDuel.