Alberta offers a wide range of gambling options, with land-based casinos and charitable gaming forming the backbone of the province’s gambling scene today.

Online gambling is currently limited to the provincially-operated platform PlayAlberta and internationally-licensed casino sites which offer online casino games, sports betting and poker, though its legal iGaming market is set to open mid 2026.

Elsewhere, Albertans and visitors alike can enjoy racing, lottery products, bingo and raffles.

Online Gambling in Alberta

Unlike Ontario, Alberta does not yet operate an “open” iGaming market. For now, online gambling is conducted through the province’s own platform PlayAlberta or by casino sites with international licences.
That will change this year, as Alberta is allowing private operators to enter its regulated online gambling market.

This means players in Alberta can expect to see many of the same huge online gaming brands that are already available in Ontario and certain US states.
Right now, Albertans have three main types of online gambling options:
 

What’s Changing in 2026

Alberta has passed legislation and published regulatory updates that lay the groundwork for a regulated, competitive iGaming market, similar in structure (but not identical) to Ontario’s model.

Under the proposed framework:

• Private operators will be allowed to offer online casinos and sportsbooks.
• The AGLC will act as market regulator.
• A new provincial entity, the Alberta iGaming Corporation, will oversee market operations.
• The minimum gambling age online will be 18+. 

The province has stated the market is expected to launch summer 2026, though final timelines are still being confirmed.

Land-Based Gambling

While online gambling in Alberta is evolving, the province’s brick-and-mortar gambling scene is already well established and remains the primary way many players gamble.

Alberta has dozens of casinos and racing entertainment centres spread across the province.

What Alberta has:

• Large urban casinos in Calgary and Edmonton.
• Regional casinos in centres like Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.
• Racing entertainment centres combining casino gaming with horse racing

What you’ll typically find:

• Slot machines
• Live table games (varies by venue)
• Electronic table games
• Bars, restaurants and live entertainment

Who operates them:

• Gambling is conducted and managed by the province
• The AGLC licenses, regulates and enforces standards
• Day-to-day casino operations are handled by private operators under provincial agreements

Other Forms of Gambling

Alberta’s gambling options go well beyond casinos:

• Lottery: Provincial and national draws such as Lotto Max and 6/49, sold in retail locations and online via PlayAlberta.
• Charitable gaming: Licensed casino events, bingo, raffles and fundraising games operated by eligible charities.
• Horse racing / pari-mutuel wagering: Offered at race tracks and racing entertainment centres across the province. 

Alberta Gambling Laws

Alberta’s gambling laws are straightforward once you understand how gambling works in Canada.

Under Canada’s Criminal Code, provinces have the permission to manage, regulate and legalize gambling within their own provincial borders.

Alberta uses this authority to:

• Operate provincial gambling products.
• License and regulate land-based casinos.
• Control online gambling through PlayAlberta.
• Prepare for, and open, a regulated private iGaming market that will launch in 2026.

The minimum age for most gambling in Alberta is 18+, including casinos and online betting.

Who Regulates Gambling in Alberta?

Alberta’s gambling oversight is led by:

How regulation works in practice:

• iGO conducts and manages the commercial relationships between private operators and the provincial government.
• AGCO regulates the market itself by setting the rules and standards, registering operators and suppliers, and enforcing compliance and safer gambling requirements.

What Taxes Apply to Gambling Winnings in Alberta?

For most people in Alberta, and Canada generally, gambling winnings are not taxable and do not need to be reported as income.

The main exception is when gambling resembles a business or professional activity, where factors such as frequency, organisation, intent and record-keeping come into play.

So for casual players, this is rarely an issue.

Responsible Gambling in Alberta

Alberta’s regulated online gambling platform includes responsible gambling tools, resources and support services. If you ever feel that your play is becoming difficult to manage, help is available. Support services are confidential and designed to assist without judgment.

Land-Based Casinos in Alberta

Alberta’s casinos are spread across every major region of the province.