Alberta
Disclaimer: Eligible online casino and sports betting products regulated by the AGLC and managed by the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) are only available to those physically present in the Province of Alberta.
Alberta has officially launched its iGaming market, opening the door to commercial sportsbook operators and changing the face of sports betting in Canada as we know it.
This means that bettors across the province no longer just have one option as there are many Alberta online sportsbooks to choose from.
Note: Must be 18+ years of age to legally wager on sports in Alberta. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.
Why should you download multiple sports betting apps?
There’s nothing wrong with having a favourite sportsbook or two, but there’s also a lot to be said for keeping your options open. Sports bettors have many choices to consider these days. It makes sense to expose yourself to as many options as possible.
You may find that you prefer to bet on certain sports or place certain types of bets at one sportsbook. There could be a pattern that one sportsbook has better lines for a certain sport compared to the others.
How to bet on sports in Alberta
For years, sports bettors in Alberta looking for legal and safe options were limited to Play Alberta, the government-operated platform run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). While it was at least something, that single-operator model limited the odds, markets, and promotions available to bettors.
Legal single-game wagering expands the options tremendously. Bettors can wager on the sports that they want to in the manner that they are most comfortable with.
The huge betting menus are a major advantage, as it’s tough to overstate the benefits of being able to select what you can bet on at the amounts that you are most comfortable with. In short, widespread regulated single-game wagering is what we call a win-win situation.
Popular team sports such as football, basketball, hockey, and baseball are well-represented at sportsbooks in Alberta. That means that if you’re betting on the CFL (home to the Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders), NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB, you are certainly covered.
At the same time, cricket, rugby, and volleyball are among some of the lesser-known sports that you can also wager on. There are also plenty of betting options for individual sports such as golf, tennis, and mixed martial arts.
| Bet Type | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Moneylines | A simple and straightforward bet that involves picking the winner of a game or event. |
| Spreads (puck lines & run lines) | Factor the margin of victory into your wager. A favourite will need to win by more than the spread, while an underdog will need to keep it closer than the spread number or win outright to 'cover' the number. |
| Totals | Sportsbooks set a line for the total combined score of a game. Bettors can wager that the final result will be over or under that number. Also offered for quarters, halves, and periods. |
| Props | Wagers not on the conventional moneyline, spread, or total. Generally based on individual player or team accomplishments or specific game circumstances. |
| Parlays | Multi-leg wagers with two or more selections, and all legs must win. There are also same-game parlays for individual contests. Can include moneylines, spreads, totals and alternate lines. |
| Round Robin Parlay | Takes one larger parlay and breaks it down into smaller parlays. Offers a way to profit even if all selections don't win. |
| Live Betting | The act of placing bets after a game begins. Odds and lines will adjust to reflect what's happening on the field of play. |
| Futures | Wagers of a long-term nature, such as on the winner of a league championship (Grey Cup) or individual award (NFL MVP). |
| Alternate Lines | Alternative options to pregame spreads and totals, with the prices (juice) shifting to reflect the buying or selling of points. |
| Teaser/Pleasers | Combination bets (similar to parlays) with at least two legs. Lines are adjusted a uniform amount for all selections and payout is based on amount of points and selections. |
Best sports betting apps in Canada
Expanded regulated sports betting in Canada is finally here, and many industry heavyweights are bringing their talents north of the border.
The Canadian Football League (CFL) has been around for over six decades and has carved out its place among sports fans, with two Alberta franchises in the Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders. That also means anyone looking to bet on the NFL, NHL, NBA, curling, or any other sport that is beloved in Canada will have plenty of opportunities to do so.
How to compare Alberta betting sites
As you scout out the legal sports betting landscape in Alberta, you’ll find that many sportsbooks do a lot of things right. For bettors, the best approach is to try out as many as you’re comfortable with to find the ones that suit you best. While doing so, add these questions to your checklist:
What is the best app for betting on the CFL and NFL?
Football season is the busiest time of the year for online sportsbooks. Due to their popularity, CFL and NFL betting lines are prominent offerings at all of the top books. Powerplay does a bang-up job with football.
Are same-game parlays available at Alberta sportsbooks?
Alberta sports bettors are likely quite familiar with parlay betting. These days, online sportsbooks also heavily promote a variation — same-game parlays. These may also be referred to as single-game or one-game parlays.
Instead of choosing multiple outcomes from several games to make up a ticket, you can build a parlay with options from one game, such as a prop bet plus the spread and total. Powerplay is one of the best places to find them.
Where can you find the best NHL odds in Alberta?
The best NHL odds in Alberta will probably vary from night to night, as all the sportsbooks will have lines for every game. That means you get to shop around and find the best number depending on which market you’re looking at. Powerplay is a great place to start.
Which sportsbooks have the best selection of player props?
Player props are a popular way to bet, so you won’t be lacking options at Powerplay. It offers lots of choices and is an easy app to navigate.
Alberta sports betting | Key facts & frequently asked questions
Alberta betting sites FAQ
Is it legal to bet on sports in Alberta?
Canada lifted its prohibition on single-game sports betting in 2021. Alberta and all other provinces can set their own rules and regulations.
What is the legal age for betting online in Alberta?
There's no national minimum age, so this also falls on the individual provinces. In Alberta, you must be 18 or older to legally bet on sports online.
Which legal online sportsbooks are available in Alberta?
Powerplay is 3DownNation's approved sports betting partner for the Alberta market.
What sports can you bet on online?
Virtually all sports that have at least a decent amount of interest will be available for wagering. The major sports like the CFL, NFL and NHL will likely be among the biggest draws, but you can also bet on things like soccer, golf, tennis, curling, and many others.