Alberta's regulated online gaming market opened on July 13, 2026, and Albertans can now wager on their favourite local teams — the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers among them — with AGLC-registered operators. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) regulations that govern it are in place and in force. This guide covers what the market opening changed, which options Alberta bettors now have, and how to use them sensibly.
Understanding AGLC Regulations and PlayAlberta
The AGLC has established a framework for online gaming in Alberta. PlayAlberta — the AGLC's own platform, live since 2020 — offers slots, table games and sports betting under strict regulations for fairness and player protection. As of July 13, 2026, it is joined by multiple AGLC-registered private operators (such as BetMGM, FanDuel and DraftKings): the market opened to competition, regulated by the AGLC and conducted and managed by the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). PlayAlberta is one option among many, not the only platform.
Some key features of the AGLC regulations include:
- Age restrictions: Bettors must be at least 18 years old to participate in online gaming
- Geolocation technology: Players must be physically located within Alberta to access PlayAlberta
- Responsible gaming measures: PlayAlberta provides various tools and resources to promote responsible gaming practices
Comparing Sportsbooks: BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings
From July 13, 2026, AGLC-registered private sportsbooks such as BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings operate legally in Alberta alongside PlayAlberta. Here's a comparison of these sportsbooks:
All of these sportsbooks are AGLC-registered and have been able to take Alberta wagers since the market opened on July 13, 2026. Choose any AGLC-registered operator for a safe, regulated experience — and always confirm an operator's current AGLC status before depositing.
Navigating the open market: what changed
Since the market opened on July 13, 2026, Alberta bettors have had a genuinely competitive field to choose from:
- More operators: PlayAlberta continues to run slots, table games and sports betting, and now sits alongside AGLC-registered private operators rather than on its own
- Choice on product: operators compete on interface, market depth and payments, so the platform you pick actually matters
To use the open market well, bettors should:
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments regarding the launch
- Set a budget: Establish a budget and stick to it to ensure responsible gaming practices
- Explore options: Research the AGLC-registered sportsbooks available and compare their features, odds, and user experience
Local Teams and Betting Opportunities
Alberta bettors are passionate about their local teams, and the open market gives them plenty of ways to bet on the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and other favourites. PlayAlberta and the AGLC-registered private operators offer a range of bet types, including:
- Moneyline bets: Bet on the outcome of a game, with the favourite or underdog
- Point spread bets: Bet on the margin of victory, with the favourite or underdog
- Over/under bets: Bet on the total score of a game, with the over or under
For example, if the Calgary Flames are playing the Edmonton Oilers, you could place a moneyline bet on the Flames to win, or a point spread bet on the Oilers to cover the spread.
Responsible Gaming and Support
As with any form of gaming, it's essential to prioritize responsible gaming practices. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gaming, please contact the Alberta Health Services helpline at 1-866-332-2322 for support and resources. Remember to always bet within your means, and never chase losses. By doing so, you'll ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.