Online Gambling in Alberta: Play Alberta Casino and App Review 2023

Last Updated: October 24, 2023
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The website you choose to play online games at is crucial and while there are many choices for Canadians in general, Alberta players do not have many licensed casinos to choose from.

This is where Play Alberta Casino steps in, as the website was created just for people in the province of Alberta. Play Alberta casino is licensed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission and provides a great range of services, including live gambling, lotteries, and much more.

The site has been operational since 2020, providing both desktop and mobile users with effortless access to online gambling within the province. Players can simply login on the app and play. Keep reading and discover everything there is to know about it in our detailed Play Alberta review.

Play Alberta Casino: Everything You Should Know

You might be wondering what qualities this website has that make it appealing and reliable. This is why we've listed crucial aspects to consider below, including the site's licensing, reputation, background, and history.

Who Owns and Runs the iGaming Site?

The iGaming company is a government-run and regulated online gambling establishment. In essence, the Alberta government is the Play Alberta Casino’s owner and it oversees all gambling activities on the platform. The whole purpose of Play Alberta is for Albertans to have a fully regulated and safe site, and all the money played on this site stays in the province. All the revenue generated by the site goes directly into the General Revenue Fund of the Government of Alberta and is used to support services and programs that help Albertans.

Who Regulates the iGaming Site?

Payalberta.ca is Alberta's only provincially approved and regulated online gambling website. It is run by Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission, which makes it a safe option for all Alberta residents. To place bets on the platform, players must be physically present within the province boundaries and validate their accounts.

Why the Alberta Government Launched the Site?

When the Alberta government developed the platform, it did so with the best wishes of Albertans in mind. It was designed as a safe option for Albertans who want to gamble responsibly. In addition to providing entertainment options with integrated responsible gambling elements, it also generates income to help fund important initiatives that assist the province's citizens.

The government set up Play Alberta Casino to ensure a safe haven, with privacy and banking security as well as guarantees that money wagered in Alberta stays in Alberta in mind.

When Was Play Alberta Casino Launched?

The NeoPollard-powered site officially went live on October 1, 2020, marking the creation of Alberta's first and only regulated iGaming site. The AGLC is responsible for auditing the site, while NeoPollard, which is jointly owned by Pollard Banknote Limited and NeoGames S.A., is responsible for operating it. The sports betting service makes use of Sporting Solution's trading services and Advanced Betting Platform. It also uses NeoSphere iLottery technology developed by NPi, which marks the latest in a series of enhancements that NPi has brought to Play Alberta and Alberta gambling enthusiasts.

Who Can Join and Play at the Site?

Online gambling is completely legal in Alberta under the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, passed by the provincial government. The market is licensed and regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) Commission. Unlike most other provinces, where players must be above 19, Alberta has an 18-year-old minimum gambling age restriction.

PlayAlberta.ca is currently the only licensed site in the province and is accessible to all Alberta residents over the age of 18. Only residents who live in the province and pass the identity verification process are eligible to play and bag the few available bonuses.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission's Predicted Gaming Revenues

Officials from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission estimate that the iGaming website will bring in $3.74 million in fiscal revenue annually. According to them, the site is also expected to generate $150 million in total profits for Alberta in five years.

Pros and Cons

  • Licensed by the Alberta iGaming licensing authority
  • The site is thus legal but also very safe to use
  • It provides responsible gambling tools to customers
  • Compatible with mobile and desktop devices
  • Customer support available via live chat and phone number
  • It provides early cashout on its sports betting markets
  • A limited selection of bonuses compared to other iGaming sites in Alberta
  • Scarce in numbers despite a solid range of casino games
  • Only accepts Visa and Mastercard deposits

How Does Play Alberta Compare to Other Alberta iGaming Sites?

We don't think Play Alberta Casino offers enough, even though the iGaming site is undoubtedly legitimate and includes many features you can get at the best online casinos. 

The game selection is limited in comparison to many other offshore websites that Albertans can now access. The bonuses and promotions on the iGaming site also perform poorly in contrast to many other casinos. 

In summary, the website has a lot to improve compared to offshore iGaming websites in the province, especially when it comes to bonuses to attract customers and fully capitalize on the obvious advantage of being the only licensed operator with a great platform.

Best Legal Alternatives to this iGaming Site

Play Alberta Casino doesn't currently have any Alberta-licensed rivals, but a few offshore websites could be considered great alternatives. We've decided to review the top picks, focusing on the games and the bonuses available as we discuss them below.

  • Logo of Powbet Casino

    Powbet

    Powbet is a superb alternative for gamblers in Alberta looking past AGLC in search of top online casinos. This certainly is a top Alberta online casino and it has grown since it first opened its doors in 2021, providing players with a variety of betting selections. 

    A comprehensive sportsbook with markets for basketball, the NHL, MLB, and soccer is one of the first things gamers will notice at this Curacao-licensed website. Along with a sportsbook, there’s a superb online casino with a variety of online slots in Alberta, table games, and live dealer options as well as bonuses. Powbet offers new customers a 100% match bonus of up to $150 on their first deposit.

  • Logo of STS Casino

    STS Casino

    Although STS initially only offered a sportsbook, the website has gradually grown to incorporate a stunning online casino. The website is not only straightforward to use but also makes it simple for new players to learn how a gambling site operates. 

    STS casino is fully optimized for use on a variety of mobile devices too, such as smartphones, tablets, and iPads. The website has a Malta Gaming Authority license. 

    Numerous bonuses and promos are also available on the website, such as the $750 casino welcome pack split over your first three deposits and the $300 welcome match bonus for the sportsbook.

  • Logo of N1 Sportsbook and Casino

    N1 Bet

    Despite only being in operation since 2021 with a Curacao license, N1 Bet is one of the most popular Alberta online gaming sites, providing users with one of Canada's top new sportsbooks and a large selection of casino games.

    The iGaming site offers markets from major leagues across sports as sports aficionados get action from across the globe. This major competitor to Play Alberta Casino also has a massive selection of games that casino players will undoubtedly like. Match deposit bonuses and no-risk bonus spins on four deposits are all there to sweeten the deal.

  • Logo of Bodog Casino

    Bodog

    The site not only has one of Alberta's best sportsbooks and competitive sports betting markets, but it also has an excellent online casino. As a result, players can enjoy a variety of options, such as live dealer games, table games, and slots. 

    Bodog has a Curacao license and quite a remarkable 26-year reputation with one of the best loyalty programs and casino apps in Canada. On the website, you can find a casino deposit match bonus of up to $1,500 across the first three deposits or bag a 100% first deposit sportsbook match bonus of up to $30.

  • Logo of Doggo Casino

    Doggo Casino

    Doggo Casino is another unique Curacao-licensed iGaming website in Canada. The casino games on the website are excellent, and the bonus offers are equally competitive.

    Doggo gives new users a 100% match bonus of up to $500 as well as 200 bonus spins. Top software providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and many others are featured on the platform.

When Will Play Alberta Casino Get Its First Licensed Competitors?

You would undoubtedly appreciate the variety of services that are provided on these iGaming sites if they were licensed in Alberta. Online gamblers can hardly find a lack of options to be particularly desirable and this is why the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission intends to grant licenses to numerous additional top iGaming sites. 

DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, LeoVegas, 888, Unibet, and Betway are just a few of the companies that are anticipated to take part in the newly founded market. As they currently hold licenses in Canada, including Ontario, these operators present trustworthy and reliable iGaming sites with bonuses Alberta players yearn for.

Play Alberta Online Casino Games

The website offers both sportsbook and casino services. You can easily locate many of the casino games you want in the gaming lobby. The slot game choice includes a variety of classic slots, dozens of popular video slots, and a few themed slots. While the slot offering is not as wide as in some other online casinos, it's enough to keep even the most critical players entertained.

The table game selection includes different variants of popular games such as blackjack and roulette, and there are plenty of instant-win games and lotteries. The game lobby's highlight is the Live Casino, which features a great selection of popular table games. Let's take a closer look at the lobby and the fun you can actually get there.

What Kinds of Online Casino Games Are Available at the Site?

A modest selection of casino games is available at Play Alberta Casino, but there is enough variety to appeal to most tastes. The contents of the games have been checked for fairness and are all provided by carefully chosen, trustworthy iGaming software developers. The available casino gaming choices are:

Online Slots

Slots are a lot of fun and they’re often the backbone of a casino. Play Alberta casino recognizes this and provides the players with a great variety of options. You can choose from many different games here, from the likes of 100,000 Pyramid and Da Vinci Diamonds to Elephant King, and the renowned Cleopatra slots. There are numerous in-game bonuses we tried during our Play Alberta review, which consist of multipliers, wild symbols, scatter symbols, and free spins.

Classic Table Games

You can choose from a wide variety of table games on the website. You can find a ton of entertaining casino games here, with a prime focus on Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette. With no bonuses to clear, many players immediately go for the likes of First Person Blackjack, First Person Lightning Roulette, and First Person Baccarat.

Lottery Games

Lotteries are among the most enjoyable Play Alberta online casino gaming options and are traditionally the most popular. The majority of gamers who join online casinos in Alberta like to try their luck on these games. Lotteries with prizes worth millions of dollars catch the eye of most, such as Lotto 649 with a $5 million maximum cash prize, or the Daily Grand lottery with a cash prize of $1,000 every day for life.

Instant-Win Games

A player can instantly find out if they won a prize in an instant-win game of chance. Among the most popular choices on the website are Scratchcards, Keno, Progressive Jackpots, and many other games. Popular titles include Pirate's Quest, Northern Wilds, Prince of Hearts, Starship Keno Multiplier, and Instant Keno.

Live Casino Games

Live casino gambling is a great way to simulate being at a physical casino without actually having to leave your house. With HD live broadcasting, numerous camera angles, and a live chat feature, live dealer games on the site are undoubtedly a pure adrenaline thrill. Play Alberta online casino offers popular live versions of Ultimate Texas Holdem Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat.

Which Software Developers Power the Site?

The website is powered by reputable software developers, such as IGT, Pariplay, and Wizard Games, who guarantee the fairness of the games provided.

What Would Make the Casino's Gaming Lobby Better?

Despite not having the largest selection of games, or bonuses for that matter, PlayAlberta.ca does just enough to keep you entertained. The collection of table games, though, might use some improvement. Additionally, there aren't many Live Dealer games so it would obviously be interesting if the site added more titles from different software providers.

Is Free/Demo Play Mode Available?

The majority of the games on the site have a demo or free-play option. Demo play simply means you can test out a game's performance and also hone your skills without having to risk any of your funds.

Play Alberta Online Casino Bonuses and Promotions

Considering that this casino website is government-run, few incentives are to be expected there. The casino does not offer many bonuses or promotions, but you can bag a $50 casino welcome bonus with a low wagering requirement.

Get a $50 Casino Welcome Bonus With a Play Alberta Promo Code

You can grab a $50 welcome bonus at PlayAlberta.ca when you deposit at least $10 with a Play Alberta promo code “CASINO50”. As you might think, there are wagering requirements that must be completed before you can request a withdrawal.

The wagering requirement associated with the bonus is set at 20x, which is among the lowest requirements available online. Since this is a $50 bonus, it still means you must bet $1,000 before you can withdraw. Additionally, wagering contributions are in place, where for instance, buying lottery tickets does not count toward the requirement at all.

A comprehensive explanation of what a wagering requirement is and a long list of games that you should and shouldn't bet on while clearing bonuses are both available. To access this guide, you simply enter your Play Alberta login details on the official site and go to your account.

How Play Alberta Casino Bonuses Compare With Offers at Other Alberta iGaming Sites

Take into account that the Play Alberta casino offers only the $50 welcome bonus as a welcome promo. When compared to other incentives from Alberta iGaming sites, casino promotions here fall short. The majority of the best iGaming sites offer frequent promotions like no deposit bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards, but you will not find such offers here. 

It’s not hard to see what even a quick Play Alberta review would suggest here, as the promotions are obviously not as attractive as you would anticipate from such a casino. On the other hand, you could be pleasantly surprised by the selection of games you'll have access to while playing on the go.

Online Sportsbook at Play Alberta

People of legal age and all skill levels can enjoy a variety of sports and competitions at Play Alberta. From baseball and hockey to soccer and basketball, there is something for everyone. The website offers odds on many well-known leagues, including the CFL, NFL, Premier League, and UFC, among many others.

Sports Coverage

One of the site's advantages is that it offers a variety of sports to bet on too, with just part of the list of sports you can go for provided below.

  • Hockey
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • MMA
  • Formula 1

Play Alberta Sports Gambling Betting Options

Four different betting options are currently available on almost all of the events in the offer, and they include Over/Under, Moneyline, Outright, and Point Spread. Most of the leading sports betting sites in Alberta have incorporated this diversity of betting options, and Play Alberta appears impressive with other options too.

Play Alberta Sports Gambling Betting Odds

There are three main ways to view the odds, including Decimal which shows how much you gain for every dollar bet. Values with decimal odds represent total payout rather than profit. Additionally, the website offers American odds and Fractional odds. You may also modify how the odds are shown on the site by simply toggling them.

Is Live Betting Available?

One of the site’s strengths is live betting on sports games. There are numerous games from numerous top leagues that you may wager on while the game is going on. There’s a great range but also a great number of events in each sport offered, which is a great trait. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Betting Available?

While the sportsbook does not currently provide daily fantasy sports betting options to its customers, Albertans who gamble online can still access these options through well-known iGaming sites like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Sports Betting Bonuses and Promotions

There is a $50 free bet welcome bonus available on the sportsbook site, and there is also a recurring bet-and-get promotion where you receive $10 bonus credits for every $75 you wager on the website. The promotions offered on the sportsbook are far more rewarding than the casino offers.

50$ Free Bet Bonus

Players who deposit $10 or more using the Play Alberta promo code "SPORTS50" on PlayAlberta.ca will receive a $50 Free Bet on sports betting options from the iGaming site. The site requires you to use the bonus entirely on a single bet slip. To qualify for this bonus, you must be a first-time user of the website, and all you have to do is deposit with the promotional code.

Bet-and-Get Offer

Another attractive promotion now available on the sportsbook is the Bet-and-Get offer. Play Alberta bettors can get $10 in bonus credit for every $75 wagered on sports games as part of this time-limited offer. The maximum bonus credit you can earn from this promotion is $50.

Does Play Alberta Online Casino Have a Loyalty Program?

Loyalty rewards are unique incentives designed to appreciate gamers for their time spent playing and encourage them to keep playing on an iGaming website. Aside from few bonuses on offer, Play Alberta casino does not currently provide this type of promotion either, failing to cope with programs such as Caesars Rewards.

Mobile Compatibility – Can I bet and play games on the go?

Mobile compatibility is crucial when evaluating casinos online because more players are playing on the go than ever before. Fortunately, the PlayAlberta.ca mobile casino won't let you down. 

All games are playable on mobile devices and the site has been fully optimized. You will have a top-notch experience whether you play on an iOS or Android device.

There is no dedicated Play Alberta app you can download for iOS or Android smartphones. The instant play platform, however, is readily available for you to play any games you like. You can do everything in the palm of your hand, including processing deposits, withdrawing money, and claiming welcome bonuses like free spins or bets.

Website Design and Interface

The iGaming website is very well-organized, and it has positioned links at the top of the homepage that will let you access the casino, instant games, live casino, lottery, and the GameSense sections. 

To the left, you'll see a pop-out menu with the same links while beneath those, you'll find links to Promotions and Bonuses, Help, and Contact forms. Finding what you're looking for easily is what the site design is all about.

Is this iGaming Site a Safe and Fair Option? Licensing, Reputation, and Security Measures

This casino is the only one with a license to operate in Alberta, issued by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission. This implies that all site revenue is reinvested back into the community, but also goes to show all of the games on the website are fair and secure with a tested random number generator. 

Banking Options

The banking options, or lack thereof, are Play Alberta Casino’s biggest drawback. This is because you can only fund your account with VISA and Mastercard debit and credit cards, aside from Interac. This site's banking options are unimpressive.

Deposit Options

To begin using any site or grab the casino bonuses offered, you must first make a deposit. There are only three options available for deposits on the website and as said, these include debit/credit cards from Visa and Mastercard, topped by Interac. 

It is essential to note that deposits made on the site are not withdrawable, and only winnings are.

Withdrawal Options

You can only use the ETF bank transfer option to withdraw your winnings from the platform. The withdrawal typically takes 2 to 5 days to be approved and processed, where it will usually be transferred to your bank account in 3 to 5 business days.

Deposit Options Withdrawal Options Visa & Mastercard ETF bank transfers Interac

Alberta iGaming Sites that Support a Wider Range of Payment Options

Play Alberta casino does not offer its users enough options for deposits and withdrawals, as we have already noted a similar issue with bonuses. As an Alberta gambler, you may find yourself unwilling to settle for the few options in store.

This is why we must note there are other iGaming sites you can access while playing in Alberta and use the diversity of payment methods on such sites. Some of the payment methods you can hope to find at offshore casinos include:

  • Neteller
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Skrill
  • Paysafecard
  • Interac e-Transfer
  • Cryptocurrency

The casinos offering a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods include but are not limited to:

  • Spin Casino
  • Jackpot City
  • Ruby Fortune
  • Betway Casino
  • Casumo

Customer Support Department

Play Alberta Casino has detailed responses to frequently asked questions that provide further information on topics such as banking and bonuses. Users can also use live chat and start a conversation with an agent right away, if they need more assistance. Additionally, a support call center is open seven days a week during business hours. 

The contact form offers an email option, but it may take a few days to receive a response from the support team. The available support channels include:

  • FAQ
  • Live chat
  • Phone number
  • Contact Form

Responsible Gambling – GameSense

Any online gambling site that has been licensed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission is obligated to support responsible gaming and assist players in doing the same.

This means not hooking players with bonuses but rather helping them manage their gambling habits and preventing problem gambling by all means possible. This is why this iGaming site has integrated GameSense into its website to help regulate the services it provides.

GameSense is available in cases where playing games is no longer enjoyable and harms the player. GameSense is a program created specifically for players, providing all responsible gambling tools as well as information accessible to them in a bid to aid in making educated decisions.

On the iGaming website's top tab, you can access the section designated for it. Customers of the iGaming website can use the following responsible gambling tools from GameSense:

  • Deposit Limits: With the help of deposit limits, players can control how much money they can deposit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
  • Loss Limits: Your loss limit is the sum of your losses during a given time frame. As you play, the losses are automatically calculated for you, and you'll get a notification when they reach a certain threshold.
  • Bet Limits: You can limit how much money you can stake on a single bet slip by using a bet limit. It’s important to note there are preset betting limits with bonuses.
  • Reality Checks: A reality check is available to remind you of how much time you spend gaming on the Play Alberta gambling website and to notify you of information such as wagers, winnings, and losses. Gaming is enjoyable, and it is easy for gamblers to lose track of time while playing on an iGaming website.
  • Self-exclusion: Self-exclusion is typically set up to enable you to ban yourself from Play Alberta gambling activities for a preset period.

How to Register for an Account on the iGaming Site?

Follow the steps below to begin playing here.

  1. Visit the official Play Alberta gambling site and click on Sign Up in the top right corner
  2. Fill in your valid e-mail and a secure Play Alberta login password in the boxes provided
  3. Fill in your address, full name, and other personal details in the spaces provided.
  4. Click on Submit.
  5. You can now sign in to your gaming account with your Play Alberta login information.
  6. Claim the welcome bonus if you wish and start playing today. 

You can obviously choose not to claim the welcome bonus if you do not want it for any reason, in which case your gaming account would not receive any rewards. After completing the registration, you will be required to provide documents so that the iGaming site can verify your identity. A list of accepted identification docs is available in the website's FAQ area. 

  • Does Play Alberta Casino have a loyalty rewards program? There isn't a loyalty rewards program on the website and the bonus section is generally rated rather poor when compared to some big guns in the industry.
  • Is there a Play Alberta app I can download? There isn't a Play Alberta app for mobile players but you can play on the go using a fully optimized mobile website which scales perfectly to smaller screens.
  • Is it safe to play on the site? It is entirely safe and secure because PlayAlberta is the only licensed iGaming site in Alberta, featuring top-notch security protocols.
  • Who can play on the site? Any Alberta resident physically present in the province and at least 18 years of age can play on the website.
  • What payment options are available? You can deposit at Play Alberta Casino using Interac as well as Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards. Withdrawals are only processed as bank transfers.
  • Can I make payments with cryptocurrency on the website? No, you can't deposit or withdraw using any cryptocurrency wallets at PlayAlberta.
  • What are the customer support options available? Customer care at this casino is excellent and you can select between a number of channels to get in touch. This includes live chat, a phone number, and a contact form, while you can also go for the FAQs to solve issues on your own.
  • How do I request a withdrawal at PlayAlberta? The casino only supports direct transfers into your bank account. This implies that you have to provide your payment details and wait for approximately 3 to 5 business days for the withdrawal to be processed with additional time needed for it to hit the account.
  • Can I play instant-win games at Play Alberta Casino? Yes, instant win games such as Scratchcards and Keno are available, reportedly attracting a lot of traffic at the site.

FAQ

Review details Reviewer: Meri Zimic Date Reviewed: November 28, 2022 Reviewed Casino: Casino Play Alberta Editor's Rating:
3.5/5
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Meri Zimic - Author
Meri Zimic - Author

Meri has spent the last five years planning, writing, editing and publishing content on AlbertaGambling.ca and other GambleSites network websites. Her expertise is focused on the Canadian Betting & Online Casino space in which she reviews and compares gambling services.

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