Gambling age in Alberta
The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18.1 Minors under 18 are not allowed inside an Alberta casino facility or other premises where a casino is authorized and being conducted.2
Minimum age by activity
| Lottery | Alberta lottery retailers must ensure minors cannot buy, play or receive prizes for lottery ticket products under any circumstances.3 |
|---|---|
| Bingo and charitable gaming | Under AGLC's commercial bingo handbook, licensee staff must ask anyone they are not satisfied is at least 18 to leave the licensed bingo facility.4 |
| Online gambling | You must be 18 or older to register, deposit and play on any regulated iGaming site in Alberta.5 |
At the door
Casino staff must check valid government-issued photo ID to verify the age of anyone who appears to be under 25 and tries to enter a casino facility.2 Lottery retailers must check valid government-issued ID for anyone who appears under 25 and tries to buy, play or claim a prize on lottery ticket products.3
Who runs gambling in Alberta
Alberta uses a charitable gaming model.6 AGLC's role includes owning and maintaining all slot machines, VLTs, lottery terminals and electronic bingo.6
Who regulates it
The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) oversees the iGaming market and AGLC is the market regulator.7
Gambling online in Alberta
Alberta's regulated iGaming market launched on July 13, 2026.7 Play Alberta continues as the province's government-run platform, competing with regulated private operators.8
Video lottery terminals
To get VLTs, an Alberta location must hold a Class 'A' Minors Prohibited liquor licence and be open and operating.9
Self-exclusion
Alberta's centralized self-exclusion is a free, voluntary program that blocks your access to all regulated Alberta iGaming sites and land-based casinos for a set period.5
Worth knowing
You must be physically in Alberta to log in or bet with regulated iGaming operators.5
Tax on winnings
CRA Income Tax Folio S3-F9-C1 (effective July 3, 2020): a prize from a lottery scheme is generally not taxable as income or capital gain, unless the circumstances make it employment, business or property income or an achievement prize. Only the winnings; interest or investment income earned on them is a separate matter.10
Help with gambling
AGLC GameSense Info Line 1-833-447-7523 (hours: Tue and Wed 10-5, Thu-Sat 1-8 as shown on the page).11
Where to play in Alberta
We list 44 places in Alberta: 25 casinos, 14 bingo halls, 5 racetracks with slots. See all casinos in Alberta.
Calgary · Edmonton · Grande Prairie · Lethbridge · Medicine Hat · Red Deer
Other provinces: gambling age across Canada.