Court Rules That PlayAlberta Does Not Violate Canadian Law
Court Rules in Favour of PlayAlberta. States that gambling site is legal.
The Alberta Court of Appeal has ruled that PlayAlberta online gambling site was established according to Canadian law. Local tribal operators like the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations were unhappy when the gambling site started operations in October 2020 and sued for its closure in April 2021.
One of the cases raised by the local tribal operators was that the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) had no legal right to become the operator of PlayAlberta. According to the tribes, the jurisdiction of the AGLC includes overseeing the gaming, cannabis, and liquor industries. They also argued that the operator has no business with the iGaming sector.
Some gaming regulators under the Canadian jurisdiction also serve as gaming operators. The local tribes argued this was illegal under Canadian federal law, especially in Alberta’s case. Other critics also say this system will bring about a clash of interests.
In their lawsuit, they said the AGLC must either be operating the casino without a license or issuing a gambling license to itself, violating its own Act.
Verdict on the Lawsuit Filed by the Tribes
The Calgary Herald reported that the lower court dismissed the case in February while the appellate panel recently upheld that decision.
While it’s true that Canada’s Criminal Code bans games of chance and lotteries, the panel agreed that there could be an exception for provincial governments interested in managing authorized lottery programs.
The judges also wrote that other agencies would require provincial licensing and approval before operating an authorized lottery program, while the provincial government may not need that.
As a double blow, the casinos belonging to the tribes were closed while they filed their lawsuit. This was done to control the pandemic, making PlayAlberta the only casino operator in the province.
Games Available on PlayAlberta
PlayAlberta offers online slots including titles like Big Piggy Bonus, Bok of the Sphinx, and Cash Eruption. You’ll also find instant-win lottery games, and table games. Canadian players who enjoy Live Dealer titles will find Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live Poker and a dedicated Game show lobby.
Gambling Awareness: Staying in the Green
At CanadaCasino, we believe that the best way to enjoy online gaming is to stay informed and in control. In the Canadian market, gambling should always be viewed as a form of paid entertainment, much like a movie ticket or a hockey game—never as a source of income.
The Golden Rules of Responsible Play
To keep your experience positive, we recommend following the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction:
- Set a Hard Budget: Only wager what you can afford to lose. Once that “entertainment fund” is gone, it is time to log off.
- Time Management: Use your phone or casino tools to set session timers. It is easy to lose track of time when you’re on a roll.
- Avoid “The Chase”: Trying to win back losses is the most common pitfall. Accept a loss as the “cost of play” and walk away.
- Play Sober and Focused: Never gamble when you are stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or substances.
If you ever feel that gambling is no longer just entertainment, it’s important to know that help is available. Independent organizations like GambleAware provide free, confidential advice, tools, and support for anyone looking to understand their gambling habits better or seek professional help.
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Author
Marcelo is an Editorial Specialist specializing in the iGaming sector, with over five years of experience managing and optimizing more than 20 casino and sportsbook websites across global markets. He has worked with leading operators, where he focused on transparent, data-driven content strategies that promote responsible gambling. His expertise spans Web Optimization management, product coordination, and operational efficiency, ensuring consistent performance and compliance.