What’s Hot in Gaming in Alberta

Alberta is known for a lot of things, most notably for being home to a huge oil industry with vast reserves in the Athabasca Oil Sands. Agriculture is another big part of the province, as is the giant municipal park in Edmonton nicknamed the “ribbon of green”.

If you’re looking for entertainment in Alberta, you won’t be disappointed either. The province has the largest mall in North America. Known as the West Edmonton Mall, it’s home to 800 stores, a giant waterpark, an ice rink, an aquarium, an escape room, a bowling alley, and an indoor karting track.

But this one-stop shop of fun doesn’t have a monopoly over excitement in the province. There are plenty of outdoor activities too, such as the outdoor rinks in Red Deer. Many Albertans also turn to video games to get their kicks, with around 55% of them enjoying the pastime regularly.

Like almost everything else in life, games come in and out of fashion regularly, making it hard sometimes to keep up with what’s trendy. So, to get you up to speed, here’s what’s hot in Albertan gaming right now.

Casino Games

Casino games are some of the oldest titles played today. Even modern video slots with their flashy graphics and exciting animations have their roots in 19th-century California.

Their age doesn’t put Albertans off though. Casino games continue to be popular in the province and across the rest of Canada. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that online casinos now offer many ways to play, including from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. They’ve also expanded their selection of games, creating unique variants of traditional titles like Single Deck Blackjack and Perfect Strategy Blackjack.

Another key driver of their popularity among Albertans is the live casino format which combines the convenience of playing online with the realism of visiting a land-based establishment.

Players can choose from a wide collection of games, such as Live Mega Fire Blaze Roulette, Live Football Studio Dice, and Live 9 Pots Of Gold. Each one offers an exciting experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Battle Royales

The battle royale genre of video games is a relatively new one. Its name comes from the 2000 movie, Battle Royale, as the premise of these games is similar to the plot of the film.

While there are some small differences between each game, they all share several key similarities. A match starts with a large number of players (usually 100) being dropped onto a map with no (or few) tools available to them.

They must then scavenge for resources, construct defences, and hunt down their opponents. Unlike more traditional shooting games, there is no re-spawning, so once you’ve been killed, that’s it for that match. The winner is the last player standing.

They’ve become huge hits right around the world, including here in Alberta thanks to the novel concept and huge variety in gameplay. Many of the most popular titles, such as Fortnite, PUBG, and Call of Duty: Warzone, are also free to play, which makes them considerably more attractive than many paid-for alternatives.

Hyper-Casual

The term “casual game” only entered common parlance in recent years, helped by social networks and smartphones. It refers to games that are designed to appeal to a wider audience and that have simpler rules and mechanics.

Hyper-casual games are an extension of this. As their names suggest they are more casual than traditional casual games, often requiring just a couple of minutes of commitment to play at a time. This is a sharp contrast to most other games which would require players to set aside a considerable chunk of time.

They are usually free and available on mobile, making them more accessible than almost any other genre of game on the market. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why they’re incredibly popular among Albertan gamers.

Some of the most popular hyper-casual titles right now include Bridge Race, Tall Man Run, Going Balls, Race Master 3D – Car Racing, and Fill the Fridge.

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Alberta’s Sports Betting Industry

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Alberta’s Sports Betting Industry

Published on February 21, 2025

Todayville Content Team

The limited nature of sports betting opportunities in Alberta makes it difficult to judge just how successful a full launch will be, with only single-game sports betting allowed since Bill C-218 was passed in 2021.

However, projected legislative changes that look set to take place in 2025 should provide the regulatory framework required for a more comprehensive betting market, with a focus on online operations.

To get a better idea of betting in Alberta, we asked Lewis Mitchell who explained that offshore betting sites have been able to cater to the needs of consumers. The convenience offered by online sports betting is something that the retail industry can’t compete with, and the wide range of betting markets, enticing bonuses, and selection of payment methods make it a popular option.

At present, the only online sports betting operator licensed to run in Alberta is PlayAlberta, a government-run operator that is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

The new regulatory framework was set to be implemented at the end of 2024, but the project was delayed. The popularity of Ontario’s online sports betting market, which has seen significant growth, has encouraged other provinces to look at ways they can enjoy the revenue it would create and the improved protections they could offer their citizens.

Albertans have Canada’s highest spending on gaming per capita, and this statistic has led experts to believe that it would welcome a more open online sports betting industry.

The province is home to one of Canada’s youngest adult populations, and a legal betting age of 18 would be conducive to a successful online sports betting market. Another benefit for the 4.9 million inhabitants of Alberta is that Canadians don’t pay tax on winnings.

The wide selection of pro-sports teams in Alberta would also help with a launch, with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Wranglers, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Calgary Roughnecks, and Calvary FC just some of the options for local sports fans to get behind.

Alberta is in pole position to become the second province to allow commercial online betting operations and will benefit from insights available from Ontario, helping to avoid potential pitfalls. The industry would provide a welcome boost to provincial finances via tax revenue and improved employment.

The opportunity to allow other sports book operations will alert existing live-betting operations including Enoch’s River Cree Resort and Casino and Eagle River Resort, as well as the Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino in Morley, Starlight Casino in Edmonton, Calgary’s The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, and the Casino Lethbridge.

The province will likely follow the lead of other regions that allow online betting markets by implementing application and license fees, with license fees requiring annual updates.

The limited nature of the existing sports betting market in Alberta leaves significant room for growth. The wide variety of sports and betting markets available for locals to explore will provide great competition for potential new betting apps.

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From coins to wagers: The expanding crypto gambling market

Published on February 14, 2025

Todayville Content Team

The world of gambling is changing fast with the rise of crypto. More people are turning to it as their preference for online betting as it is safe and offers new options. You can now use digital coins like BTC to place bets in a whole new market.

Many online casinos are beginning to accept crypto, making it easier for players to join in. With an increasing number of people interested in digital money, the crypto market is expanding rapidly. Learn more about crypto gambling here.

Benefits of crypto gambling

Crypto gambling offers many benefits that make it appealing to players. With the use of digital currencies, Bitcoin gambling is faster, safer, and more private.

The following benefits can help you see why using crypto in a casino is popular:

Transparency

One of the best things about crypto gambling is transparency. Blockchain technology records every game and transaction, making it easy to see what happened. This gives you peace of mind that the games are fair and the outcomes are legitimate.

Anonymity

You don’t need to share personal data when using crypto, which means you can enjoy games without worrying about your privacy being exposed.

Faster transactions

Speed is a major advantage of using crypto for gambling, as transactions happen quickly. You can deposit and withdraw your money almost instantly, rather than waiting days for banks to process payments.

International access

Crypto gambling allows players worldwide the world to join in. Traditional gambling sites may limit access based on location, and while crypto also has that, it is often accessible. This opens up chances for everyone, no matter where they are.

Lower fees

Using crypto often means lower fees for players. Traditional banking methods can charge high fees for transactions, but crypto usually has much smaller costs. This means more money can stay with the player, leading to bigger winnings.

Rise of crypto casinos: The new era

Many players are excited about using crypto to bet and play games. This shift marks the start of a new era in online gambling.

Increased interest

There has been a notable increase in interest in Bitcoin casinos. More people are searching for places to gamble using Bitcoin than ever before, showing that more players are curious about using digital currencies for betting.

Market growth

The global online gambling market is expected to grow rapidly. Experts predict that more players will choose crypto casinos, leading to larger markets. With the rising use of crypto, the future of online gambling looks bright.

Rising betting activity

The percentage of gambling done through crypto is on the rise, which means more players are getting involved. This trend shows that crypto gambling is becoming a preferred choice for many.

Demographics

Players interested in crypto casinos tend to be young and tech-savvy, between the ages of 18 and 34. This age group is familiar with technology and enjoys exploring new forms of gambling, making crypto casinos an exciting option.

Trends to watch

The future of crypto casinos seems promising as new digital assets may emerge, giving more options for players. Innovations in payment systems and game offerings are expected to grow as more users enter the market. Keeping an eye on these trends can help players stay ahead in the ever-evolving online gambling world.

Challenges facing crypto gambling

While crypto gambling offers many benefits, it also faces some challenges. Here are two major concerns about why it is not easy to operate a casino:

Regulatory uncertainty

Countries have diverse laws about crypto, which can confuse some players. This can make it hard for online casinos to follow the rules and for players to know what is allowed in their region.

Volatility

Their values can change quickly and suddenly, which can create financial uncertainty for players, making it hard to decide how much to spend or bet.

Security risks

Although crypto casinos boast good security, some risks still exist as hackers may try to steal digital currencies or personal data. This may make you hesitant to fully trust these online platforms, even with strong security measures in place.

Factors driving crypto casino growth: Engines of evolution

Several key factors are helping the growth of crypto casinos. These factors make online gambling with crypto more appealing to players. Knowing these reasons can explain why more people still choose crypto casinos.

Security

Security is a major factor that helps crypto casinos grow. Blockchain protects transactions by securely recording them, so trust your money and data to be safe. With strong security measures, you feel more at ease placing your bets.

Enhanced privacy

Enhanced privacy is another vital reason for the rise of crypto casinos. You do not need to share a lot of personal details when using crypto, allowing you to enjoy gambling without worrying about your identity being exposed. Keeping personal data private makes the experience feel safer and more fun.

Global usage

Global usage is key to the success of crypto casinos. Crypto can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world, making it accessible. Players from various countries can easily join in, making the market much larger and more diverse. This worldwide access means more people can connect and play together.

Saving with speed

Transactions happen quickly with crypto, which makes them popular. Deposits and withdrawals can take only a few minutes compared to traditional banking methods which can take days. This speed allows you to enjoy your winnings right away. Quick transactions make it easier for players to keep the fun going without long waits.

Innovative gaming options

Crypto casinos are bringing fun and new ideas to online games as many operators are creating unique games that use the special features of blockchain technology. For example, some games allow you to earn tokens that can be traded or used in various ways.

Others might offer exciting themes or new ways to win, making each game feel fresh and different. This variety keeps you interested and makes crypto casinos a more exciting choice for gambling.

Social engagement

Crypto casinos often focus on building a strong community. Many platforms feature chat rooms and forums for players to interact, share tips, and enjoy a social gaming experience. This sense of community adds to the thrill and keeps you coming back for more.

A bright horizon for crypto gambling

The future of crypto gambling looks bright as more players are starting to use crypto like Bitcoin for their bets, helping the market grow. Online casinos are offering more games and better rewards for those who use digital money. With new technology and more interest from players, crypto gambling is becoming a big part of online gaming.

You can expect a safer and more fun gambling experience as the benefits of Bitcoin gambling include faster transactions and better privacy. As more people learn about these good things, crypto casinos will likely become more popular, showing there is a bright future for crypto gambling.