Are poker tournaments in Alberta legal?
The AGLC, on behalf of the province, is responsible for licensing, regulating and monitoring charitable gaming activities in Alberta. In addition to the requirements of the Criminal Code, gaming activities in Alberta must be conducted and managed in accordance with the Gaming and Liquor Act, the Gaming and Liquor Regulation and the AGLC’s Casino Terms and Conditions and Operating Guidelines. The AGLC only licences eligible charities to conduct and manage casino events in licensed facilities. The AGLC will not licence individual poker tournaments or games to be conducted outside of licensed casino facilities. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, all forms of gambling, including poker, must comply with the specified qualifications set out in the Criminal Code. Any form of gaming that does not comply with the qualifications is illegal. Questions about whether a specific game or scheme is legal under the Criminal Code should be directed to a lawyer.
