Sports betting in casinos...Why not?

[bcb]

This is a question for anyone who knows the applicable statutes.

I like sports betting, but I detest Sportselect. Between the mandatory parlaying and the poor odds, it seems Sportselect is only good if you want the chance to turn $20 into $20,000.

(Yes, I know Mike Richards did it once.)

Also, I'm not really comfortable with online gambling.

So the question is, what laws are preventing me from hitting the Grey Eagle or Stampede Casino, placing a bet, taking the slip home and if I win, returning the next day to collect my winnings.

I realize it would put Sportselect out of business, but the Province would still collect tax revenue from the casino.

Lastly, sports betting is perhaps the least addictive form of gambling (fixed, known payout).

So why not?

[Kjesse]

I can't agree that sports betting is the "least addictive form of gambling" because there is a "fixed, known payment", but I agree that there is no reason the Province should allow slots, table games, horse racing, and lotteries, but keep a monopoly on sports books.

Whenever I feel like placing a bet, I use an online service. That isn't very often, but when I get in the mood to challenge the bookies with my self-induced delusion that I know more than them on a particular game, its just a few clicks away!

[algernon]

Cause Vinny down at the Alcove Sports Bar in Motel Village would be pissed off. You know the guy is one mean looking mother, with his flash wad o' cash, and his dress-stye jogging pants. I bet he makes 10 large a week. Straight cash, Homie.

Seriously, I'd bet that the government likes the lousy odds and big payday of running the only legal sports book in town.

[CrazyCaper]

Unfortunately I just don't see the AB government changing how sports betting is done in this province for the forseeable future.

I'm currently a regular user of "Bet365". They advertise regularly on the Fan960 and are quite reputable. I hated betting on Sportselect due to their minimum 3 game parlays and crap odds.

I recently had a decent winfall and withdrew over $1500 without any issues at all. Money was transferred into my bank account within 5 working days.

I know some are sceptacle about online gaming but I've had nothing but positive experiences using this service.

[d_phaneuf]

Its done because the governments, here in BC its sportsaction, can set terrible odds (Flames will have worse odds in Alberta than they do in BC and Ontario, other way around for the Canucks and Leafs) and only allow parlays. They make a killing on it.

so its basically free money, if you are going to bet you would be far far better off doing it online. http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Reco...t/default.aspx is a good site where you can look at the number of different reputable sports books. Most of them are very easy to deposit in for Canadians. I use Pinnacle and would highly recommend it.

[rubecube]

^^ Agreed. Pinnacle has the best odds by far of any site I've been to. www.sportsbook.com is good too.

[Poison]

I heard not to long ago that it was being looked at in Ontario and i believe specifically the Niagra Falls casino, didnt hear much after that since so i assume it was kiboshed.
I agree with almost all posts here, have had a lot of good experiences online, however nothing still beats sitting at a sports book, counting down the seconds on the clock and a minute or two later having cash in hand.

[united]

Another Pinnacle user here. I have never had an issue with deposits or withdrawals.

[The Ditch]

Because they get to use parlays, parlays are for suckers and the government makes a killing on it bet365 is the one I use, I've had no issues with them so far.

[yads]

Government likes the monopoly. If you don't like online, bet with friends or find a local bookie. They're always playing poker.