The province has confirmed July 13 will be the opening date for its online gambling market after sports betting company DraftKings announced its intent to join that market Thursday. I split my gambling time between online casinos and physical venues, and both have their place. Online casinos offer convenience, better RTP, and massive game selection. Land-based casinos provide social atmosphere, free drinks, and the tangible experience of handling chips and watching physical roulette wheels spin. Alberta casinos are owned by a mix of private companies, charities, and First Nations groups. Some of the province’s most popular land-based casino venues include Elbow River Casino, Pure Casino Edmonton, and Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Critics have raised concerns that online gaming makes it more accessible to young people and those with addictions.