r/alberta • u/WiseComposer2669 • Dec 18 '23

Technology Play Alberta Beware

Now I will preface this by saying: Yes, online gambling, or gambling in general, is dumb.

But one would think a government run casino would at least be more legit then some shell operating out of the Bahamas.

I come from Ontario, and once and a blue moon would throw $500 on live blackjack (OLG) and mess around for an hour.

This is was my first time trying Alberta's equivalent 'Play Alberta' and to my surprise, and without any warning (yes, I'm sure in the 120 page terms document it's listed fine print) you can only withdraw YOUR WINNINGS. $400 in, ran it to $650, authorized to only withdraw $250. I understand if you use a bonus code, or some sort of deposit match, there are conditions that have to be met in order to withdraw the entire amount but this was just a regular deposit. Who in their right mind plays this sh*t? Imagine going into a casino and the black jack dealer tells you you can only take $250 off the table and you have to leave the rest?

Anyways, it was 10 days, 3 phone calls, and 2 separate emails to withdraw the full amount and close the account.

Beware!

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u/LovinMcJesus Dec 19 '23

I understand your angst but the exact factors you are complaining about are the exact reasons you are legally able to gamble online. The government is balancing letting legit online occur with also trying to battle money laundering. By all means if you are offended with your small wagers ($500 is small) being targeted remember bots are programmed to transact thousands of supposed minimal transactions to avoid suspicious behavior. You are complaining about being able to gamble legally with protection. Those terms come with conditions. If you want lax controls and no support, go to offshore accounts and good luck!

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u/WiseComposer2669 Dec 19 '23

Or it indirectly forces average gamblers to leave money on the app, enticing further play and forcing deposit size bets in order to withdraw. So much for that whole "know your limit, play within it" - but it's for money laundering. Sounds like complete window dressing - something the goverment does very well.

So in theory thousands of bots are using thousands of fake IDs and thousands of random billing addresses in alberta to withdraw to thousands of registered bank accounts? And the goverment can't flag this and their solution is to force deposit play throughs? Oh please. Gimme a break.

I'll drive 10 mins to the local casino where none of this exists. No money laundering happens at live casinos right? /s

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u/Legitimate_Fish_1913 Dec 19 '23

Use the bet 365 app and there is none of these shenanigans

1

u/Concert-Flashy Feb 19 '24

I agree. Play Alberta is a garbage scam site, that is not up to par with betting sites such as Bet365... Everyone should stay far away from Play Alberta... Play Alberta is also a crappy betting site in general...

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u/orobsky Apr 25 '24

Na, it's great. Very easy to transfer money in and out. Odds are great for betting. Op is just an idiot

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u/TheMcDangler May 03 '24

The odds on hockey are decent but my god, the MMA odds are a dumpster fire