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Since the Alberta iGaming Act passed in May, the million-dollar question has been: “When will the Alberta online casino open market launch?”
After months of waiting, the regulatory wheels are finally turning.
On Jan. 14, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission published an 85-page “Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming” framework. Alongside the publication of these standards, the commission opened registration for private operators, marking a critical implementation phase in Alberta’s regulated iGaming launch.
Still, that doesn’t mean sports fans have to sit on their hands until a firm go-live date is set. Truth is many Albertans have taken up casual sports games that offer the same level of thrill and convenience … minus the real-money stakes.
So, which are the best browser-based sports games to play at work in Alberta?
Top casual sports games to play in Alberta
Gridzy
While waiting for the Alberta sports betting and iGaming markets to launch, Shurzy’s Gridzy offers an exciting NHL grid game that puts your puck knowledge to the test. What starts as a casual “just messing around” session quickly becomes 15 minutes of having your heart in your mouth about something as simple as which NHL team had the best regular season of all time.
You basically get nine guesses to fill in a 3×3 grid. The goal: Complete the grid with a player or team that fits the category mentioned. The best part is you instantly know whether your pick is a genius flex or a mental misfire. Plus, you don’t use the same player or team twice, which is actually an assist.
Basketball Stars
Basketball Stars, with its focus on fast-paced, two-player gameplay, is, in essence, an interactive browser basketball game. This 2019 MadPuffers title captures the sport’s essence via its big-headed characters, simple controls, and short – but quick – matches against AI or one of your friends.
The premise of the game is simple: Play with or against your friend/AI in 1v1, 2v2, PvP, or co-op mode and score points through 3-pointers and dunks. Fill up your supershot bar and ridiculously unleash a guaranteed slam dunk from anywhere on the court.
And making things more interesting, you can slap and block your opponent, making it more like street basketball than a polished NBA sim.
Goalkeeper Wiz
The Games Hub Studio-developed Goalkeeper Wiz is a prime example of sports mini games that want you to focus on only one thing. This penalty save sim game ditches the pitch run-around and puts you front and centre as the super-skilled goalkeeper.
Your task: Stop the ball during a penalty shootout. The game starts slow with the striker kicking the ball, prompting you to dive in the ball’s direction – via a swipe/tap – to make a save.
Immediate feedback via big “GREAT” or “EXCELLENT” text overlays keeps the game just as fun in your first hour as it is by your fifth.
Take advantage of quick sports games
While Albertans await the expected launch of its open iGaming market, sports mini games, like those mentioned above, deliver real-world-type sports action, perfect for a much-needed distraction from the daily grind.
Now that you know the best casual sports games in Alberta, it’s time to grab your digital cleats and clutch out a championship.
