Canada

NFL’S WEEK 17 PRODUCES UNIQUE CHALLENGES FOR BETTORS

Published

6 years ago

December 29, 2020

Six games feature at least one team playing for playoff positioning, leaving the remaining schedule to the unknown, according to TheLines

(LAS VEGAS) — The final week of the NFL season is unlike any other, according to analysts from TheLines, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market. Most teams’ playoff fortunes are already decided, making it difficult to gauge motivation for certain teams. And the best teams often rest their top players in preparation for more important games ahead.

For those games with playoff ramifications, Week 17 offers high drama. And those games typically offer more dependable odds. Games between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, and the matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants all feature at least one team playing for the playoffs. Four of those games offer a spread of a touchdown or less, according to a consensus of the nation’s largest legal online sportsbooks — including DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, PlaySugarHouse, BetMGM, Unibet, and William Hill.

The two outliers include games against the hapless Jaguars and injury-riddled Bengals, who enter their games as 13.5-point and 11.5-point underdogs, respectively. Such games, with one team making a playoff push and the other playing out the string, can produce the unpredictable, particularly against the spread.

“The first and last week of the NFL season are typically the two most difficult to handicap,” said Brett Collson, lead analyst for TheLines.com. “The final week in particular brings a level of uncertainty not seen in any other week, and why odds on games with playoff implications tend to be more dependable. It’s uniquely challenging — and fun — for oddsmakers and bettors, alike.”

The consensus point spreads for Week 17 and remaining Week 16 games, as of Monday, Dec. 28:

Buffalo Bills (-7) at New England Patriots; over/under 46.5
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6); over/under 50
Minnesota Vikings (-6.5) at Detroit Lions; over/under N/A
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-3.5); over/under 40
Baltimore Ravens (-11.5) at Cincinnati Bengals; over/under 44.5
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) at New York Giants; over/under 45.5
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (-13.5); over/under 49.5
New Orleans Saints (-5.5) at Carolina Panthers; over/under 51
New York Jets at New England Patriots (-5.5); over/under 43
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (-6.5); over/under N/A
Tennessee Titans (-7.5) at Houston Texans; over/under 56
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-1); over/under 50.5
Green Bay Packers (-4) at Chicago Bears; over/under 50
Seattle Seahawks (-4.5) at San Francisco 49ers; over/under 47.5
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-4); over/under N/A
Washington Football Team at Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5); over/under 42

To access the updated futures lines for every NFL team, and for more analysis, visit TheLines.com/odds/super-bowl. To access Week 17 odds, visit www.thelines.com/nfl-week-17-lines-2020.

Canada

Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

altenar-joins-alberta’s-new-regulated-igaming-market

Today marks the official launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, a significant milestone for the Canadian iGaming industry and an important step in Altenar’s continued expansion across North America.

Having secured approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), Altenar is fully prepared to support licensed operators entering Canada’s newest regulated jurisdiction with its award-winning sportsbook technology.

The opening of Alberta’s market establishes Canada’s second regulated online gaming province after Ontario, creating fresh opportunities for operators seeking sustainable growth within a regulated framework.

With a strong track record across regulated markets worldwide, Altenar is well positioned to help partners launch competitive sportsbook offerings that prioritize player engagement, operational flexibility and long-term success.

As competition intensifies from day one, operators will be focused on delivering high-quality betting experiences capable of attracting playersAltenar’s scalable sportsbook solution, extensive customization capabilities and regulatory expertise provide operators with the tools needed to compete effectively in this evolving market.

Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:

“The launch of Alberta’s regulated market is an important moment not only for the province but for the wider Canadian industry. Regulation creates opportunities for operators to build trusted brands while giving players access to safer, more transparent betting environments.

“We’re excited to support our partners as they enter this new market. Success in Alberta will depend on offering a premium player experience from the very beginning – fast, reliable technology, competitive betting content and the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves. Those are exactly the areas where Altenar delivers value, and we look forward to helping operators grow sustainably in one of North America’s most promising new jurisdictions.”

Alberta represents another important milestone in Altenar’s North American growth strategy as the company continues to expand its presence in regulated markets, providing operators with the technology and expertise needed to succeed in increasingly competitive environments.

The post Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

draftkings-set-to-launch-its-online-sportsbook-and-casino-in-alberta

DraftKings is set to launch its top-rated online sportsbook and casino, along with its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand, in Alberta on July 13. Alberta will become the second Canadian province and the 34th jurisdiction across North America where DraftKings Sportsbook is available. With the launch, DraftKings Casino will be available in five U.S. states and Golden Nugget Online Gaming casino in four U.S. states, with both brands available in Alberta and Ontario in Canada.

“We’re thrilled to launch DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino, as well as Golden Nugget Online Gaming in Alberta and continue expanding our presence in Canada. Alberta is home to a passionate sports fan base, and we’re excited to bring customers across the province our industry-leading sports betting and online casino experiences. Launching during one of the biggest moments in global sports, with the World Cup taking place across North America, makes this an especially exciting time to welcome Albertans to DraftKings,” said Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings.

To celebrate the launch in Alberta, DraftKings employees will volunteer with Food Banks Alberta and present a $150,000 donation to the organization. The funding will purchase over 40,000 pounds of essential food items to be distributed through Food Banks Alberta’s network of member food banks, ensuring resources reach communities both large and small throughout Alberta. This donation will help provide essential food support, including high demand items like fruits and vegetables and baby formula to individuals and families facing hunger, while strengthening local food banks’ ability to meet growing demand.

Eligible customers in Alberta will have access to DraftKings’ comprehensive suite of sports betting and online casino offerings. From same-game parlays, live in-game wagering, and special odds boosts on DraftKings Sportsbook to thousands of casino games, including fan-favorite titles like “Wheel of Fortune – Triple Extreme Spin,” exclusive slot titles, as well as progressive jackpots across Golden Nugget Online Gaming and DraftKings Casino, DraftKings delivers one of the industry’s most robust and engaging entertainment experiences.

DraftKings leads the industry in responsible engagement by promoting customer awareness and use of budget and control tools and resources like deposit limits, cool off periods, and self-exclusion to help customers have a fun source of entertainment with a brand they can trust.

The post DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval

Published

5 days ago

July 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

high-5-games-expands-across-alberta’s-open-igaming-market-following-aglc-supplier-approval

High 5 Games, the creator of premium casino content for the land based, online and social gaming markets announced it has secured supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), extending its games beyond Play Alberta to all licensed operators in the province’s newly opened commercial iGaming market.

High 5 Games has entertained Alberta players since 2024 through Play Alberta, the province’s government operated gaming platform, where titles such as DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and more have become established player favourites. With Alberta’s commercial market now open, that same proven portfolio is available to all licensed operators entering the province.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market will be opening on July 13, 2026, making it the second Canadian province after Ontario to welcome private sector operators. Overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), the market launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, one of the most anticipated regulated market openings in North America this year.

The approval extends High 5 Games’ regulated North American footprint, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia. Alberta players will gain access to High 5’s catalogue of player favourite titles, including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and other titles through launch partnerships with operators.

“Alberta players already know and love our games through Play Alberta, that is a head start no newcomer to this market can claim. With the open market live, every operator in the province can now offer their players the award winning High 5 titles they have been playing for years, from day one.” says Tony Singer, CEO at High 5 Games.

High 5 Games’ content is certified across New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, British Columbia and the studio has developed more than 300 games over three decades of game making.

The post High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.