Alberta has moved to strengthen player protection in its upcoming regulated online gambling market. The Alberta iGaming Corporation has partnered with the Responsible Gambling Council to make RG Check accreditation mandatory for all online gaming operators entering the province. The requirement will apply to every operator seeking to offer services in Alberta’s new regulated iGaming framework.
RG check becomes mandatory standard
The Responsible Gambling Council developed RG Check more than a decade ago as an independent responsible gambling accreditation programme. The programme evaluates online gaming sites against evidence-based standards across key areas. These include corporate governance, player safeguards, staff training and marketing practices.
Under the new arrangement, operators must secure and maintain RG Check accreditation in good standing while operating in Alberta. The Responsible Gambling Council will conduct assessments and monitor compliance. Operators that already hold RG Check accreditation in another jurisdiction will benefit from a streamlined transition process when entering Alberta.
Dan Keene, interim chief executive of the Alberta iGaming Corporation, said the province aims to build a safer regulated iGaming environment with player protection as a priority. He stated that mandatory RG Check accreditation ensures every operator demonstrates its commitment to responsible gambling through independent verification.
Sarah McCarthy, chief executive of the Responsible Gambling Council, said the partnership reflects cooperation between regulators and responsible gambling specialists to protect players from the outset. She noted that Alberta is building on the foundation established in Ontario, where RG Check accreditation is already in place within the regulated market.
As regulated markets continue to expand across Canada, many players also look to compare options in other jurisdictions to understand how standards differ, including reviewing guides to best CA online casinos to see how responsible gambling measures are implemented elsewhere.
Alberta opens iGaming registrations
The announcement comes as Alberta advances preparations for its regulated online gambling market. In January, the province opened iGaming registrations for operators and service providers interested in entering the market.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission published its Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming, setting out the regulatory framework that operators must follow. The framework outlines compliance obligations, operational standards and responsible gambling measures.
The Commission began accepting registration applications after amendments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation received approval. These changes paved the way for a formal regulatory structure for online gambling in the province.
Two step market entry process
Market entry in Alberta involves a two-step process. First, operators must register with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission for regulatory oversight. Once registration is complete, operators must engage with the Alberta iGaming Corporation to finalise commercial agreements.
Operators must also integrate with the province’s centralised self-exclusion programme. This requirement ensures that individuals who choose to exclude themselves from gambling activities can do so across all regulated platforms in Alberta.
By combining regulatory registration, commercial agreements and mandatory RG Check accreditation, Alberta has established a structured pathway for online gaming operators seeking to enter the market.
The partnership between the Alberta iGaming Corporation and the Responsible Gambling Council places responsible gambling standards at the centre of Alberta’s regulated iGaming framework. As the province moves closer to full market operations, operators must align with these requirements to secure and maintain approval to operate within Alberta.
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