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In January 2026, the newly minted Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) released new Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming. It followed up by announcing that all operators entering the regulated market must obtain RG Check accreditation.
As expected, the new rules for Alberta’s iGaming platforms mirror the current developments in Ontario, which require RG Check accreditation at iGaming Ontario (iGO).
Commenting during the announcement on Feb. 20, 2026, Interim AiGC CEO Dan Keene said:
“Alberta is committed to building a safer, regulated iGaming environment where player protection comes first. By requiring RG Check accreditation, we’re ensuring that every iGaming operator in our market has demonstrated their commitment to player safety through independent verification of their responsible gambling programs.”
What We Know About RG Check
RG Check is a responsible gambling tool developed in 2010 by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). It’s a distinctly Canadian independent responsible gambling verification system.
Through its regularly updated evidence-based benchmarks, the program measures the scope and effectiveness of a gambling platform’s governance, player safeguards, marketing practices, and staff training. The program’s ability to offer clear and measurable accountability is why it’s widely considered the global gold standard for responsible gambling evaluation.
To get this vital accreditation, operators don’t just fill out a simple questionnaire. Rather, they open up their backend systems, internal staff training protocols, as well as corporate policies for heavy independent scrutiny. Among the critical criteria involved in the RG Check evaluation process are:
- Employee trust: Are the customer service staff well-trained? Can they notice the subtle signs of problem gambling? Are they actively encouraged to step in?
- User safety tools: Do the operator’s responsible gambling tools work effectively? Exclusion systems, cool-off periods, and personal limits are all subject to strict evaluation.
- Information and monitoring: Does the operator have resources and systems that alert them to irregular or harmful gambling behaviour?
- Appropriate ads: Is the operator using aggressive push notifications or targeting vulnerable groups in its marketing?
The RGC and AiGC partnership emphasizes the market’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling. This requirement will ensure licensed operators meet the highest possible standard of responsible gambling measures and support while operating in the Wild Rose Country.
RGC CEO Sarah McCarthy said,
“Alberta is building on a strong foundation established in Ontario, where RG Check has proven its value in creating safer gambling environments. This proactive approach ensures that player protection isn’t an afterthought; it’s built into the market from the ground up.”
Impact of Responsible Gambling Accreditation on Prospective Operators and Local Players
At present, Alberta’s iGaming market is preparing for a transition. The market is moving from being largely unregulated to an open, competitive market structure. RG Check accreditation prerequisite shows that regulators want a clear baseline for player protections before the market expands.
For operators, the requirement not only provides clarity on the RG evaluation process, but it also raises the bar. The idea here is that the accreditation is more than meeting a regulatory checkbox. Instead, it signals a site’s serious commitment to player well-being.
That means operators aiming to enter Alberta’s iGaming market must invest in staff training, responsible gambling tools, and internal monitoring. These investments are required to obtain and keep RG Check accreditation.
For local players, the implications are equally significant. Instead of navigating a fragmented gambling landscape with varying responsible gambling standards, Alberta residents get to enjoy a more consistent and accountable experience across licensed operators. Players gain greater confidence when every regulated platform is independently verified.
Besides, prospective operators already accredited in another jurisdiction will enjoy a more streamlined process when entering Alberta. Existing accreditations will be recognized, reducing costs.
On the question of timing, there’s no set timeframe for RG Check compliance. However, the AiGC and other industry stakeholders promise to discuss it at a consultation scheduled for early March.
“We’re going to be offering a fast pass to anybody that is already accredited in other jurisdictions,” Minister Dale Nally told Canadian Gaming Business. “I don’t know how long of a runway we’re going to give them to complete it, but we’re making it very clear that they need to have that accreditation.”
No Timeline for Launch, But Early 2026 Still Feasible
At no point during the announcement of the mandatory RG Check accreditation did any government official comment on a potential timeline for launch.
Previously, it appeared the Alberta iGaming market launch was on track for a Spring 2026 debut. That said, no one has addressed the estimation since Kevin Lee, Press Secretary for the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, indicated this late last year.
“We anticipate regulations could be finalized soon and look forward to sharing more details about Alberta iGaming Corporation in early 2026,”
Kevin Lee told the Canadian Gaming Summit in December last year.
That said, the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission) is currently accepting registration applications. In fact, operators like PointsBet Canada and BetRivers have already begun their customer acquisition process after starting registration with the AGLC. In other words, these two sites are currently accepting pre-registrations from Alberta residents. But they can’t accept deposits or bets until the market officially launches.
