Alberta makes RG Check accreditation mandatory for iGaming market

The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) has partnered with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to make RG Check accreditation a mandatory requirement for all iGaming operators entering Alberta’s regulated market, which is targeting a 2026 launch.

The collaboration was announced Friday. It sets Alberta apart as one of the few regulated markets to embed independent responsible gambling certification as a hard licensing condition rather than a voluntary standard.

What RG Check Requires

RG Check is an evidence-based accreditation program developed by the RGC that evaluates operators against standards covering governance, player safeguards, staff training, and marketing practices. It applies to both land-based and iGaming sites. FanDuel, DraftKings, theScore Bet, BetMGM, and BetRivers are among the iGaming operators currently holding accreditation.

Under the Alberta framework, operators must maintain their accreditation in good standing throughout their time in market. The RGC will conduct assessments based on internationally recognised responsible gambling standards, and the AiGC will oversee ongoing compliance and continuous improvement obligations.

Operators with Existing Accreditation Get Streamlined Path

The partnership includes a practical concession for operators already accredited in other jurisdictions, including Ontario. A distinct Alberta accreditation will still be required, but existing certifications will be recognised to reduce duplication and lower onboarding costs. The AiGC has framed this as an efficient route to market for operators already meeting the standard elsewhere.

Dan Keene, interim AiGC CEO, said the mandatory requirement is designed to ensure player protection is independently verified before operators go live.

“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.” — Dan Keene, interim CEO, Alberta iGaming Corporation

Building on Ontario’s Model

Alberta’s approach draws directly on Ontario, where RG Check has been part of the regulated framework since the province opened its market in 2022. RGC CEO Sarah McCarthy pointed to Ontario as proof the model works in practice.

“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.” — Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council

Besides iGaming casino products, sports betting and online poker platforms will operate within the province under the same framework.

Alberta’s iGaming registration process opened in January 2026, with the market launch still on track for later this year. The mandatory accreditation condition adds a compliance layer that operators will need to plan for well ahead of go-live, particularly those entering the Canadian market for the first time without existing RG Check status.

The Ontario iGaming market, which Alberta is modelling, reported C$4bn in revenue for 2025, representing 34% year-on-year growth — a figure that will sharpen operator interest in Alberta as the next Canadian regulated opportunity.

Source: Alberta iGaming Corporation