Alberta iGaming Makes RG Check Accreditation Key to Player Safety

The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) has announced that all operators entering the province’s regulated online gambling market will be required to achieve RG Check accreditation. The move underscores Alberta’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more accountable iGaming environment for players.

RG Check, developed by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), is an internationally recognized independent accreditation program. It evaluates operators against strict standards covering governance, staff training, marketing practices, and player safeguards. The program has been widely adopted in Canada and beyond, providing measurable assurance that responsible gambling policies are actively enforced.

“Alberta is committed to building a safer, regulated iGaming environment where player protection comes first,” said Dan Keene, Interim CEO of AiGC.“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.”

Sarah McCarthy, CEO of RGC, added: “This partnership with AiGC demonstrates the power of regulators and responsible gambling experts working together to protect players from day one. 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.”

Preparing For a Summer Launch

Alberta’s regulated iGaming market has faced multiple delays. Originally targeted for early 2025, the launch was pushed back as officials worked to refine regulations and operational structures. Interim CEO Dan Keene and Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, have suggested a start-of-summer timeline for operators to go live, potentially in late June or early July 2026.

While a precise date has not been announced, temporary regulatory requirements are set to expire in early July, offering a strong indication that the market could be operational soon. The rollout is designed to align with the quieter summer sports season, building momentum ahead of the NFL and NHL seasons.

Operational Steps and Compliance

Operators already accredited under RG Check in other jurisdictions will have a streamlined path to Alberta compliance, though a separate Alberta accreditation will still be required. AiGC will oversee operating agreements similar to Ontario’s model, under which licensed operators act as agents managing iGaming within the province.

Keene noted that several key appointments remain open, including Chief Compliance and Operations Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of AML. Additional priorities include securing headquarters, building the AiGC brand and website, coordinating with stakeholders, and refining policies for ongoing compliance.

The introduction of RG Check accreditation as a mandatory standard reinforces Alberta’s dedication to player protection. Operators are expected to benefit from clear, evidence-based guidelines while fostering a level playing field that encourages responsible gambling.

“One of the biggest things I’ve heard from operators, and it’s so true, is that we need to do it right and with integrity,” Keene said. “We certainly won’t shirk any of our responsibilities.”

Source:

“Alberta iGaming Corporation Makes RG Check Accreditation Central to Player Protection Framework”, newswire.ca, February 20, 2026