© PEXELS / YAN KRUKAU
It’s the era of online gaming, and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) is making sure that our communities win every time.
On July 13, Alberta will take a major step toward modernizing online gaming with the launch of a competitive, regulated iGaming market designed to put player protection and community benefit at the forefront. The face of gaming is changing, and as the rules change, AiGC wants to keep Albertans in the know.
Operating at arm’s length from government, the AiGC has been created to conduct and manage Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, working alongside Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to make sure that Albertans who choose to play online can do so safely and responsibly.
“Responsible gambling is a core priority for us, with player protection, transparency and safer play at the forefront of the new market,” said Dan Keene, Chief Executive Officer of the AiGC.
WHY REGULATION MATTERS
Albertans love online gaming, but an estimated 70 per cent of online gaming activity in the province currently takes place on unregulated websites operating outside Alberta’s oversight. While these sites may appear legitimate, they are not subject to Alberta’s regulatory requirements or consumer protection standards—which means they don’t have Albertans’ best interests in mind.
The launch of Alberta’s regulated market is designed to change that by creating a trusted framework in which approved operators must meet strict requirements for security, financial integrity, privacy protection, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling.
Choosing a regulated operator is one of the easiest ways for players to know they are accessing a platform that has been vetted and approved to operate within Alberta’s regulated market. Albertans will be able to identify approved operators through official AiGC branding displayed on participating websites and advertising materials.
“Today, you have to take the word of operators that their games are fair,” Keene continued. “Under the requirements of AGLC and the AiGC, operators—both for digital and live dealer-operated games—must submit to rigorous auditing and compliance testing by an accredited testing facility to demonstrate that they offer consistent rules and fairness for all players.”
For players, that means greater confidence that games are fair, personal information is protected, and disputes can be resolved through transparent processes. In short, regulation helps ensure players know exactly who they’re dealing with and that someone is watching.
PUTTING PLAYERS FIRST
Online gaming is designed to be fun, but it should also be accountable. All regulated operators will be required to provide tools and resources that help players stay in control, including options to set limits, access educational materials, and use self-exclusion programs when needed. Responsible gambling and mental health tools will be available on the AiGC’s website, and registered operators must also offer these on their websites and in their marketing.
The goal isn’t to encourage more gambling. Instead, it’s to create a safer environment for Albertans who already choose to participate. Under this program, illegal iGaming market operators are urged to become registered.
“We’re not trying to grow the market,” explained Keene. “We’re focused on giving Albertans access to a regulated alternative that offers stronger protections and greater transparency.”
There are more benefits where that came from: namely, that a portion of the revenue earned by registered operators will flow into the province’s general revenue fund. When Albertans use unregulated sites, much of the revenue generated leaves the province.
Under the new framework, a portion of the revenues earned through regulated operators will remain in Alberta, supporting programs, services, and initiatives that benefit communities across the province, like filling potholes, building hospitals, and supporting services that Albertans rely on. AiGC’s mandate also includes ensuring that regulated online gaming contributes to community services, social responsibility programs, and First Nations initiatives.
Whether it’s placing a sports bet before the big game or trying their luck at an online casino, thousands of Albertans already participate in online gaming every day. When games are fair and safe, it’s a win-win for players and their communities.
Learn more at abigaming.ca
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The Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) is a Crown corporation operating at arm’s length from the provincial government. We are mandated to conduct and manage Alberta’s competitive, regulated online gaming market. By partnering with trusted operators, we ensure a safe, regulated, and entertaining digital experience for all players.