The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission has laid out its full responsible gaming measures as Wild Rose Country prepares to launch its regulated iGaming market Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Alberta finalized its responsible gaming rules, including a centralized self-exclusion program.
- Licensed operators must promote the self-exclusion system, provide easy access, and refund eligible futures wagers when players self-exclude.
- Alberta is also requiring all operators to obtain RG Check accreditation to ensure standards are met.
Among the guardrails placed by the provincial agency are provisions against minors gambling, self-exclusion policies, and responsible gambling tools as outlined in their Standards and Requirements document.
The guidelines, which were first introduced in January, build upon prior best practices already in place in other regions, including Ontario, which first legalized online sports betting in 2022.
Perhaps most notably, those will include a Day 1 self-exclusion system, which Ontario introduced in May this year, four years after legalization.
Alberta’s self-exclusion site includes explainers, resources, and FAQs to help Albertans as the new gaming market comes into effect.
All registered operators will be required to promote the program, and allow players to easily access it through their iGaming site. Operators must void and refund eligible unsettled futures wagers if a player self-excludes before those bets are settled.
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Expanding player protection measures
The latest responsible gaming measures introduced for Alberta sports betting reflect Alberta's effort to incorporate responsible gaming measures used in other regulated markets.
In February, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) announced a partnership with the Responsible Gaming Council (RGC) requiring all operators entering the market to earn RG Check certification, an independent responsible gambling accreditation.
"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," said Dan Keene, AiGC CEO.
The RG Check will evaluate sites against “rigorous, evidence-based standards, covering governance, player safeguards, staff training, and marketing practices” and will involve the RGC conducting regular assessments to ensure operators maintain their accreditation and thus remain eligible to operate in the province.
