Alberta’s regulated iGaming market is officially taking shape, and if you’re an operator or supplier eyeing a launch, the window to get moving is already open. The province is building an “Ontario-style” framework, and the guidance released by the regulator yesterday includes details on their dual-track onboarding process, revenue-share model, and early signs that the rules for land-based casinos may be evolving in parallel. This article walks through what we know so far about how entry into Alberta will actually work in practice, starting with which government entities you need to talk to, what the application steps look like, and the key details that could affect your timeline and strategy.
A Dual Process
Similar to the Ontario market, iGaming sites that want to operate in Alberta must register with Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (“AGLC”) as well as enter into an operating agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (“AiGC”).
AGLC is responsible for regulatory oversight of the province’s iGaming industry, and the application process is detailed further below. Once the registration process is completed, the operator will work with AiGC to enter into a commercial agreement. In addition to maintaining these commercial agreements, AiGC is responsible for enforcing anti-money laundering (“AML”) standards, assessing public complaints, and financial reporting.
AGLC Application: A “Three-Pronged Approach”
AGLC has broken the application process for operators and suppliers down into three steps: i) Due Diligence, ii) Compliance, and iii) Integration with AGLC’s Centralized Self-Exclusion Program.
Due Diligence
The first step is for potential operators and goods or services suppliers to contact AGLC’s Due Diligence department to find out more about eligibility and the application process. Depending on which class of registration (either an iGaming operator or a Goods or Services Supplier) is necessary for your business, AGLC staff will provide you with information on the relevant fee schedule and the necessary supporting documents.
Compliance
Following the call with Due Diligence, the applicant is to reach out to AGLC’s iGaming Compliance team and complete the compliance application package. The staff will provide guidance on the Go-Live Compliance Guide, which outlines the necessary compliance requirements, and the AGLC Notification Matrix, which outlines the information that registered businesses must provide to AGLC, including frequency and format.
Integration with AGLC’s Centralized Self-Exclusion Program
The final step in the AGLC application process requires operators to integrate with AGLC’s Centralized Self-Exclusion Program. The Centralized Self-Exclusion Program is a fully digital responsible gambling feature available to land-based and legally operated iGaming platforms in Alberta. Integration with the Centralized Self-Exclusion Program is required for an iGaming platform to be compliant with Alberta legislation.
Fee Structure Breakdown
AGLC has chosen to go with a one-time Application Fee that covers all due diligence costs for applicants. Additionally, registered iGaming businesses must pay an annual registration fee. AGLC has laid out all this information in a handy table (linked above), which we’ve recreated here for your convenience:
But Wait! There’s More
There are a few more key pieces of information that operators and suppliers eager to get started in Alberta should be aware of.
First, sources are claiming that the Alberta government will be using a “risk-based” approach to due diligence, similar to Ontario. AGLC has indicated that if you are already registered to operate your iGaming business in Ontario, or you’re an approved land-based operator in Alberta, you will have access to a “fast-tracked” application process. Details on what this alternative process could look like are not yet available to the public.
Second, the revenue share structure differs from Ontario. Alberta has confirmed an 80/20 net gaming revenue split (80% to operators). However, note that an additional 3% will be deducted from your gross gaming revenue before the split is applied. This 3% will be broken down, with 2% going to First Nations and 1% towards social responsibility initiatives.
You Got Your Sportsbook In My Casino!
Also of interest, it seems that as part of the initiative to launch the regulated gaming market, AGLC may also be paving the way for the introduction of sportsbook operations at licensed casino facilities. A Casino Bulletin released yesterday states that sections of the Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines have been amended to establish new guidelines around the operation of sportsbooks at such facilities, including permitted hours of operation, security standards, AML requirements, and more.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for any official announcements regarding the inclusion of sportsbooks at land-based casinos in Alberta, so make sure you’re following GME Law on LinkedIn for future updates!
What Next?
If you’re looking at expanding your iGaming business to Alberta, now’s the time to get started. The registration process is proceeding on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so the sooner you get your application in, the sooner you’ll have access to this brand new market.
If you have questions about the application process, need input on transitioning into the regulated framework, or want to learn more about the differences between the Ontario and Alberta markets, reach out to the GME Law team!
