The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) plays a key role in regulating online gambling in Alberta. But what does an AGLC registration actually involve, and what does an operator have to do before it can offer online casino games in the province? In this article, we explain how the registration process works and what AGLC regulation means for both casino operators and Alberta players.
Updated for 2026: We regularly review this page to keep the information on AGLC registration and Alberta's iGaming rules up to date.
Key Takeaways
- AGLC regulates online gambling in Alberta
- Operators must register with AGLC before operating legally
- Several requirements must be met, such as due diligence and compliance checks
- Operators also need an AiGC commercial agreement
- AGLC registration provides player protections
- Players can check AGLC registration online
AGLC Shortly Explained
AGLC stands for Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis. It is the official organization in the Alberta province, which is responsible for regulating gaming, liquor and cannabis.
When it comes to online gambling, AGLC oversees the iGaming industry and makes sure registered operators follow Alberta's rules. This includes rules around player protection, responsible gambling, identity checks, fair games and secure payments.
💡 In simple terms, AGLC is the regulator that checks whether an online gambling operator meets Alberta's requirements before it can legally operate in the province.
How To Get an AGLC Licence?
The process to get registered with AGLC has several steps. The operator needs to pass checks, meet the compliance requirements and make sure their used technology is ready to operate in Alberta.
The main steps of the process are:
- Registration starts - Operator provides required information and supporting documents to AGLC.
- Complete due diligence - This is a compulsory step, where AGLC runs a background check for the operator and the business running the site.
- Compliance requirements - The operator works with AGLC's iGaming Compliance team to meet the requirements for going live. This can include responsible gambling, player protection, security, reporting and other regulatory requirements.
- Approved suppliers - The casino must work with suppliers (games, software developers, etc.) registered with AGLC.
- Self-Exclusion Program - The operator must integrate AGLC's centralized Self-Exclusion Program into its platform. This allows players to exclude themselves from registered iGaming platforms, land-based casinos, racing entertainment centres, or all three.
- Commercial agreement - Lastly, the operator works with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) to finalize an agreement covering areas such as financial reporting and anti-money laundering requirements.
Once all these steps are completed, the operator can now move towards launching their site in Alberta. They must continue to meet the province's requirements, or their licence can be revoked.
Pros and Cons of AGLC Registration for Online Casino Operators
Registered operators can legally operate in Alberta, but the licensing process is not a simple journey. They must first meet several requirements and also keep up with them after registration.
We have gathered the pros and cons of the AGLC registration below:
Pros:
Registration allows an operator to legally operate an iGaming platform in Alberta
Being registered with AGLC shows that the operator has gone through the province's regulatory process
Operators must fulfill requirements in areas such as responsible gambling, technology, security and reporting
Operators are able to access the growing iGaming market in Alberta
Cons:
Operators deal with AGLC for registration and then AiGC for the commercial agreement, so entering the market involves more than one organization
Operators need to invest in meeting regulatory, technical and responsible gambling requirements
Operators must continue following AGLC rules after registration
What AGLC Regulation Means for Alberta Players
For players, AGLC registration means that an Alberta online casino has to follow specific rules before and after it starts operating. We know how important it is for players to know who runs a casino and whether they can trust it. A proper licence gives players important protections and means the casino is subject to regular checks.
What AGLC oversight means for players:
- Regulatory oversight - Registered casinos must follow AGLC rules on player protection, responsible gambling, security, and technical standards.
- Easy registration check - Players can check whether an online casino is registered with AGLC before signing up or depositing.
- Responsible gambling protections - Registered operators must follow Alberta's responsible gambling requirements and connect to AGLC's centralized Self-Exclusion Program.
- A complaints route - If you have a problem with a casino, you should first use the operator's own complaints process. If you believe the operator has broken AGLC rules, you can also raise the matter with AGLC.
What AGLC Registration Doesn't Mean
An AGLC registration doesn't guarantee you'll like the casino or that it will offer the best experience. It simply means the operator has met Alberta's regulatory requirements.
AGLC also cannot necessarily settle an individual dispute between a player and a casino or order the operator to return money. You can read more about what AGLC can and cannot do on the AGLC official dispute and complaints page.
How To Check the AGLC Certification
If you want to check whether an online casino or supplier is registered with AGLC, you can use the regulator's online certification check. Here's what to do step by step:
- Go to the AGLC Gaming Registrants page.
- Enter the company name - Search for the online casino, operator or supplier you want to check.
- See the result - Review the information shown to confirm whether the company has the relevant AGLC registration or certification.
- Check before you play - In case you are unsure, double-check with AGLC before creating an account or depositing money.
