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Closer look at Alberta iGaming compliance: from grey market to licensed & regulated
With Alberta's regulated iGaming market going live on July 13, regulators are working to transition grey market operators into a compliant, licensed framework.
The Alberta iGaming market is set to launch on July 13, 2026. Until this date, provincial regulators are busy reviewing prospective operators and issuing licences. One of the most challenging aspects of these efforts has been transitioning grey market operators to regulation. Let's take a closer look at the process of bringing these operators into compliance.
How unregulated sites become regulated
Since its launch in 2020, PlayAlberta has been the only legal and regulated gambling site in the province. All other operators offering online casino real money play to Albertans have been classified as grey or unregulated.
Much like Ontario, Alberta won't exclude these gambling sites from participating in the province's iGaming market. But it does require that they come under compliance.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) is tasked with ensuring that unregulated operators comply with all conditions before granting them a licence. Its first requirement is that a potential licence holder stop grey market activity.