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Alberta’s regulated iGaming launch is drawing near, meaning players around the province have a handful of crucial boxes to check before July 13 arrives.
Satisfying the list, which includes reviewing existing accounts and balances, comparing and pre-registering with regulated operators, preparing for identity and payment verification, and setting personal limits ahead of play, requires very little effort.
Instead of waiting for the legal Alberta online casinos and Alberta sportsbooks to go live, save the headache and take a moment to complete these four simple tasks in advance of the big day.
1. Take Stock of Current Accounts, Balances, and Active Bets
This section applies to any and all Albertans who have existing online betting accounts with operators beyond the government-run PlayAlberta.
Even if the account is with an operator transitioning into the legal ecosystem, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis’ (AGLC) March 17 iGaming Guiding Document mandates that all unregulated operators settle any preexisting wagers before entering the regulated space.
In response, players should take inventory of all open non-PlayAlberta accounts, settle outstanding bets when possible, withdraw unused balances, and pay attention to emails regarding account migrations, loyalty programs, or changes to terms and conditions.
Currently, no operator has unveiled a detailed migration plan. However, such information should arrive closer to launch.
2. Compare Operators Early and Pre-Register Where Appropriate
The most recent AGLC registration report, released June 19, shows 46 approved iGaming operators. Even as the number fluctuates ahead of launch, players will have no shortage of options come July 13.
The key, however, is comparing these sites through a critical lens to find which one(s) best suit your individual iGaming preferences.
Whether through previous grey-market experience or Gaming Today’s comprehensive reviews of Canadian online casino brands, resources are already in place to begin exploring.
Many leading operators, including Caesars, BetRivers, PointsBet, and theScore Bet, are also open for pre-registration in Alberta. By pre-registering, players have the opportunity to get a head start on the account creation and approval process.
Those following this route would be especially wise to review account verification requirements and potential payment restrictions first.
3. Get Familiar with Identity Checks, Payment Methods, and Geolocation
In a regulated system, operators are required to implement more stringent age and identity verification measures.
The process, typically known as Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, mandates that anyone signing up for an online gambling account must be of legal age, physically located within the specified region when wagering (geolocation requirements), and be exactly who they proclaim to be.
To do so, players may be asked to provide a driver’s license or passport, along with a selfie, in addition to basic information like their full name, date of birth, address, email, etc.
In Alberta, players will likely need to reverify any existing accounts, as operators transition from the grey to regulated market. This process helps ensure operator compliance and improved protections for consumers.
The menu of available payment methods is also set to shrink. Most operators will accept the basics, namely Interac, debit/credit cards, and PayPal, but not cryptocurrencies or certain e-wallets.
4. Set a Budget and Understand the Responsible Gambling Tools Available
Having a robust and effective responsible gambling strategy in place before launch has been a clear priority for Alberta.
Driven by AGLC, the province has made multiple revisions and additions to its responsible play policies as part of a coordinated effort to deliver effective and accessible educational and treatment-based resources.
These tools, which include deposit limits, time limits, activity trackers, and an omni-channel self-exclusion program, will be available through every regulated Alberta iGaming app and website.
Players should familiarize themselves with these features before creating online iGaming accounts, as they play a crucial part in establishing boundaries and healthier gambling habits from the outset.
