The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) acts in the public interest to govern, direct, control and regulate horse racing in all its forms in Ontario, the operation of racetracks and the licensing of racetracks and racing participants.

To fulfill its mandate in the horse racing sector, the AGCO performs a number of core regulatory functions, including:

  • Officiating live racing, ensuring compliance with the Rules of Racing
  • Issuing licences to individuals and businesses involved in the horse racing industry
  • Conducting investigations into serious racing violations, including fraud and hidden ownerships, due diligence investigations and investigations of horse abuse, race fixing or other racing and rule infractions
  • Regulating racetracks, which includes licensing and reviewing racetrack business plans, backstretch improvement plans, fire safety plans and health and safety improvements
  • Supporting compliance and administration of the human drug testing and breathalyzer program, searches for prohibited items (drugs/syringes), and enforcement of racetrack security standards

This portal is intended for horsepersons involved in Thoroughbred racing.


Effective March 2, 2020 all transactions with the AGCO must be completed online through iAGCO. Paper applications are no longer accepted for horse racing-related licenses and registrations. For more information, visit the iAGCO Guide for Horse Racing. Please make sure the AGCO always has your current mailing address.

Use the resources below to help you apply for a licence or to better understand your obligations under the regulatory framework for Ontario horse racing.

Line of Business: 
Horse Racing
Sector: 
Thoroughbred
Audience: 
Horsepeople

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