On March 3, 2021, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance announced they were seeking feedback to inform the establishment of a competitive internet gaming market in Ontario. This framework was built to bring internet gaming operators into Ontario’s market while enhancing consumer protections.
Visit the government’s website to read the discussion paper (input period closed April 16, 2021).
The AGCO opened an internet gaming engagement portal for Operators and Suppliers on March 30, 2021. This portal was used to complete engagements on key components of the internet gaming model including:
- Sport and events betting standards (input period closed August 18, 2021)
- Compliance approach and expectations (input period closed July 6, 2021)
- Read the Go-Live Compliance Guide
- Eligibility requirements and processes for organizations, individuals and technology (input period closed June 14, 2021)
- Draft Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming (input period closed April 30, 2021)
- See the Registration’s Standards for Internet Gaming section below
The AGCO thanks all participants who registered, read materials and submitted input during all engagements. Feedback provided through these engagements was utilized to inform the internet gaming regulatory framework, and by iGaming Ontario in its operations.
The AGCO remains committed to engaging with stakeholders as Ontario’s new framework for internet gaming is established. Register to review previous engagement materials or to be notified of future opportunities to participate.
Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming
The AGCO has established the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming to help provide regulatory oversight of internet gaming in Ontario. These Standards took effect when the new internet gaming market launched on April 4, 2022.
The Standards provide outcomes that Internet Gaming Operators and Gaming-Related Suppliers must meet to address key areas of regulatory risk. Areas addressed include the prevention of underage access, game integrity, privacy and information security, anti-money laundering and responsible gambling.
The Standards also cover sport and event betting. This helps to minimize the potential risk of betting markets being compromised through activities such as insider betting or game manipulation.
Once in effect, the Standards will apply to all registered internet gaming operators and suppliers, the OLG’s internet gaming site, and to iGaming Ontario and its activities.
Roles of iGaming Ontario and the OLG in Internet Gaming
iGaming Ontario
On July 6, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced the establishment of iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the AGCO, as a separate and distinct legal entity to conduct and manage internet gaming in the province when provided through private gaming companies (Operators) in accordance with Canada’s Criminal Code.
iGaming Ontario develops and executes operating agreements with private internet gaming operators, as well as the required policies, programs and procedures that balance key government objectives such as consumer protection and reduction of red tape.
Visit iGaming Ontario’s website to learn more about iGaming Ontario and its role in supporting the province’s plans to create a new internet gaming market in Ontario.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation conducts and manages OLG.ca as an Ontario government agency. Before Ontario’s igaming market launched on April 4, 2022, OLG was the only internet gaming site regulated by the AGCO.
Following the launch of Ontario’s new internet gaming market, other internet gaming operators and Gaming-Related Suppliers registered by the AGCO (and under the conduct and management of iGaming Ontario) are also able to offer their games and services to Ontarians.
The OLG will continue to offer internet gaming across OLG.ca in the new internet gaming market. In alignment with all regulated internet gaming providers, the OLG will also be responsible for making sure their internet gaming offerings comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.