Standards

Standards-Based Approach

The AGCO employs a Standards-Based approach to the regulation of gaming and recreational cannabis retailing. The objective of a Standards-Based regulatory model is to shift the focus from requiring licensees and registrants to comply with a specific set of rules or processes, towards the broader regulatory outcomes they are expected to achieve. This approach strengthens regulatory outcomes in a way that does not needlessly burden regulated entities.

The authority to establish risk-based standards to regulate Ontario’s gaming sector is under the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA) and Regulation 78/12. The authority to establish standards and requirements to regulate Ontario’s cannabis retail stores is the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 (CLA).

Registrar’s Standards for Gaming

The GCA provides the Registrar with the authority to establish Standards and Requirements. These Standards and Requirements are referred to as “the Registrar’s Standards for Gaming”, and are concerned with the conduct, management and operation of gaming sites, lottery schemes or businesses related to a gaming site or a lottery scheme or for related goods or services.

The Registrar’s Standards for Gaming were developed based on risk assessments and consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and industry and social responsibility groups. In order to keep the highest standards of integrity, periodic risk assessments will be conducted to ensure that the standards continue to be relevant.

• Information Bulletin No. 72 – Registrar’s Standards for Gaming (2013)
• Gaming Standards FAQs

Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores

The CLA provides the Registrar with authority to establish Standards and Requirements. These Standards and Requirements are referred to as “the Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores” and are concerned with the conduct, management and operation of cannabis retail stores.

The Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores were developed based on risk assessments and consultations with key stakeholders. In order to keep the highest standards of integrity, periodic risk assessments will be conducted to ensure that the standards continue to be relevant.

Implementation Status of Standards

The AGCO is taking a phased approach to the implementation of the Standards-Based approach. Currently, the Registrar’s Standards apply to OLG charitable gaming sites, the OLG’s internet gaming platform, the OLG lottery sector, and all Casinos.  Other Standards and Guidelines are in place for other lines of business.

The Standards applicable to each gaming sector are identified in the section below.

Applicable Standards by Line of Business

Casino

• Registrar’s Standards for Gaming
• Casino Electronic Gaming Devices and Gaming Systems Minimum Technical Standards
• Server-Assisted and Server-Based Gaming Minimum Technical Standards

OLG Charitable

• Registrar’s Standards for Gaming
• Electronic cGaming Systems and Minimum Technical Standards

Charitable

• Standards for Suppliers of Goods and Services Bingo
• Standards for Suppliers of Goods and Services Break Open Tickets
• Financial Management and Administration of Pooling Bingo Halls – Terms and Conditions
• Financial Management and Administration of Non-Pooling Bingo Halls – Terms and Conditions
• Pooling Bingo Halls: Advertising and Marketing Guidelines
• Electronic cGaming Systems and Minimum Technical Standards
• Electronic Raffle Systems Minimum Technical Standards

OLG Lotteries

• Registrar’s Standards for Gaming: Lottery Sector
• Electronic Lottery Systems Minimum Technical Standards

Internet Gaming

• Registrar’s Standards for Gaming

Cannabis

• Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores

Standards Interpretation Protocol

The AGCO has established the Standards Interpretation Protocol, which acts as a single point of contact for inquiries from the gaming industry related to the interpretation of the Standards. In order to promote transparency and better understanding, interpretations will be posted on the AGCO’s website, with the exception of certain instances when confidentiality must be maintained.

Inquiries may be emailed to: Standards.Coordinator@agco.ca