Introduction

iGaming Ontario has announced that Ontario’s open and competitive regulated internet gaming market will open on February 28, 2022.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been working to build a regulatory framework for an open and regulated internet gaming market in Ontario that protects Ontario players and is competitive and sustainable for businesses.

The AGCO began accepting applications for registration from internet gaming Operators and Gaming Related Suppliers on September 13, 2021, and although we have received a number of applications for registration, we know that there are many more who are still considering participating in Ontario’s open and regulated igaming market.

Between now and February 28, the AGCO will work with Operators and Gaming-Related Suppliers who want to be part of the launch to move through the AGCO registration process and pre-launch compliance requirements as efficiently as possible. In recognition of the short window before market launch, the AGCO is introducing policies to further facilitate regulated market entry for low risk entities and avoid “blackouts”, which is to say periods of time during which current grey market operators must cease operations in Ontario, to the extent possible.

Given the timeline, it is critical that Operators and Gaming-Related Suppliers submit their applications for registration to the AGCO as quickly as possible. We urge entities to do so no later than January 15, 2022 in order for a reasonable prospect of being approved by February 28. This is not a formal deadline. For applications received after this date, we will do our best to process them in time for February 28, although it will be increasingly difficult as February 28 gets closer. Also, submitting an application by January 15 does not guarantee approval in time for launch. We will review each application for risk, and where heightened risk is identified, further requirements may be needed that prevent completion of the registration process or pre-launch compliance requirements by February 28.

In addition to AGCO registration and pre-launch compliance requirements, Operators must also enter into an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario prior to participating in the regulated market. Operators are urged to take the necessary steps with iGaming Ontario without delay, even while registration and pre-launch compliance requirements are being assessed. If Operators have not already done so, please visit www.connectAGCO.ca to register and submit a non-disclosure agreement with iGaming Ontario as soon as possible.

The following are additional policies, effective as of today. Existing AGCO documents for applicants– the Internet Gaming Operator Application Guide and the Internet Gamin Go-Live Compliance Guide in particular – have been updated accordingly.

Please note: these transition policies will apply on a case-by-case basis, based on our assessment of risk.