The AGCO is an arm’s length regulatory agency of the provincial government, reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). It was established on February 23, 1998, under the Alcohol, Cannabis and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996. The AGCO continues as a corporation under a new corporate governance statute, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019.
The AGCO is responsible for the administration of:
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019
- Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019
- Gaming Control Act, 1992
- Charity Lottery Licensing Order-in-Council 208/2024 (as amended)
- Cannabis Licence Act, 2018
- Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015
Over the last decade the AGCO’s mandate has evolved to support the growth of the alcohol, and lottery and gaming sectors, in addition to assuming responsibility for Ontario’s horse racing sector, and the new legal recreational cannabis retail sector.
iGaming Ontario is a subsidiary of the AGCO. Ontario Regulation 517/21 under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019, sets out that relationship and also provides for appointments to the iGaming Ontario Board. There is the ability to cross-appoint AGCO Board members to the iGaming Ontario Board of Directors with certain limitations which are set out in regulation. The AGCO remains an independent agency responsible for the regulation of gaming activities in the province, including igaming, to ensure it is conducted with honesty, integrity, and in the public interest. The Registrar’s role is independent of iGaming Ontario’s role in the conduct and management of igaming.
In addition to statutory and structural measures to mitigate real and perceived conflicts of interest, the AGCO Board has approved a Conflict of Interest (COI) policy for all AGCO employees, the Registrar and CEO, and AGCO Board Members. iGaming Ontario is also required by regulation to develop and maintain a separate COI policy for its directors, officers and employees.
The AGCO’s Strategic Plan articulates the vision, goals, and key commitments the agency has made to fulfill its regulatory mandate and to support the achievement of the priorities outlined by the Ontario Government, in particular MAG.
The AGCO is committed to fulfilling its mandate as set out in its 2022-23 mandate letter from the Attorney General. The AGCO has developed this Business Plan to align with the expectations in its mandate letter and the AGCO Board of Directors priorities.