• The Ontario provincial legislature passed the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, giving the AGCO the authority to license, regulate and enforce the sale of recreational cannabis through privately run stores in Ontario. For an update on this new AGCO role, see: Licensing and Regulation of Recreational Cannabis.
  • The AGCO worked with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to implement the overall gaming modernization strategy, including transitioning new Casino Operators, and supporting key components of the OLG Player Platform and Lottery Modernization Strategy.
  • The AGCO amended policy in support of liquor modernization, including the harmonization of Sunday hours for liquor retailers to sell beverage alcohol from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Ongoing strategic and operational advice was provided to government on proposed reforms to the liquor regulatory framework.
  • As part of the “Moving Ahead: Horse Racing Regulation in Ontario” project, and following consultation with Ontario’s horse racing industry, the AGCO implemented changes to the Equine Drug Program process and changes to the Rules of Racing, including the introduction of a Temperature Standard for Racetracks. The updated rulebooks were published in fall 2018. A Concussion Management standards-based rule is being piloted during the 2019 racing season.
  • The AGCO broadened the Electronic Raffle Regulatory Framework as part of the launch of Phase 2 in November 2018, to reduce the administrative burden on Ontario charities and religious organizations and provide them with greater flexibility when conducting and managing raffles.