About
A.G.C.O.Ontario provincial regulatory agency established in February 1998. Regulator of Ontario's regulated igaming market.
iGaming OntarioOntario provincial agency established in July 2021 as a lottery subsidiary corporation of the AGCO. iGaming Ontario is responsible for conducting and managing igaming when provided through private operators.
Governed By
A.G.C.O.Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Board of Directors, reporting to the Attorney General of Ontario.
iGaming OntarioiGaming Ontario Board of Directors, overseen by the AGCO Board of Directors and reporting to the Attorney General of Ontario.
Mandate
A.G.C.O.To regulate the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and private cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
iGaming OntarioTo conduct and manage igaming in Ontario provided through regulated private igaming operators.
*iGaming Ontario does not conduct or manage online gaming at OLG.ca, which is offered by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
Role in Ontario's Regulated iGaming Market
A.G.C.O.
- Administer the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA) and Regulation 78/12.
- Establish and uphold standards and requirements (the Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming) applicable to OLG with respect to its internet gaming site, to iGaming Ontario with respect to its activities, and to all registered igaming operators and suppliers.
iGaming Ontario
- Conduct and manage internet gaming offerings through private gaming operators in Ontario, in accordance with the Criminal Code (Canada), the GCA, and the Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming.
- Develop, execute and oversee Operating Agreements with private igaming operators, as well as the required policies, programs and procedures that balance key government objectives such as consumer protection, reduction of red tape and revenue generation.
Key Activities
A.G.C.O.
- Develop regulatory standards (Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming).
- Determine eligibility and register igaming operators and gaming-related suppliers to ensure the integrity of sector participants.
- Register independent testing labs (ITLs) that test and certify that igaming technology meets the required Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming.
- Monitor igaming operators, suppliers and digital game offerings for compliance with regulatory obligations, including the Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming.
- Where compliance concerns are identified, bring operators and suppliers back into compliance through the use of progressive sanctions, including warnings, suspensions, monetary penalties, and in the most serious of cases, revocations.
- Work with igaming operators and suppliers to increase their understanding of regulatory obligations and to improve overall compliance.
- Address regulatory complaints and inquiries, including those related to game integrity and fairness, misuse of private information, responsible gambling violations, and money laundering.
iGaming Ontario
- Execute Operating Agreements with private igaming operators, once they have been registered by the AGCO, and oversee contract obligations for provision of their services in Ontario's regulated igaming scheme.
- Implement and oversee reconciliation of igaming revenues on behalf of the province.
- Provide market insights and facilitate operator integration into the regulated market.
- Implement responsible gambling requirements for operators.
- Develop and oversee iGaming Ontario's anti-money laundering program and policies.
- Establish a dispute resolution process to respond to customer concerns.
Primary Focus
A.G.C.O.
Regulatory outcomes that protect the public
- Responsible Gambling — Ensuring Responsible Gambling is embedded in Operators' culture and players have the tools and supports to gamble responsibly, including the option for self-exclusion
- Game Integrity — Ensuring games operate as designed and are fair to players
- Preventing infiltration of crime (including money laundering) — Ensuring criminal elements and activities are deterred and detected
- Preventing access to minors — Ensuring underage individuals are restricted from gambling
- Protection and security of personal information — Ensuring personal information is kept private
iGaming Ontario
Market management and contractual oversight
- Build a leading igaming market in Ontario that is safer, open and competitive to help protect consumers and provide more choice and opportunities while creating a level playing field for new businesses through commercial contracts.
- Ensure that government obligations regarding revenue and financial reporting are met.
- Ensure all igaming sites operating in Ontario's regulated igaming scheme have strong player protections and responsible gambling requirements.
- Oversee a rigorous anti-money laundering program.