Standards

The AGCO takes a standards-based approach when regulating gaming, the sale of recreational cannabis and liquor. Find out more about this approach on this page.

Standards-Based Approach

The AGCO employs a standards-based approach to the regulation of gaming, recreational cannabis retailing and liquor. 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). The authority to establish standards and requirements to regulate Ontario’s cannabis retail stores is the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 (CLA). The authority to establish standards and requirements to regulate the sale, service and delivery of liquor in Ontario is the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA). 

Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming

The GCA provides the Registrar with the authority to establish standards and requirements. The standards and requirements for internet gaming (igaming) are referred to as “the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming”, and are concerned with the conduct, management and operation of online gaming sites, lottery schemes or businesses related to an online gaming site or lottery scheme or for goods or services related to that conduct, management or operation. The Standards also cover sport and event betting on online gaming sites.

The Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming were developed based on sector-specific risk assessments, research 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.

The Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming apply to igaming operators (including OLG and private), and gaming-related suppliers.

Registrar’s Standards for Gaming

The GCA provides the Registrar with the authority to establish standards and requirements. The standards and requirements for land-based gaming 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 businesses related to an gaming site or lottery scheme or for goods or services related to that conduct, management or operation. The Standards also cover sport and event betting at land-based gaming sites.

The Registrar’s Standards for Gaming were developed based on sector-specific risk assessments, research, 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.

The Registrar’s Standards for Gaming apply to OLG charitable gaming sites, and all Casinos.  Other Standards and Guidelines are in place for other lines of business.

Registrar’s Standards for Gaming - Lottery Sector

Under the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA), the Registrar is authorized to establish risk-based standards to regulate Ontario’s gaming sector. The standards and requirements for lottery are known as the Registrar’s Standards for Gaming – Lottery Sector. This sector also has technical standards which are used in assessing Electronic Lottery Systems for approval in Ontario, known as Electronic Lottery Systems Minimum Technical Standards. 

Standards and Requirements - Lottery Sector established by the Registrar apply to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and to all Operators of lottery schemes conducted in Ontario. Additionally, certain Standards and Requirements also apply to gaming-related suppliers, sellers and gaming assistants.

The Standards were developed based on a comprehensive risk assessment conducted in consultation with key stakeholders, including the OLG, and social responsibility groups.  

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.

There is also a new and separate set of standards called the Registrar's Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores using the Point-of-Sale Data Reporting Platform. Information regarding which cannabis retailers are required to comply with these new Standards is contained in the Standards document.

Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor

The Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) provides the Registrar with the authority to establish standards and requirements in the following areas of liquor regulation:

  • The responsible sale, wholesale, supply, delivery, and consumption of liquor
  • Training related to the responsible sale, wholesale, supply, delivery and consumption of liquor
  • Addressing unlawful activities in licensed or permitted premises
  • Licensed and permitted premises, accommodation, equipment and facilities
  • Advertising and promotional activities
  • Keeping of records, including financial records
  • Other matters related to the conduct of licensees and permit holders or the operation of licensed or permitted premises
     

The Interim Registrar’s Standards and Requirements (Interim Standards) came into effect on November 29, 2021, and apply to licensees and permit holders in the liquor sector.

The first set of standards and requirements under the LLCA are “interim” because they will be replaced by Registrar’s Standards and Requirements for Liquor, which are still in development. The Interim Standards will simply maintain and consolidate many of the current rules and will also introduce some new rules for new activities and new AGCO authorities. Other rules for the liquor sector will remain in statutes and regulations.

The AGCO is working to develop the Registrar’s Standards and Requirements for Liquor that will build the outcomes-based regulatory model enabled by the LLCA.

Applicable Standards by Line of Business

Internet Gaming

Casino

OLG Charitable

Charitable

OLG Lotteries

Cannabis

Liquor