Regulations on the iGaming Industry in Ontario
Canada's history with gambling is rich and complex, spanning land-based and online platforms. The legalization of online casinos and bookmakers in Ontario was an unexpected development. Soon after, numerous operators sought Ontario licenses, creating a vibrant, competitive market. Now, Ontario's gamblers have access to a diverse array of reputable sports betting and casino platforms. To make the search easier, players can use detailed overviews of the best online casinos in Canada, featuring insights and recommendations from gambling experts.
As regulations govern the online gambling in Ontario, it's important to be informed. Our guide below not only covers these regulations but also offers insights into obtaining a gambling license in the province.
Legal Online Gambling in Ontario: Key Takeaways
iGaming market launch took place on April 4, 2022.
Online casinos, like other forms of gambling in the province, are regulated by AGCO and iGO.
Ontario is the first province to launch a private market for internet gambling.
Players must be 19+ years old to participate in any legit gambling activities in Ontario.
Player must be physically located within Ontario’s borders to participate.
Online casino and sportsbook operators are required to implement specific rules and responsible gambling measures to operate legally.
Understanding Regulated iGaming Market
A regulated iGaming market means that the government has established laws to control which businesses can operate legally, similar to alcohol and cannabis regulations. To become a fully registered and approved operator in Ontario’s iGaming market, a company must obtain registration from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and sign an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO).
These companies must also meet strict criteria for game honesty, fairness, player protection, and social responsibility. Their websites feature measures to prevent underage access and promote responsible gaming. Furthermore, they have signed formal agreements to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including anti-money laundering laws.
iGO Approved: List of Licensed Gambling Sites
| Gaming Site | URL | Offerings | Legal Entity Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 888 Casino | 888casino.ca | Casino | VHL Ontario Limited |
| 888 Poker | 888poker.ca | Poker | VHL Ontario Limited |
| 888 Sport | 888sport.ca | Sports Betting | VHL Ontario Limited |
| Amazon Slots | www.amazonslots.ca/ | Casino | The Six Gaming Limited |
| Bally Bet | on.ballybet.ca/ | Casino, Sports Betting | Bally’s Canada Inc. |
| Bet365 | on.Bet365.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Hillside (International Sports) ENC |
| Bet99 | Bet99.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | 1000007698 Ontario Ltd (Bet 99) |
| Betano | www.betano.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Kaizen Gaming Canada Inc. |
| BetMGM Casino | Casino.on.BetMGM.ca | Casino | BetMGM Canada Inc. |
| BetMGM Poker | Poker.on.BetMGM.ca | Poker | BetMGM Canada Inc. |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Sports.on.BetMGM.ca | Sports Betting | BetMGM Canada Inc. |
| BetRivers | BetRivers.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Rush Street Interactive Canada, ULC |
| Betsafe | ot.betsafe.com | Casino, Sports Betting | GWN Limited |
| Betty | Betty.ca | Casino | Betty Gaming CA, Ltd |
| BetVictor | www.betvictor.com/en-ca | Casino, Sports Betting | BV Gaming Limited |
| Betway | www.betway.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Cadway Limited |
| Bwin | on.bwin.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | ElectraWorks Maple Limited |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Sportsbook.Caesars.com | Sports Betting | American Wagering Inc |
| Captain Cooks Casino | captaincooks.casino/en/ | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
| Casino Classic | casinoclassic.casino/en/ | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
| Casino Days | www.casinodays.com/on | Casino | Well Played Media, Unipessoal LDA |
| Casumo | www.casumo.com | Casino | Pret Play Limited |
| Caxino | www.caxino.com/en-on/ | Casino | Rootz Ltd |
| Comeon! | www.comeon.com/on | Casino | Bunchberry Limited |
| Conquestador | www.conquestador.com | Casino | Mobile Incorporated Limited |
| Coolbet | Coolbet.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Coolbear Ontario Limited |
| Deal or No Deal Casino | www.casinodond.com | Casino | iPro Gaming Canada, Inc. |
| Delta iGaming | online.deltabingo.com | Casino, Bingo | Delta iGaming Inc. |
| DraftKings Casino | casino.DraftKings.com | Casino | Crown DK CAN Ltd. |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | sportsbook.DraftKings.com | Sports Betting | Crown DK CAN Ltd. |
| DreamVegas | www.dreamvegas.com | Casino, Poker | TWHG Inc. |
| FanDuel | FanDuel.com/Canada | Casino, Sports Betting | FanDuel Canada ULC |
| FireVegas | www.firevegas.com | Casino, Poker | TWHG Inc. |
| Fitzdares | www.fitzdares.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Fitzdares Canada Limited |
| GGPoker | ggpoker.ca | Poker | NSUS Limited |
| Golden Tiger | goldentiger.casino | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
| Grand Mondial | grandmondial.casino/en/ | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
| High Flyer Casino | www.highflyercasino.com | Casino | Ellipse Entertainment Limited |
| Jackpot City | Jackpotcity.ca | Casino | Cadtree Limited |
| Knightslots | knightslots.ca | Casino | Skill On Net Ltd. |
| LeoVegas | LeoVegas.com | Casino, Sports Betting | LeoVegas Gaming PLC |
| Lucky Days | luckydays.ca | Casino | L7 Entertainment Limited |
| Luxury Casino | luxury.casino/en | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
| Mr.Vegas | www.mrvegas.ca | Casino | Videoslots Ltd. |
| Neo.bet | on.neobet.ca/en/Sportbets | Casino, Sports Betting | Reactive Betting Ltd. |
| NorthStar Bets | northstarbets.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | NorthStar Gaming (Ontario) Inc. |
| PartyCasino | on.partycasino.ca | Casino | ElectraWorks Maple Limited |
| PartyPoker | on.partypoker.ca | Poker | ElectraWorks Maple Limited |
| Partysports | on.partysports.ca | Sports Betting | ElectraWorks Maple Limited |
| Pinnacle | www.pinnacle.ca/en/ | Sports Betting | Pinny (Ontario) Limited |
| Play Fallsview | www.PlayFallsview.com | Casino, Sports Betting | MGE Digital Canada Inc. |
| PlayOJO | playojo.ca | Casino | Skill On Net Ltd. |
| PointsBet | PointsBet.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Pointsbet Canada Operations 1 Inc. |
| PokerStars Casino | www.on.pokerstarscasino.ca | Casino | TSG Interactive Canada Inc. |
| PokerStars Poker | www.on.pokerstars.ca | Poker | TSG Interactive Canada Inc. |
| PokerStars Sports | www.on.pokerstarssports.ca | Sports Betting | TSG Interactive Canada Inc. |
| Power Play | powerplay.com/ontario/sportsbook/ | Sports Betting | Limited (dba) PowerPlay |
| Rivalry | Rivalry.com | Sports Betting | Rivalry Ontario Corp. |
| Royal Panda | RoyalPanda.com | Casino, Sports Betting | LeoVegas Gaming PLC |
| Royal Vegas | Royalvegas.ca | Casino | Cadtree Limited |
| Ruby Fortune | Rubyfortune.ca | Casino | Cadtree Limited |
| SlotsMagic | slotsmagic.ca | Casino | Skill On Net Ltd. |
| Spin Away | spinaway.ca/ | Casino | Ngame N.V. |
| Spin Casino | Spincasino.ca | Casino | Cadtree Limited |
| SpinGenie | spingenie.ca | Casino | Skill On Net Ltd. |
| Spinz | spinz.com/en-on/ | Casino | Rootz Ltd |
| Sports Interaction | on.Sportsinteraction.com | Casino, Sports Betting | ElectraWorks Maple Limited |
| STX | stxapp.io | Betting Exchange | SportsX, LLC |
| Stardust Casino | on.stardustcasino.com/casino | Casino | Pala Interactive Canada, Inc. |
| TheScore Bet | theScore.bet | Casino, Sports Betting | Score Media and Gaming Inc. |
| TonyBet | tonybet.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Ligtip Limited |
| Unibet | on.Unibet.ca | Casino, Sports Betting | Unibet ON Inc. |
| Videoslots | videoslots.ca | Casino | Videoslots Ltd. |
| Wheelz | wheelz.com/en-on/ | Casino | Rootz Ltd |
| Wildz | www.wildz.com | Casino | Rootz Ltd |
| Yukon Gold Casino | yukongold.casino | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
| Zodiac Casino | zodiac.casino/en/ | Casino | Apollo Entertainment Ltd |
Benefits of Playing at Regulated Websites
Players’ funds are safe
You can be sure to get your winnings
Players’ personal data and financial details are protected
Operators offer reasonable competitive odds
Every participant has access to responsible gambling materials and tools to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
You can be confident that the website is run by a licensed company
Risks of Gambling at Unregulated Websites
There is no guarantee that funds are kept securely
Payments may be delayed or not made at all
Personal information may be disclosed to third parties or the general public without your agreement
Inadequate responsible gaming resources foster dangerous gambling habits
Sites may be run by unlawful entities
iGO and AGCO’s Roles in Ontario’s Market
AGCO is a provincial regulatory organization that was founded in February 1998. It regulates online gambling operations, creates guidelines to safeguard players, and works to assure game integrity for consumers throughout the province. The AGCO’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming are intended to verify the presence of all security measures, game integrity, responsible gambling safeguards, and anti-money laundering measures.
iGaming Ontario is an AGCO subsidiary that operates and manages the internet gambling services offered by private gaming firms (operators). Established in July 2021, iGO works closely with the AGCO and the Government of Ontario to deliver the world’s greatest gaming experiences to the province in a more secure environment, therefore protecting players and providing them with more choices.
Requirements for Operating in Ontario’s iGaming Market
Many operators may find it difficult to become compliant in Ontario’s iGaming sector. The province has some stringent laws and regulations, many of which go above and beyond what is expected in other markets.
Internet casino and sports betting operators wishing to enter the regulated market must first register with both iGO and AGCO before providing their products and services to local players.
Operators must be aware of the PCMLTFA and FINTRAC demands, which apply throughout Canada. Then there are Ontario-specific requirements, such as the ACGO and iGO recommendations, some of which go beyond FINTRAC standards. These rules and regulations cover a wide range of subjects, including money laundering prevention as well as information storage, the need for KYC, and proposals to avoid underage gambling.
Documents Needed
All gambling operators must submit the following documents to become compliant:
Operator Application
Personal Disclosure for employees (company needs to provide personal information of each worker)
Registrar’s Standards Gap Analysis
Company Disclosure
Regulator’s fee
Any required investigation fee
Supporting documents (if necessary)
The Internet Gaming Operator Application Guide provides the complete list of necessary documents required for an operator application, as well as the individuals who are subject to personal disclosure.
Entering the Ontario Market: Step-by-Step Guide for Operators
Before gambling operators can take a chance on Ontario’s online gaming market, they need to get in with the cool kids at iGaming Ontario and AGCO by registering with both.
Note: Operators can complete multiple steps simultaneously. The order of completion may differ based on individual circumstances and preparedness.
iGO Application Process
| Step | Description | Before Starting | Timing | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with iGO | >Obtain Non-Disclosure Agreement page to get a copy of the NDA | Approximately 2 business days | E-mail [email protected] for support |
| #2 | Execute a Letter of Agreement with iGO | Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with iGO | About 2 business days to complete | Work with the legal department of iGO |
| #3 | Arrange and Configure Access to iGO's Safe Information and Data Communication Channels | Submit a Letter of Agreement with iGO | Approximately 2 business days | Cooperate with iGO Systems and Data Team |
| #4 | Submit iGO’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Information Forms | Receive access to iGO’s protected data exchange tools and sign a Letter of Agreement with iGO | Approximately 2 weeks | Work with iGO Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Team |
| #5 | Complete iGO's Financial Information Forms | Get access to iGO’s safe data exchange tools and sign a Letter of Agreement | Around 1-2 weeks | Work with iGO Finance Team |
| #6 | Take part in Operator Systems & Data Readiness Cycle with iGO | Set up the FINTRAC (F2R) Reporting System, finish the iGO Financial Information Pack and get an invitation from iGO | Approximately 1 week | Cooperate with iGO Systems and Data Team and iGO Account Management |
| #7 | Sign the Operating Agreement with iGO | Receive a Certificate of Registration as an Online Gambling Operator from the AGCO, fulfill all further AGCO and iGO market entry steps | Variable based on the conditions of each operator | Consult with iGO’s legal department, and check out iGO Connect for the most up-to-date information |
AGCO Application Process
| Step | Description | Before Starting | Timing | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ensure all games and main gaming systems are Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) certified | Confirm that your games and supporting important gaming systems have been certified by a qualified ITL, and that your software providers have done the same | Varies depending on ITL capacity and certification depth/scope level needed | Partner with developers and AGCO-registered ITLs. Contact AGCO’s Technology Regulation and iGaming Compliance Branch at [email protected] for help |
| #2 | Register with the AGCO | Read the Internet Gaming Operator Application Guide and open an account on the AGCO online recourse | 2+ months from the moment the operator submits a full application in AGCO and pays the related fees | Your application will be allocated to an Eligibility Officer from AGCO’s Licensing and Registration Branch, who will contact you personally during the registration procedure |
| #3 | Establish Control Activities to Comply with AGCO Registrar's Norms for Online Gaming | Read the Registrar's Standards for Online Gaming and the iGaming Standards’ common questions | Varies depending on the conditions of each operator | Cooperate with the AGCO Technology Regulation and iGaming Compliance Department. Contact [email protected] for advice |
| #4 | Attend Internet Gaming Notification Matrix Training | Apply for AGCO registration and study the Internet Gaming Notification Matrix | About 90 minutes to finish | Work with the AGCO Technology Regulation and iGaming Compliance Branch. Contact [email protected] for support |
| #5 | Configure Regulatory Reporting in iAGCO | Complete Regulatory Notification Matrix Training and get a Certificate of Registration from the iAGCO | Approximately two business days to complete | Work with the AGCO Technology Regulation and iGaming Compliance Team. For assistance, contact [email protected] |
| #6 | Arrange Access to AGCO’s Secure Data & Information Communication Channels | Receive a Certificate of Registration from AGCO | About two business days to finish | Work with the AGCO Information and Information Technology Branch. Contact [email protected] for support |
| #7 | Give Technology Compliance Confirmation to AGCO | Complete integration and setting of all your gaming site’s technical components | Varies depending on each operator’s exceptional circumstances | Work with AGCO Technology Regulation and iGaming Compliance Department. Contact [email protected] for support |
Ontario’s Gambling Industry Landscape: Brief History
In 1985, the Canadian government allowed provinces to license and regulate gambling-related activities. This had a significant impact on the emergence of casinos in the country, with Winnipeg becoming the first Canadian city to open a gambling establishment in 1989. Already in 1994, Ontario launched its first casino in Windsor.
On June 22, 2021, the Canadian Senate adopted Bill C-218 and the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, setting the stage for single-event sports betting options to be delivered in every province. While certain types of sports betting, such as parlay betting, have been permitted in Canada for a long time, betting on the result of a single sports event has remained illegal.
The Ontario government revealed its proposal to develop the iGaming market, a gaming sector regulated by the Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario (AGCO), in November 2020. iGaming Ontario (iGO) became a watchdog and began accepting applications in the fall of 2021, with the market officially opening in April 2022. As the iGaming market grew and developed more throughout 2022 and into 2023, it became clear that there was a need for better rules. This led the AGCO to take more steps.
In 2023, AGCO introduced significant amendments to its standards on advertising, marketing materials, and communications for the gambling industry, effective from February 8, 2024. The changes focus on enhancing responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable groups, including minors and high-risk individuals. These updated guidelines aim to foster a safer and more responsible gambling environment in Ontario by setting stringent standards for advertising and marketing practices within the industry.
New iGaming Market
Ontario has established a new online gaming market through iGaming Ontario in collaboration with AGCO. This initiative promises safer and more organized online gaming options for local players. The iGaming framework provides players with a wider range of gaming options than the previous Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) offerings. Additionally, the new framework includes sophisticated rules to prevent fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing activities. Operators must verify players’ identities and comply with iGO Policies and federal regulations. As a result, the province benefits from more gamblers choosing to play locally due to the strict measures in place to protect their finances and personal information.What Is Behind the Rise of Ontario’s iGaming Market
Before the government legalized single-game betting, it was estimated that Ontarians spent close to $1 billion per year on internet gambling, and with more possibilities than ever before provided by legislative changes, that figure is expected to rise.
Players and operators alike are eager to fully access the market, which is currently allowing single-event sports betting, playing poker, and other casino games, offered by licensed gaming operators.
Overall, Ontario’s iGaming industry is expected to produce $1.5 billion in revenue by 2026, making it one of the biggest internet-based gaming markets in North America. As well, new rules have made the sector incredibly competitive, with an annual tax rate of 20%, one of the lowest in the world, making Ontario a tempting destination for online casino businesses.
To gain deeper insights into the size of Ontario’s iGaming market, refer to the Quarterly Market Performance Reports released by iGaming Ontario.
Importance of Responsible Gambling in Ontario
Responsible gambling involves engaging in gaming activities while minimizing the risk of harm to oneself or others. It is a top priority for AGCO and a critical issue of public concern. iGaming Ontario as well is dedicated to encouraging cautious gambling and operators to offer a safe and healthy gaming environment for local players. Online operators can help individuals make educated decisions regarding their gambling habits by providing them with guidance and tools, thereby improving their entire playing experience. The goal is to reduce the possible risks and negative effects while also promoting a responsible gaming culture. Informed decision-making is essential for responsible gambling to succeed.
When obtaining a license to legally provide gambling services in Ontario, companies undertake to:
- Make sure that responsible gambling is done properly and get accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Check program.
- Create initiatives that prevent problem gambling and promote responsible gambling in advertising and marketing.
- Join a self-exclusion program that lets players opt out of all online gaming sites in Ontario.
- Share player data for research on responsible and problem gambling while keeping it anonymous.
Where to Get Help
Gambling is intended to be enjoyable. If it no longer brings fun, there are services where you can seek support and advice.
ConnexOntario. It is a provincial agency that provides information and referral services concentrating on mental health, addiction, and gambling-related problems. Call 1-866-531-2600, send an email, or chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit connexontario.ca for further details.
Are you concerned about your gambling habits? Complete the Gambling Self-Assessment Quiz to help you measure the problem.