Ontario Govt Launches “iGaming Ontario” to Regulate Online Games

The Ontario Government has launched iGaming Ontario, a new subsidiary of Ontario Alcohol Games Commission (AGCO) to create a safe, regulated and competitive online game market.

The iGaming Ontario will help establish Ontario as an international leader in online gaming while ensuring robust measures are in place to protect consumers.

The AGCO’s role as regulator will remain the same and will be kept separate from the subsidiary’s role. The AGCO will continue to be responsible for regulatory oversight for all gaming activities in Ontario, including iGaming operators and suppliers as well as over the new subsidiary. The new iGaming marketplace is expected to be operational in December 2021.

“Following Parliament’s historic vote to lift the prohibition on single-event sport wagering last month, the establishment of iGaming Ontario is another pivotal milestone in our work to ensure people have access to a safe and regulated online gaming market by the end of the year. We are determined to work with industry, responsible gaming advocates and regulatory partners to ensure Ontario is a world leader in building a safe online gaming environment that meets consumer expectations,” Attorney General Doug Downey said.

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“Ontario’s new legal iGaming market will create new opportunities for Ontario businesses and a better, safer gaming experience for players. A competitive, regulated online gaming market will provide a safer alternative to the unregulated, grey market websites that currently exist – and which may lack proper consumer protections or responsible gaming measures. A new legal market would also generate revenue for the province to invest in supporting jobs and businesses, supporting people and their families, and improving and strengthening critical public services for a post-COVID world,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said.