The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario | AGCO

Gambling in Ontario, Canada dates from the fourteenth century. Modern casinos continue the tradition by offering extensive access to games of chance, including slots, table games, and sports betting. Delivering a solid framework for structuring the gambling environment, officials combat illegal gaming by shutting down and banning disreputable sites. Following global best practices, Ontario betting sites offer citizens a myriad of opportunities for online entertainment.

Although AGCO implements processes to eradicate illegal gambling, unlicensed operators exist in the digital marketplace. Regulators utilize several measures to protect citizens, even as the online market continues to attract new bettors daily. Gambling is a significant source of revenue for Ontario, and it helps to fund critical public projects. For these reasons, AGCO has broad oversight to ensure safe, expansive growth in the sector.

To ensure safety, the commission focuses on three key areas.

1. Responsible Gambling

Offering casino goers an opportunity to self-monitor is crucial in preventing gambling addiction. In some modern casinos, the system may alert a player who is exhibiting signs of gambling addiction. In the least case scenario, licensed casinos provide information about responsible gambling and offer referrals on the website to organizations, which may help in instances of gaming addiction. Those who self-monitor may choose to opt-out of gambling for a specified timeframe and personally restrict access to the casino account.

2. Honest Operations

Integrity is essential in maintaining consumer trust in the gambling license. This may include a review of a licensed casino’s software and systems to ensure that gamblers receive the appropriate ROI.

3. Money Laundering

All licensed establishments must follow existing AML laws to ensure that players do not divert money to terrorism. Operators ensure that deposits come from legal sources by checking the background of each account holder.

For casinos that want to offer services online, licensing is the most straightforward path to legal operations. Licensed venues may also offer gaming services in regions accepting Ontario’s new iGaming certification for gambling establishments. However, offering services in areas where gambling is illegal is prohibited.

AGCO undertakes a comprehensive review of applicants to ensure standards of integrity. Licensees must offer strong operational practices, which include:

• Robust security and privacy policies
• Responsible gambling procedures
• Follow advertising guidelines
• Acceptable player ROI

Requirements

Companies seeking an online license to offer betting opportunities may contact AGCO to obtain information about the licensing process. The agency requires applicants to submit additional information to support the application, including identification, business plans, and vendor details. After presenting the supplementary data and paying applicable fees, a potential licensee undergoes an intensive review process. If approved, an online betting site may provide gambling services for Ontario citizens and elsewhere around the globe where an AGCO licensed betting site is welcome.

Pros and Cons

AGCO’s license is a doorway to offering legal services to Ontario residents. Online operations are beneficial for land-based casinos, which seek to offset pandemic-era financial losses. As newcomers to the legal online betting market, Ontario is a platform for digital casinos and sportsbooks to build a favorable reputation on the internet.

Since the license is new, it’s difficult to gauge its problems. All licensed online gambling businesses must adhere to strict guidelines and monitoring. These measures ensure the integrity of the region’s gambling system. In order to operate in the region, online betting sites must evaluate the process and costs of obtaining a license to determine its long-term value. Given that dozens of Ontario-based operators sought to get a new license, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.