The recently formed gambling regulator, iGaming Ontario, has already implemented various changes to the province’s digital rules.
Ontario’s new entity responsible for online gambling, iGaming Ontario, has wasted no time implementing changes to the digital rules in the province. In one of its first moves, the regulator has banned the auto-play feature for online gambling and mandated that the minimum spin speed must be two and a half seconds on all digital slot machines.
Currently, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is the sole provider of online gambling in the province. However, this is bound to change, with the authorities looking at expanding into new markets. The recently launched iGaming Ontario is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and is responsible for online gambling in the province.
New Ontario Online Gambling Rules
iGaming Ontario has already announced changes to the province’s online gambling offerings. The organisation has banned the auto-play feature on digital slot games since the rules state that players should commit to each game individually by repeatedly pressing the spin button or an equivalent.
There have also been amendments to the spin speed, which must not be less than two and a half seconds. Also, multi-screen or split-screen slot play has been prohibited because certain games give players the impression that skill levels can affect their results. Animations where players win less than their original stake, similar to a win, were also banned.
Online games must also display players’ net position in Canadian dollars and not in credits. New rules also state that promotional materials must not be based on themes or language use, which appeals to minors. Likewise, adverts must not appear near schools or feature fictional characters that appeal to younger audiences.
Gambling ads must similarly not exploit susceptibilities, credulity, aspirations, lack of knowledge, or inexperience of high-risk players, as well as not mislead or suggest that gambling is a way to financial success. Ads that promote bonus offers must also be displayed on the operators’ websites. Equally, operators will have to offer self-exclusion options and introduce responsible gambling provisions.
