The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has opened applications for operators interested in joining the newly regulated iGaming market.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) began receiving applications from various providers and operators who wish to become part of the province’s newly regulated iGaming market segment. Applications for licenses have commenced on 13 September, with the actual permits expected to be issued by the end of the year.
The newly regulated iGaming market segment in Ontario should be active by 1 January 2022 and will be managed and overseen by the recently set up regulatory body, iGaming Ontario. Nonetheless, the new entity won’t manage online gambling products currently offered by the Ontario Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
Applications Now Open
For participants like gaming providers and operators to participate, they must be registered by AGCO under the Gaming Control Act. Companies will need to provide entity-level disclosure in the applications, such as information and supporting documents, and personal disclosure that includes details on key individuals.
Operators will be required to register each of the web portals that they operate. Successfully registered providers will be able to offer gaming-related products and services to land-based gaming market segments as well. If suppliers presently hold a gaming registration and aim to provide services to the iGaming market, additional contact information would be required from them.
Gaming operators will also be responsible for an annual fee of CA$100,000 for every gaming site they oversee. They will also have an opportunity to choose between one or two-year licenses. Additionally, operators will be expected to pay investigative costs that include the processing of their applications.
The suppliers’ fee will be divided between gaming equipment developers and the remaining categories of gaming providers. Suppliers of gaming-related services and equipment will be required to pay CA$3,000 per year, while manufacturers’ fees have been set at CA$15,000 annually. Like operators, the suppliers would be given a choice between a one or two-year contract.
