Background to the Introduction of Licensed Online Casinos in Ontario
In July 2021, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) established a company subsidiary, iGaming Ontario. The new entity was tasked with setting up a licensed online casinos market in Ontario, within which it would conduct and manage internet wagering provided by private gaming operators.
The rationale behind establishing a regulated iGaming market was to ensure that local players would have access to authorised, legal and vetted websites that would guarantee player protection and meet Ontario’s high standards for responsible gambling and game integrity.
iGaming Ontario, which is governed by an interim board of directors, has been given the mandate to enter into operating agreements with providers who meet specific criteria. These include operator integrity, social responsibility, fairness, and player protection, thus allowing all players to have an equal chance of winning.
A share of revenue generated through these licensed online casinos in Ontario is returned to the provincial coffers to support social projects in the province.