Ontario iGaming & the AGCO: What You Need to Know

Ontario iGaming & the AGCO: What You Need to Know

Ontario officially launched its regulated iGaming market on April 4, 2022, making it the first Canadian province to create a competitive, licensed online gambling environment. This move brought dozens of legal sportsbooks and casinos under provincial oversight. At the heart of this system is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the regulatory authority that ensures all licensed operators meet strict compliance standards.

What Is Ontario iGaming?

Ontario iGaming refers to the province’s legal online betting and casino market, which includes sports betting, slots, table games, and poker. Unlike unregulated offshore sites, Ontario’s iGaming operators must be licensed by the AGCO and follow guidelines set by iGaming Ontario (iGO), a subsidiary of the AGCO responsible for managing contracts with operators.

Who Regulates Online Gambling in Ontario?

The AGCO is responsible for regulating the gaming industry in Ontario, including land-based casinos, lotteries, and now online betting platforms. Their mission is to ensure that all gambling in Ontario is conducted with honesty, integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO works closely with iGaming Ontario (iGO), which handles operator agreements and manages revenue sharing between the province and licensed platforms.

Benefits of Using Regulated Ontario Sportsbooks

  • Player Protection: Licensed operators must adhere to responsible gambling protocols and offer self-exclusion tools.
  • Secure Transactions: All licensed platforms use encrypted payment methods that meet provincial security standards.
  • Transparent Payouts: Regulated sites must disclose RTP (return-to-player) rates and follow fair gaming rules.
  • Dispute Resolution: Players can file complaints directly with the AGCO or iGO if issues arise.
  • No Legal Risk: Betting with AGCO-approved sites is fully legal within Ontario.

How to Identify a Legal iGaming Site in Ontario

All legal sportsbooks and online casinos must display an AGCO license number and a clear “regulated by iGaming Ontario” badge. You can also check the AGCO’s official registry to confirm if an operator is approved.

Examples of Regulated Operators in Ontario

  • BetMGM Ontario
  • Bet365 Ontario
  • FanDuel Ontario
  • DraftKings Ontario
  • PointsBet Canada
  • Sports Interaction (regulated for Canada under Mohawk Council of Kahnawake; not AGCO-licensed)

Stay Safe: Stick With AGCO-Licensed Sites

While many offshore sportsbooks continue to operate in Canada, using them from Ontario is no longer recommended. They are not subject to AGCO rules and offer no formal player protections or dispute resolution. For a secure and fully legal experience, always choose an Ontario-regulated sportsbook or casino.

More About the AGCO

For official updates, licensing details, and a full list of approved operators, visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario.

BettingEdge.ca proudly supports legal, regulated gambling. Stay informed, play safe, and enjoy the benefits of Ontario’s transparent and secure iGaming market.