Ontario iGaming Licensed Online Casinos and information on Ontario Regulatory Body 2023

Overview

Ontario is the first Canadian province to launch a fully regulated online gambling market. More specifically, online gambling activities of different sorts have been legal in Ontario since April 2022. As the local authorities have taken all the steps to ensure a great ground for legal iGaming activities, Ontario iGaming as the main regulatory agency joined the scene. In fact, Ontario iGaming has closely worked with the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission to make sure the newly launched iGaming market provides great business opportunities to iGaming operators while protecting customers.

Ontario iGaming is also working with the Government of Ontario to deliver the best online gaming experiences in the world to the province in a safe setting while enhancing consumer protection and offering more iGaming options. 

Online gambling operators which have been issued licenses by Ontario iGaming can offer their gambling services and products to residents of Ontario. All licensed operators need to conduct their business by complying with all local gambling laws and regulations on behalf of Ontario and associated governments. Licensed iGaming operators also need to share their gross gaming revenues with the government in order to support the economic growth of local communities. 

When discussing the role and responsibilities of Ontario iGaming, we also have to mention the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OGL) which is yet another gambling regulatory body in the Canadian province. While the two share some responsibilities, Ontario iGaming issues licenses to privately owned companies and businesses that want to enter the newly launched Ontario iGaming market. At the same time, the OLG is responsible for running OLG.ca which is the only Ontario-based iGaming site.

Privately-owned iGaming venues which are licensed by the Ontario Regulatory Body can offer different casino games, in addition to online sports betting opportunities. These include:

• Online Slot Machines
• Online Roulette
• Online Blackjack
• Online Poker
• Instant-Win Games

There are quite a few steps operators need to go through in order to join the newly launched Ontario iGaming market. There are also quite a few requirements enforced by both the Ontario iGaming and the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission. First, interested operators need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Ontario iGaming and provide a Letter of Agreement. These are the steps required to start the official application process.

Next, operators are required to set up and configure their access to Ontario iGaming’s information communication and secure data channels. Operators have two days to complete this requirement. Next, Ontario iGaming requires all potential licensees to complete its anti-money laundering and financial information submission. In their financial information submission, operators need to provide all the required information and documents concerning their financial obligations. 

Operators are also required to participate in the data readiness cycle and operator systems with the Ontario regulatory body before they can get the final operating agreement. There is also a list of licensing requirements as enforced by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Some of these include making sure that all casino games and software in use are tested for fairness by accredited third-party agencies and making sure that all activities are reported promptly to the AGCO.