Overview

Today, most internet gaming (iGaming) happens on grey market websites that:

  • are unregulated
  • are without consumer protection
  • only have limited responsible gaming measures

Many players who access these sites are not aware that they are illegal in Ontario.

We intend to establish a model for iGaming in Ontario that is:

  • legal
  • competitive
  • safe

We are seeking to establish a legal iGaming market in Ontario that:

  • reflects consumer preferences
  • fosters an exciting gaming experience
  • creates competitiveness
  • ensures market integrity
  • protects consumers
  • ensures responsible gaming measures are in place

We also appointed a Commercial Project Lead, Birgitte Sand. She will work closely with the AGCO and government to create an iGaming model that works for Ontario consumers. She has extensive industry and government experience in the online gaming space.

About the paper

In the November 2020 Ontario Budget, the government assigned the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) the responsibility to conduct and manage Ontario's new online gaming market through a subsidiary, in addition to its role as regulator.

To develop Ontario’s iGaming model, we engaged with:

  • the public
  • gaming sectors
  • social responsibility sectors
  • First Nations and Indigenous groups

Based on initial discussion with the gaming sector over the last year, we prepared a discussion paper that outlines our preliminary thinking on key aspects of Ontario's iGaming model that will be conducted and managed by a subsidiary of the AGCO.

Developing a legal market for iGaming in Ontario is part of Ontario's plan to build a competitive business environment in a post-COVID world.

The discussion period has now closed, but you can contact iGaming@ontario.ca for any questions on the discussion paper.

About the Commercial Project Lead

Birgitte Sand has been appointed as the Commercial Project Lead for iGaming. Her mandate is to work closely with the government and the AGCO to provide recommendations and create an iGaming model that works for Ontario. She has extensive industry and government experience in the online gaming space and will provide critical expertise to help guide the technical and operational aspects of the model's design.

Your privacy matters

We collected your feedback to create an exciting gaming experience in Ontario that is legal, competitive and safe. The government and Commercial Project Lead are reviewing your responses.

Your submission may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and may be posted online.

Please do not submit personal information, specific identifying details of individuals, companies or other entities or information that you would not want to be made public.