iGaming regulations in Ontario vs. other Canadian provinces
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Last Updated March 4, 2024 2:09 pm.
The landscape of online gaming is constantly changing, and in Canada, each province has its own regulations when it comes to online casino play. In this article, we explore the differences between online casino regulations, specifically comparing Ontario’s iGaming market to those of other provinces throughout Canada.
Ontario’s iGaming regulations
Ontario stands as a pioneer in the regulation of online gaming within Canada. The province is the first to implement a comprehensive set of rules to govern the iGaming industry, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming environment for its residents.
Ontario’s regulations require players to be physically present in the province to play real money casino games. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is committed to player safety and responsible gaming, which is why this geographical restriction is necessary.
Operators who want to provide online casino services in Ontario need to acquire licenses from two regulatory bodies: the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGO) and the iGaming Ontario (iGO). These licensing requirements are in place to maintain industry standards, safeguard player safety and ensure compliance with the provincial regulatory framework.
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Comparative analysis with other Canadian provinces
The regulatory framework for online gaming in Canada is quite varied, with each province having its own set of rules. In British Columbia, online gaming is managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which operates a government-run online casino called PlayNow. Alberta and Manitoba residents can also use PlayNow to play online casino games.
In Quebec the regulatory authority falls under Loto-Quebec, responsible for overseeing online and land-based gaming activities. The province has taken steps to create a legal and regulated online gaming environment similar to BC, reflecting a commitment to player protection and responsible gaming.
While some provinces have embraced online gaming within their borders, others do not currently offer provincially licensed online casinos. Instead, residents in these provinces may engage with foreign-licensed online casinos.
Foreign licensed online casinos and the Ontario exception
It is important to note that in the Canadian iGaming industry, online casinos licensed in foreign countries allow players from all provinces except Ontario. This is due to the strict regulations in Ontario which state that only operators licensed by the AGO and iGO are allowed to offer their services to Ontario residents.
The most commonly found foreign casino licenses in iGaming are issued by the UKGC, Curaçao, Isle of Man, and the Malta Gaming Authority.
A comparison of iGaming regulations in Ontario and other Canadian provinces reveals that Ontario has taken a proactive approach to creating a secure and responsible gaming environment.
While other provinces have their own regulations and frameworks, Ontario sets itself apart through its strict licensing requirements and geographical restrictions on real money casino games.
As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, these regulations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of online gaming in Canada, balancing entertainment with responsible play.
