Ontario’s New Legal Online Gaming Market: What Prospective Market Participants Need to Know
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario opened its online portal for prospective operators and gaming-related suppliers interested in participating in the province's online gaming market. The AGCO has also released application guides for both prospective internet gaming operators.
The AGCO has opened up the registration application site early in order to give applicants more time to prepare, collect and submit the required information and supporting documentation. Complete applications will generally receive priority treatment.
Ontario's new internet gaming market is expected to commence soon. New participants will compete with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Single-event betting is also expected in the market thanks to the new Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act (Bill C-218).
The market is expected to commence soon and be competitive and regulated. New participants will compete with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Single-event betting is also expected in the market thanks to the new Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act (Bill C-218).
Ontario’s new legal online gaming market is being developed.
The legislative and regulatory framework for Ontario iGaming operations includes: Part VII of the Criminal Code, the Gaming Control Act, 1992 and the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
The Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming are expected to take effect when the market is launched.
iGaming Ontario will be responsible for conducting and managing Internet gaming when provided by private operators. It will not be involved in the gaming operations of OLG.
iGaming Ontario will develop, execute and oversee commercial agreements with private iGaming operators. It will also implement responsible gambling requirements for operators and establish a dispute resolution process to respond to customer concerns. igaming Ontario also will pay prizes and winnings to players.
Develop, execute and oversee commercial agreements with private iGaming operators. Implement and supervise reconciliation of i gaming revenues on behalf of the province. Implemented responsible gambling requirements for operators and developed and oversaw igaming Ontario’s anti-money laundering program and policies.
AGCO will administer the Gaming Control Act, 1992 and its associated Regulations. It will also uphold the standards and requirements applicable to OLG and iGaming Ontario. AG CO will work with i gaming operators and suppliers to improve overall compliance. It also will address regulatory complaints and inquiries related to game integrity and fairness, misuse of private information, responsible gambling violations, and money laundering.
administer the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA) and its associated Regulations. Establish and uphold the Registrar’s Standards applicable to OLG with respect to its internet gaming site and to iGaming Ontario with regards to activities. Develop regulatory standards (the Registrar's Standards). Register independent testing labs (ITLs) that test and certify that i gaming technology meets the required Registrar.“Monitor igaming operators, suppliers and digital game offerings for compliance with regulatory obligations, including the. Registrars standards.
Internet gaming operators and internet gaming suppliers will be required to be registered with the AGCO.
For prospective operators, a separate application will be required for each distinct online gaming site. Anyone registered only as an Internet gaming supplier is not permitted to operate a gaming website.
The operator application will involve both entity-level disclosure and disclosure regarding key individuals. Principal employees are employees who negotiate or set prices, have signing authority or have ultimate day-to-day decision-making authority.
An independent audit of the processes and controls put in place by the operator to meet the Registrar’s Standards will be required.
A prospective operator will need to pay C$100,000 regulatory fee with the application and annually thereafter. The AGCO will pay additional fees to cover the AGC's costs of regulating internet gaming. The amount could be significantly greater than the C $100k fee.
Regulated suppliers will be able to provide gaming-related goods and services to the entire regulated gaming industry. Suppliers currently holding a gaming related supplier registration should discuss with AGCO if they want to expand their operations into the iGaming sector.
According to the Internet Gaming Suppliers Application Guide, suppliers that do any of the following will need to register:provide, install, test, maintain or repair gaming equipment, or provide consulting or similar services directly related to operation of a gaming site. Supplier who manufactures gaming devices will be required to be registered as a manufacturer.
Ontario’s New Legal Online Gaming Market is a new legal market. Prospective market participants need to know what they need and what to do.
AGCO provides a list of business categories that will be required to register. Business categories include platform providers, supply companies, customised electronic wallets, sports integrity monitoring organizations, and independent test labs.
Ontario’s New Legal Online Gaming Market is looking for potential market participants.
Non-gaming related suppliers are not required to register as suppliers for iGaming purposes. The term is defined in the Gaming Control Act, 1992.
The AGCO suggests that non-gaming related suppliers are likely to be exempt from registration. Non-Gaming related Suppliers include companies that provide technology components or services, business consulting and marketing affiliates. Ontario’s New Legal Online Gaming Market is a new legal market.
Companies that provide technology components or services, such as ISPs, cabling or installation services and cloud server services. Companies that offer business consulting or other services that may not be directly related to the playing of a lottery schedule or the operation of gaming sites.
The supplier application will involve both entity-level disclosure and disclosure regarding key individuals. Principal employees are employees who negotiate or set prices, have signing authority or have ultimate day-to-day decision-making authority.
A prospective supplier will need to submit a non-refundable regulatory fee of C$3,000 or C $15,00. If successful, annual fees will apply.
AGCO has developed a regulatory framework designed to protect consumers and protect the integrity of iGaming in Ontario. AG CO states it is committed to taking strong action to address any remaining unregulated Ontario scheme activity in partnership with other law enforcement organizations.
Ontario’s new legal online gaming market is aimed at protecting consumers and protecting the integrity of iGaming in Ontario.
The AGCO has provided guidance about its intentions with respect to enforcement during the transition phase. Applicants that apply before the launch of the new regime must stop all unregulated market operations within Ontario andterminate any association with another company that operates in the unregulated scheme in Ontario. If they have not applied for registration by the start of a new regulatory regime's launch date, they risk having their registration applications rejected.
The AGCO has issued a new regulations for the online gaming market in Ontario. Applicants that apply before the launch of the new regime must stop all unregulated market operations within Ontario and terminate any association with another company that operates in the unregulated scheme in that province. If they have not applied for registration by the start of a regime's launch date, they risk having their registration applications rejected.
