iGaming Ontario

iGaming Ontario (iGO)

iGaming Ontario (iGO) emerged as a fresh online gaming market in 2021, created through a partnership between the Government of Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Launching on April 4, 2022, iGO set out to regulate gambling websites run by private operators. Its mission is to protect players, ensure operators meet high standards for game integrity, promote responsible gambling, and prevent money laundering.

Ontario took the lead in Canada by introducing a legal online gambling market. Before iGO’s launch, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation operated the province’s only regulated igaming website, pushing many players towards offshore casinos. iGO’s introduction has provided players with safer, local alternatives.

What iGO Does

iGO, a subsidiary of the AGCO, oversees igaming by private operators in Ontario. It collaborates with the AGCO to maintain legal standards and requirements as outlined in the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, under the Gaming Control Act (1992).

iGO’s key responsibilities include:

• Signing operating agreements with private igaming operators registered by the AGCO and overseeing their service provisions in Ontario’s regulated igaming framework.
• Managing the reconciliation of igaming revenues for the province.
• Offering market insights and aiding operators in integrating into the new market.
• Enforcing responsible gambling requirements for operators.
• Developing and managing iGaming Ontario’s anti-money laundering program and policies.
• Creating a dispute resolution process to address customer concerns.

This regulated market ensures that players can gamble with confidence, knowing their winnings will be paid out fairly and that the casinos are legitimate businesses.

Controls and Player Verification

To prevent fraud and terrorism financing, strict controls are in place, including a mandatory I.D. verification process for players creating a casino account. Operators remind players annually to update this information.

Complaints and Disputes

iGaming Ontario ensures players have access to a dispute resolution process. While iGO cannot directly settle bets, refund wagers, or award compensation. Furthermore, it encourages players with legitimate complaints to follow the operator’s complaint procedure. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to iGO for review, with a free online tool available to help players navigate the complaint process.

License Verification

Legally operating gambling websites in Ontario must display the iGaming Ontario logo. You can also verify a casino’s legality through the igaming site directory, which includes a search function and a comprehensive list of all regulated websites, updated regularly.

Responsible Gambling

A significant part of iGO’s role is to ensure operators provide players with responsible gambling tools, resources, and information. Operators must:

• Obtain accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council.
• Conduct problem gambling prevention and responsible gambling campaigns.
• Join a centralized program for player exclusion from all regulated igaming websites in Ontario (under development).
• Share anonymized player data to support responsible gambling research.

These efforts complement the responsible gambling standards set by the AGCO, enhancing player protections.

Self-Exclusion Programs

Each operator must offer a self-exclusion program. Although a centralized exclusion system for all iGO casinos is in development, currently, players need to exclude themselves from each operator individually.

Contact Information for iGaming Ontario:

• Address: 90 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 310, Toronto, Ontario, M2NOA4
• Phone: 1 833 554-4263
• Email: igaming@igamingontario.ca
• Website: https://igamingontario.ca/