Canada is home to many land-based and online gambling platforms, and Ontario is the place to be for the best online casinos in Canada. But the gambling haven is not as easy to get into as you might think, since there are strict laws and regulations thanks to the active involvement of the government.
Let’s examine the two Ontario online casino licenses needed to operate peacefully:
The Basics of Ontario’s Gambling Scene
Ontario’s online gambling market is the best in Canada because of its clear regulatory framework. The Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario as well as the iGaming Ontario are two of the major bodies that govern the entire online gambling scene in Ontario. Just like other gambling bodies throughout the world, they make sure that all casinos are operated legally and follow a specific framework and set of rules to ensure fairness, transparency, player protection, and more.
The companies wanting to start an online casino must undergo a strict review and sign many formal agreements to ensure compliance. Some of the key takeaways regarding the legality of Ontario’s gambling scene are:
- Players must be at least 19 years old to participate in any gambling activities in Ontario.
- Players must be resident and/or located within Ontario’s borders to engage in online gambling.
- Online casino and sportsbook operators are required to follow specific rules and implement measures for responsible gambling before they are able to operate legally.
You can check out www.GambleOntario.ca to find a list of new online casinos that are legal and verified, Ontario online casino license, offering slots, poker, and other casino games. These new casinos often feature the latest game releases, innovative promotional offers, and advanced security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
The AGCO License
The Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario, or AGCO for short, is a primary body founded in February 1998 that governs all kinds of online gambling operations and casinos. They make sure that all businesses related to gambling and iGaming follow security measures, game integrity, responsible gambling safeguards, and anti-money laundering measures.
The AGCO license is the first and primary license online casinos must obtain to start their operations in Ontario. The application process for the AGCO Ontario online casino license is as follows:
Step 1: Obtain ITIL Certification
Work with an AGCO-licensed independent testing laboratory to certify all games and critical gaming systems before launching. This ensures your platform meets the required standards for fair and secure gaming.
Step 2: Register with AGCO
Create an account on the iAGCO online portal and pay the necessary fees to apply for an iGaming license. This registration is your first formal step toward legalization.
Step 3: Comply with AGCO Standards
Familiarize yourself with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming and implement the necessary controls to comply with these regulations. Meeting these standards is crucial for legal operation.
Step 4: Training for Notification Matrix
The AGCO will provide training for your team on using the iAGCO portal and submitting the required information. This training ensures you can effectively manage compliance and communication with the AGCO.
Step 5: Regulatory Reporting
After training, submit necessary regulatory information through the iAGCO portal. This step involves setting up authorized accounts for ongoing compliance submissions of Ontario online casino licenses.
Step 6: Secure Communication Channels
Set up secure data exchange services like SharePoint and SFTP for information exchange with the AGCO. By this stage, you should have received a certificate of registration and be ready to configure these secure channels.
Step 7: Confirm Technology Compliance
Provide confirmation to the AGCO that all gaming systems and technologies meet the required standards and regulations. This final step ensures your platform is fully compliant and ready to operate legally.
iGO License
The iGaming Ontario online casino license, or iGO for short, is an AGCO subsidiary founded in July 2021 that regulates all internet gambling activities offered by private gambling operators. The iGO works closely with the AGCO and the Government of Ontario to provide the best gambling experience as well as a strict regulatory framework.
The application process for an iGO Ontario online casino license is as follows:
Step 1: Execute an NDA with iGO
Start by registering on AGCO’s website to get a copy of the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Sign and return it within about 48 hours during business days.
Step 2: Sign a Letter of Agreement
After the NDA, obtain and sign a Letter of Agreement from iGO’s website, a process that also takes around two business days.
Step 3: Secure Data Access
Receive instructions to access iGO’s secure data exchange services for safe communication. This setup is usually done in about two business days.
Step 4: AML Information Submission
Work with iGO’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) unit to submit your AML program and related documents. This process takes approximately two weeks.
Step 5: Financial Information Submission
Submit financial data for iGO to assess your obligations and conduct due diligence. This review takes about one week.
Step 6: Systems and Data Testing
Before finalizing the operating agreement, iGO will test your systems to ensure they meet operational standards. This step typically takes two business days.
Step 7: Execute Operating Agreement
Finally, collaborate with iGO’s legal team to sign the operating agreement once all previous steps are complete.
