"> "> ">

#1 Canadian gambling guide
decoration 2

Modifications to Regulations for Online Casinos Operating in Ontario

Visual Representation of New Regulations Affecting Online Gambling in Ontario

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) introduced new regulations in February this year focused on the marketing practices of online casinos and sports betting platforms.

Changes to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming are anticipated to enhance protections against excessive gambling exposure for minors and limit the usage of professional athletes in gambling advertisements.

According to AGCO, 'This strategy allows regulated entities the flexibility to adapt their decisions according to their business requirements, while still achieving compliance with regulations.'

The revised laws were officially enacted on February 28 and were implemented immediately.

What Do the Recent Legal Revisions Entail?

Moving forward, the use of animated characters, social media personalities, and famous figures in advertisements on print, television, social media, or radio is banned. Any content deemed attractive to minors may lead to the revocation of an operating license.

Additional regulations include limitations on gambling ads near educational institutions, although athletes can still appear in campaigns promoting responsible gambling.

In a statement made last August, Tom Mungham, the then-registrar and CEO of the AGCO, remarked: 'Young people are significantly influenced by the athletes and celebrities they admire. Consequently, we are implementing stricter measures to safeguard Ontario's youth by prohibiting these prominent figures from endorsing online betting.'

Camille Quenneville, a representative from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), described it as a pivotal step in modern regulatory practices : 'With the rise of gamification in online gambling, young individuals are particularly vulnerable to harm related to gambling. These new restrictions represent an essential first move in the necessary regulatory response to the concerning trends in online gambling among Ontario's youth.'

Bunchberry Limited, Mobile Incorporated Limited, and LeoVegas have recently faced penalties from the AGCO, each incurring fines of $70,000 after being found guilty of offering unapproved games on their platforms.

What Is The History Of AGCO?

The AGCO, recognized as a leading authority in iGaming, was founded in 1998. As a provincial regulatory body, it reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) and is tasked with overseeing the alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and cannabis retail sectors with a focus on public welfare.

In recent years, Ontario's perspective on gambling has been evolving.

From 1892 until as recently as 2022, gambling had been entirely banned, except in limited cases. However, as government officials recognized the significant tax revenue potential, efforts were made to legalize gambling.

Moreover, within its first year of operation, the online gambling and sports betting sectors in Ontario generated approximately $761 million in tax revenue for the government , and an estimated contribution of $1.6 billion to the provincial GDP—a figure projected to climb to $7 billion over the next decade as per a Deloitte report.

The revenue obtained by the province from taxes on online casinos in Ontario and through gambling-related penalties can be reinvested into critical infrastructure initiatives, public services, and various other projects.

Looking for a trustworthy resource to navigate the online casino landscape in Canada?

networkcareassist.com is here to assist you. Our dedicated team of professionals has thoroughly evaluated and curated the best options available for you, including fast payout casinosbest payout casinosnew casinos , and the latest casino bonuses and free spins .

Lewis Constable
Expert Writer
Staffordshire University
Single Honours Journalism with a concentration on delivering concise and accurate narratives. Emphasis on responsible gambling marketing and a comprehensive grasp of compliance across various regions.
Expert in:
  • Latest Gambling News and Trends
  • iGaming Content
Fact checked by Chief Editor:
Gerda Grinova

Related articles

For optimal gameplay, please rotate your device.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to our cookie policy aimed at enhancing site performance and improving user experience. More details can be found in ourLatest Reviews