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New developments with iGaming industry launch in Ontario

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Ontario curbs unregulated gaming activity days before industry launch. Play’n GO receives a supplier license from AGCO.


Regulators from across the globe are becoming more open to the idea of the legal gaming industry.

Many who are behind the curve are starting to update legislation to launch their regulated iGaming industry. Ontario is among the latest to change legislation in favour of the gaming industry, but this comes with many hoops and curves.

A pause on new operators

There have been many developments which now include a pause on operations for unlicensed operators just days before the gaming industry is expected to launch.

AGCO urgers all companies that wish to legally operate within Canada’s largest province to stop all activities in the province or risk having their application for registration rejected.

Several online casinos already have their licensing in place and are expected to open with the launch. This includes PointsBet, Rivalry, theScore, Rush Street Interactive, and 888 Casino. Also, LeoVegas Casino has successfully been registered as an operator and is one step closer to receiving its full license.

According to the latest guide on applying for registration, AGCO reveals that it will be taking strong action against all unregulated operators active in the Ontario Market. This will be done in partnership with law enforcement.

Any businesses that apply for registration before the launch on 4 April must immediately cease any operations once their registration is approved. They are also expected to cut ties with any other companies that are operating illegally within the Ontario market.

For the operators who only apply after 4 April but continue to operate in Ontario without a license, there is the risk of not having their registration approved.

AGCO states that these requirements are there to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to a regulated iGaming scheme for Canadian operators. Ontario is following the regulatory steps of the Netherlands and had a similar process for new applicants. With the Dutch government announcing the policy a lot of operators quickly chose to withdraw which including 888, Entertain, Casumo, LeoVegas, and Betsson.

The newly regulated market is a new start for the iGaming industry in Ontario ending the lottery’s online gambling Monopoly. It’s been 3 years since the announcement of legislation changes and many are wondering if the opening of the market is consistent with the Criminal Code of Canada.

Play’n GO enters the Ontario market

For software providers, the same rules apply as for operators, and they are required to obtain licensing before being able to enter the new market upon launch.

Play’n GO plans to bring its unmatched portfolio of titles to Ontarians once the newly regulated market opens on the 4th of April.

The provider is one of the first to receive its supplier license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Customers can expect a great range of games from Play’n GO which includes blockbuster titles such as Rise of Olympus, Book of Dead, Reactoonz, Tome of Madness, and more.

Play’n GO Chief Commercial Officer, Magnus Olsson says that regulated markets are vital not just to their business strategy but to the entire industry. Mainly because it ensures a safe gaming environment and allows operators to focus on giving players an entertaining experience that is sustainable.

For Play’n GO Ontario is just the first stage of its entry into North America, as the provider is getting ready to make its titles available in several regulated US state-level gambling jurisdictions.

Google on gambling ads

A recent policy change now lets legal operators run Google ads in Ontario when meeting certain criteria. While it’s important to limit gambling advertising, giving potential customers access to regulated options via controlled ads is a must.

After acquiring a provincial online gambling license, online sports betting sites, online casinos, and daily fantasy sports sites will be allowed to run ads. A secure Google Certificate must also be attained before ads will be approved.

With all of the regulations and changes in place, Ontario’s upcoming regulated market launch appears to be in good hands.

Published: April 1, 2022

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Article by Stelly

CasinoWow Contributor

Hey there! I am Stelly, and happily, I'm part of CasinoWow's content team. It excites me to be able to write and share with all gambling enthusiasts unbiased reviews and news that contribute to the gambling community and industry. Thankfully, I also have the chance to help you make an informed choice for casino brands and games, as well as provide interesting guides and news.

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