How iGaming Ontario Works Compared to AGCO and Their Impact in 2026

Gambling in Canada is legal, but as a player, there are several factors to consider before actually starting to play. For starters, it all depends on the province the gambler is in. Here, the Criminal Code section 207 plays a huge role because it allows each province to set its own framework.

Taking Ontario as an example, AGCO and iGO are the main regulators, respectively, agencies that will oversee gambling and ensure people can have a safe experience playing at casinos in their own province, without having to turn to offshore gambling sites. 

Ontario players will find free spins no deposit Canada, making it straightforward for them to explore the legal options available in the regulated market. In this sense, this article will thoroughly explore the topic of legal gambling in Canada, particularly in Ontario, to provide a clearer understanding of the environment.

The mechanics of Canada’s regulated online gaming framework

Taking Ontario as the prime example, this province operates the only multi-operator regulated online gambling market in Canada at the moment, with over 80 operators. 

On July 6, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced the creation of iGaming Ontario (iGO), initially established as a subsidiary of AGCO before becoming a legally independent agency in May 2025. This conducts and manages internet gaming in the province, administering contracts with operators in accordance with Canada’s Criminal Code.

iGaming Ontario offers players here a variety of options, like casino and live casino, sports and even lottery. But all of these represent controlled alternatives from different providers/operators so that the experience is as safe as it can be for the Ontario gamblers, and they stay away from illegal gambling, promoting responsible gambling at the same time.

AGCO’s role as regulator versus iGaming Ontario’s 

AGCO refers to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which was formed by the Government of Ontario, reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General, and operates in the public interest to ensure integrity, honesty, and safety.

AGCO regulates the market under the Gaming Control Act, 1992, handles rules and compliance, registers operators, sets standards, and monitors. While iGO closes operating agreements with the private entities and manages its relationship with them. 

iGO used to report to AGCO until not long ago, but after May 14, 2025, they became legally and operationally independent agencies, with iGO now reporting to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Other than this, there is no impact on either party.

How the registration and compliance process works

To register, an operator needs to obtain approval from both regulatory bodies: AGCO and iGO. First, they need to apply for operator registration through the AGCO portal, followed by an integrity interview that checks the background, financial stability and different assessments of owners, directors and other staff. 

After this step is the ITL certification, where the AGCO Independent Testing Laboratory checks the games and systems, then the operator pays the registration fee and shuts down any active and suspicious products they have before final registration. 

Then comes the operating agreement with iGO, in which they agree to remit a fixed percentage of net gaming revenue back to the province of Ontario, and finally, they go live with the site.

The advertising and inducement restrictions 

As expected, operators can only promote their products on their site or, if available, in their app. Also, they can send promotional materials only to players with an active account who have consented to receive them. 

They can’t advertise any kind of casino benefits through public channels like TV, radio, social media, public transportation or billboards. Moreover, third parties like affiliates can’t use metrics like bonus values to attract new players. Lastly, ads must not focus on people outside the target audience, and they must include clear messages about responsible gambling without using athletes, influencers or celebrities.

How other provinces are moving

In a similar situation to that of Ontario, Alberta launched its multi-operator market on July 13, 2026, under the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48). Up until July 13, Play Alberta operated as the AGLC monopoly. After July 2026, AGLC acts as the regulator, and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) handles the market management. 

British Columbia has a single-operator monopoly through PlayNow.com, which has been regulated since April 13, 2026, by the new Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO). The rest of the provinces have much simpler situations, with Yukon, Northwest Territories & Nunavut not operating regulated online casino markets at all.

Conclusion

Considering all this information, iGaming Ontario has provided a stable, regulated environment since its launch. Deliver an environment where players can be safe while still having enough options so they don’t feel the need to turn to offshore casinos. Even though AGCO and iGO are now two separate entities, they still work together for the good of the gamblers.