The Canadian province will bring greater regulatory oversight to the iGaming market
Ontario’s online gaming industry is set to experience significant changes following the passage of Bill 216, introducing the iGaming Ontario Act. This new legislation restructures iGaming Ontario (iGO), separating it from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and establishing it as an independent entity with its own governance.
Since its creation in July 2021, iGO operated as a subsidiary of the AGCO, a setup initially defined by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act 2019. However, concerns about potential conflicts of interest led to a reevaluation of this relationship. With the enactment of Schedule 9 of Bill 216 on November 6, 2024, iGO will now function autonomously under an independent board, a change set to take effect in early 2025.
The restructuring aims to improve iGO’s governance and operational efficiency while addressing regulatory challenges. Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey’s office emphasized that the shift ensures the agency’s transparency and enhances its position within the rapidly evolving gaming market. The separation also allows AGCO to continue focusing on regulatory oversight, including monitoring commercial operators and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
The iGaming sector in Ontario has shown robust growth, with iGO’s first-quarter fiscal report for 2024-25 highlighting significant achievements. The total iGaming handle reached CAD 18.4 billion (US$13.1 billion), marking a 31% increase from the previous year. Nearly 1.9 million active player accounts underscore the sector’s expanding user base.
By refining its gaming framework and addressing governance concerns, Ontario strengthens its position as a leader in regulated online gaming. This move not only solidifies its market standing but may also inspire similar initiatives in other provinces, offering a roadmap for modernizing gaming regulations across Canada.
