Ontario Launches New Regulated Online Gambling Framework with Enhanced Player Protections
Ontario has officially launched a new regulated framework for online gambling that came into effect on April 4, 2022. This framework allows multiple licensed operators to offer online gambling services directly to consumers, breaking the provincial monopoly previously held by a single operator. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates these licensed operators as well as third-party game content suppliers to ensure compliance with stringent standards. The updated rules include mandatory consumer affordability assessments to promote responsible gambling and reduce harm related to problem gambling. Players in Ontario will have access to a wider array of games and operators under regulatory oversight designed to protect consumers and foster a competitive market environment. While the new framework encourages competition and choice, unlicensed providers remain illegal, and enforcement efforts will continue to ensure a safe and fair online gambling ecosystem in the province.