Player protection, avenues for dispute resolution, and fair gaming are among the benefits of playing at AGCO licensed casinos. Find them all in the AGCO licensed casino list below.
What Is Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a governmental agency responsible for regulating and overseeing gambling and betting activities in the Canadian province of Ontario. It was established in 1998 under the 1996 Alcohol, Cannabis and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, assuming the responsibility of administration of legislation previously held by the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario and the Gaming Control Commission.
To achieve its purpose, the AGCO has multiple regulatory tools at its disposal.
Setting standards is the first step in ensuring that all gambling activities are carried out in a lawful manner. To this end, the AGCO has developed the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, which guide the management and operation of online gaming sites.
Next come the compliance activities, where AGCO inspectors employ a series of actions to ensure that the licensees are brought into line (e.g., education, warning suspension, etc.).
Regulatory activities also include drafting amendments to legislation based on facts.
Of course, the AGCO also has the authority to issue monetary penalties to online casinos that are in violation of the law.
In addition to gambling and betting, the AGCO is also in charge of monitoring the lottery, alcohol and cannabis retail, and horse racing.
How Casinos Become Licensed by AGCO
There are several steps a gambling operator must take before it’s allowed to become part of the AGCO licensed casino list.
Once they prove they can meet the most basic requirements (financial stability, integrity and responsible business track record, and ability to comply with Ontario’s gaming legislation) operators may apply for an online casino licence, engaging in a process that includes providing detailed corporate information and ownership structure, financial records, the ability and intent to employ anti-money laundering policies and responsible gaming strategies, etc.
After receiving an application, the AGCO runs background checks on the company, including criminal, financial, and regulatory history.
Before becoming an AGCO licensed casino, the operator behind it must obtain certification from an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) approved by the local regulator.
Parallel to the AGCO licensing process, all iGaming operators are required to enter into a commercial agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO), the regulator’s subsidiary charged with managing the market and revenue sharing. These include NDA agreements, ensuring secure portal access, AML submissions, and system readiness, among others.
Generally, it takes 3-4 months for a casino to obtain an Ontario gaming licence.
The Benefits of Playing at Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Casinos
Choosing an Ontario online casino comes with several benefits you are not likely to get when playing at offshore operators.
First, the AGCO licence compels operators to maintain robust player protection, meaning that your funds and personal data are protected and safe from third parties.
Second, you can rest assured that every casino operator and their games have passed an audit ensuring fair and unpredictable outcomes, preventing tampering and unfair advantage.
Third, AGCO licensed casinos must employ strong responsible gaming measures and tools to protect vulnerable players.
Fourth, you are provided with regulatory dispute and resolution paths in case of an issue, since the regulator holds the licensees accountable, which isn’t the case with offshore operators.
Fifth, all Ontario-licensed casinos must clearly and upfront disclose their terms and conditions regarding bonus offers and overall operations.
How to Find the Best AGCO Licensed Casinos
Finding the best casinos with an Ontario licence is easy once you land on this page:
- Browse the list above and look for sites with high CasinoRank scores.
- Single out several casinos and compare them via our casino reviews.
- Start the sign-up process at the one you like best.
Some casino companies hold gambling permits in multiple jurisdictions. It’s not uncommon for an Ontario operator to carry a licence from another regulator, so you are advised to consult our casinos by country directory to scan for a casino that’s available in your territory.
New Ontario Licensed Casinos
As we pointed out, getting a gambling permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is not an easy feat, thanks to high costs and rigorous regulations. Therefore, new online casinos in Ontario don’t pop up so often.
Our AGCO casino page is updated regularly; however, weeks may pass between adding a new Ontario-licensed casino to our database. From time to time, check back for updates on new Ontario casinos.
AGCO Contact Details
Address: 90 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 200-300, Toronto, Ontario M2N 0A4
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 416-326-8700
Website: https://www.agco.ca/en
