Ontario iGaming License for Online Operators (AGCO + iGO)

Ontario became the first Canadian province to open a competitive iGaming market, officially launched on April 4, 2022. Previously, the state-owned OLG was the only online operator under regulatory oversight, so this shift marked a turning point for the entire industry.

The market structure is based on clear separation of roles:

• AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) — the independent regulator setting and enforcing the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, updated continuously since launch.
• iGaming Ontario (iGO) — the entity that “conducts and manages” the market through Operating Agreements with private operators acting as its agents. A portion of iGO revenues returns to the Government of Ontario to fund key public programs.
  Since May 2025, iGO has operated as an independent agency, emphasizing a clear division between regulatory and commercial functions.

Why it matters: the AGCO + iGO model combines predictability and strong oversight with a competitive environment for private brands. For international operators, it offers a transparent entry framework, consistent market data, and a regulator that continuously adapts standards to new technology, integrity, and responsible gaming principles.

As of 2025, iGO has shifted to monthly market reporting. In September 2025, the province reached a new record — CA$8.55 billion in wagers, confirming steady demand and a mature ecosystem (operators, content suppliers, platforms, ITLs).

See also: Kahnawake License and Tobique License — useful for comparing costs, timelines, and compliance approaches across Canadian jurisdictions.

Key Advantages of the Ontario Gaming License (B2C)

• Market scale. Monthly wagers exceeded CA$8 billion in 2025 — proof of maturity and strong demand.
• Predictable entry model. The AGCO + iGO structure ensures clear control and certification requirements (ITL).
• No local incorporation required. Operate without a Canadian legal entity (subject to AGCO/iGO compliance).
• Annual registration cycle. One-year term with renewal — convenient for budgeting and planning.
• Single registration – multiple verticals. Operate casino, sportsbook, and P2P poker under one setup (lotteries remain with OLG).
• Revenue-share model (not a GGR tax). Share of NGR under the Operating Agreement with iGO (approx. 20%; not a tax).
• Regulated payment channels. Recognized status improves access to merchant acquirers, APMs, and banks.

Before applying:

• Geolocation & advertising. Only players 19+ and physically in Ontario may bet; strict rules on inducements and affiliate marketing.
• Jurisdictional limits. Authorization covers Ontario only; other provinces require separate agreements or frameworks.

Internet Gaming Operator (B2C): Core Registration Type

Ontario does not issue a single “universal license.”
Operators enter the market through AGCO registration and an Operating Agreement with iGO (a commercial contract, not a fiscal license).

For suppliers and manufacturers, there are separate AGCO registrations — Gaming-Related Supplier and Manufacturer of Gaming Equipment — described on the Ontario B2B page.

Internet Gaming Operator (B2C) — status for companies serving players in Ontario: online casino, sports / e-sports betting, and P2P poker under one operational setup (lotteries remain under OLG).
Suitable for international and local brands with a ready platform, technical infrastructure, and compliance function aiming for legal entry into Canada’s largest regulated iGaming market.

Note: all games and critical systems must be certified by an AGCO-registered Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL).

Regulatory Requirements

• AGCO registration: Internet Gaming Operator class.
• Operating Agreement: signed with iGO before go-live; defines commercial terms and reporting duties.
• Compliance with Registrar’s Standards: corporate governance, game integrity, security, incident/change management.
• ITL certification: all games and critical systems tested by an AGCO-registered ITL.
• AML/KYC & Responsible Gaming: internal policies, staff training, RG Check within 2 years of signing the OA.
• Access & marketing rules: players 19+, physically located in Ontario; strict limits on inducements, sports celebrities, and affiliate marketing.

Ontario iGaming License Application Process

Obtaining the right to operate in Ontario is a multi-step process that combines AGCO registration and signing an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO). Below is a typical sequence for B2C operators.

Step 1

Initial consultation & roadmap

• Review of your business model, target geographies, verticals, and content/payment providers.
• Definition of the required document list and key roles (Compliance, MLRO, technical contacts).
• A step-by-step preparation timeline for AGCO registration and iGO onboarding.

Outcome: an agreed go-live plan with a timeline and document checklist.

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Step 2

Corporate & payments readiness

• Review of the corporate structure (a local Canadian entity is not mandatory unless required by a bank or driven by tax considerations).
• Payments infrastructure setup: merchant acquirers, APMs, fund flows, and dedicated accounts for player fund
• Appointment of responsible persons and preparation of Key Person/Key Functionary disclosures (KFP).

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Step 3

Compliance package & technical architecture

We prepare AML/CTF, KYC/KYB, and Responsible Gambling policies, a controls matrix aligned with the Registrar’s Standards, as well as platform and integration descriptions, data flows, and operational process maps.

Outcome: a complete submission file ready for application and technical review.

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Step 4

AGCO application & regulator communication

Submission via iAGCO for Internet Gaming Operator registration, payment of fees, responses to regulator requests, and personal disclosures for key persons.

Outcome: Internet Gaming Operator registration with AGCO.

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Step 5

iGO onboarding (+ ITL)

NDA/LoA, secure data channels, AML and financial package (bank due diligence, end-to-end GGR testing), reporting configuration, and certification of games/critical systems by an approved Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL).

Outcome: confirmed data/system readiness and compliance with iGO requirements.

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Step 6

Operating Agreement & go-live

Signing the Operating Agreement, final tests, listing of the gaming site(s), and commencement of operations in line with marketing and Responsible Gambling rules.
Outcome: official launch and transition to ongoing support (reporting, release management, RG Check within 2 years).

Indicative timeline: plan for approximately 90+ days* to sign the Operating Agreement (OA). The actual timeline depends on the complexity of the corporate structure and the responsiveness of communications with regulators.

*Subject to a complete document package and a ready technical infrastructure.

Taxes, AML, and Technical Requirements (Post-License)

• Commercial model. After AGCO registration and OA with iGO, the operator shares NGR as per the agreement; additional costs include annual AGCO fees, ITL testing, and audits.
• AML / FINTRAC alignment. Risk-based AML/CTF program: KYC/KYB/EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, record-keeping, periodic training.
• Responsible Gaming. RG Check (within 2 years of OA); tools for player self-control — deposit/bet limits, reality checks, time-outs, self-exclusion.
• Registrar’s Standards. Ongoing compliance with AGCO standards: governance, fairness, info-security, incident/change control; marketing rules: 19+, physical presence, inducement limits, affiliate oversight.
• Technical compliance. Certification in AGCO-registered ITL before go-live and for major releases; cybersecurity: MFA, encryption, vulnerability management, logging, DR/BCP.
• Data & reporting. Secure SFTP/SharePoint channels, daily/monthly GGR/NGR files, reconciliation and reporting to iGO/AGCO, mandatory incident notifications.
• Third parties & payments. Platform/hosting/content/payment providers must meet compliance requirements; critical vendors must be AGCO-registered and/or certified; player funds segregation and antifraud controls are mandatory.

Common Questions about the Ontario License

Who regulates and how does the model work?
AGCO registers operators, and iGaming Ontario (iGO) signs an Operating Agreement — the final step before launch.

Is a Canadian company required?
No. A local entity or servers are not mandatory if you ensure data security and regulatory compliance.

What are the main regulatory fees?
Approx. CA$100,000 per site annually, plus certification and compliance costs.

Which authorizations are required?
AGCO Internet Gaming Operator registration + Operating Agreement with iGO (both required before go-live).

Does one registration cover multiple verticals?
Yes — casino, betting, and P2P poker under one setup (lotteries remain under OLG).

Ontario Gambling License Consultant

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Licenses in Other Jurisdictions