How Ontario’s gambling regulations compare to the rest of Canada

Gambling regulations in Ontario remain at the forefront of Canada’s iGaming industry

WHEN IT COMES to online gambling, things have changed exponentially since the launch of regulated online casino gambling and sports betting in Ontario. What many do not realize is that Ontario is alone in this regard.

How does Ontario’s regulated gambling setup compare to the rest of Canada? Read on to find out more about how the rest of Canada operates regarding online gambling and sports betting compared to the somewhat newly regulated system that Ontario has in place.

Regulations in Ontario

If you live in Ontario and have been looking for a place to play online casino games, you can focus on the best online casino in Ontario. Many approach gambling as an investment strategy but the goal should be to enjoy yourself and the entertainment that it can provide. In Ontario, this is possible because of the regulatory setup that the province offers.

Ontario is regulated by The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which dedicates itself to responsible gaming and player safety. Operators that wish to set up in the province must get an operating license issued by AGCO.

More importantly, there are geographical limitations. Players may place bets or play online casino games but only while within province limits. Operators are required to register with the AGCO to safeguard player safety, ensure compliance within that regulatory body, and maintain industry standards. Institutions that are not registered with the AGCO are not legally permitted to operate within provincial boundaries.

Regulatory Framework Elsewhere

Outside of Ontario, the framework for regulation of online casino gaming and sports betting varies from territory to territory and province to province. For the most part, each province has its own set of rules that it adheres to on the matter.

For instance, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) runs the province’s gaming regulations using a government-run casino known as PlayNow. Interestingly enough, PlayNow is also available to residents of Manitoba and Alberta.

Move a bit north to Quebec and things are different there as well. Loto-Quebec runs the show there and they are responsible for overseeing land-based and online gaming activities. Quebec has taken steps to create a legally regulated online gaming environment that works similarly to what is happening in British Columbia. The goal is to protect players and to promote responsible gambling for all.

Some have embraced the times and moved in the direction of regulated online gaming and sports betting. Others, however, have no provincially licensed online casinos even if there are land-based operators.

Offshore Sites

Technically speaking, even if an online casino isn’t legally licensed to operate in Canada (Ontario being the exclusion), it isn’t illegal to play at sites that have been licensed in foreign countries. These are known as offshore sites and they are considered fine to play.

Most commonly, offshore casinos and betting sites are regulated by the UK Gaming Commission, Isle of Man, Curacao, and the Malta Gaming Authority. They follow many of the same basic guidelines that Ontario currently follows.

Speaking of Ontario, it is the first province to provide an open market within its provincial borders. Other territories and provinces have their own set of frameworks and regulations, but Ontario has strict geographical restrictions and licensing requirements in comparison.

The iGaming industry continues to grow and change. More than a few provinces have already considered adopting the framework that Ontario has laid out. Whether that is the move going forward remains to be seen but what Ontario has done cannot be ignored.