iGaming Ontario (iGO), the new subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) tasked with facilitating the creation of a safe, regulated, and competitive online gaming market within the province, has published more information for existing and prospective operators.
iGO released two documents late last week to introduce itself to prospective operators:
- An overview of iGaming Ontario
- Elements of the commercial agreement
RELATED: Ontario government launches iGaming Ontario to regulate online gaming
Within the overview, iGO notes that its keys to success in conducting and managing iGaming in Ontario via private gaming operators will be ensuring it reflects consumer preferences and fosters an exciting gaming experience while facilitating innovation and speed to market and avoiding overlap and duplication with AGCO regulatory activities, all while establishing and maintaining strong player protections and anti-money laundering controls.
The overview adds that iGO will focus on forging commercial agreements with AGCO-registered operators and
overseeing contract obligations, implementing and overseeing revenue reconciliation on behalf of the province, providing market insights and facilitating operator integration into the regulated market, and leading programs related to responsible gambling and anti-money laundering.
RELATED: Ontario launches AML task force as casinos reopen
Ultimately, iGO’s mandate will focus on business objectives and contractual compliance, while the AGCO will continue to take the lead on legislation, regulations, and standards.
iGO has also launched its own portal and is inviting prospective operators to download and sign an non-disclosure agreement.
To be eligible, operators must:
- Intend to apply for registration as an iGaming Operator (as defined in the AGCO’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming); and
- Own or possess a controlling interest in certain Internet Gaming Sites; and
- Intend to discuss elements of a potential agreement with iGO to enable the operator’s participation in the iGaming market conducted and managed by iGO
The NDA will include a blank “Schedule A” page at the end where iGO requests operators to list all the websites that the NDA will apply to.
The AGCO recently released a roadmap letting Ontarians knowing what they can expect during the rollout of the province’s adapted iGaming market.
Ontario has said that it expects iGO to be up and running by December.
The Canadian Gaming Association invites anyone with any questions on the process to contact them at [email protected].