Ontario has the most developed online gambling market in Canada, and its licensing setup is unusual: two separate bodies share the job. If you play in Ontario, this is the system protecting you, and it takes under a minute to check whether a site is part of it.
This page explains who does what, how to verify a casino and how to complain. For the casinos themselves, see our list of licensed Ontario online casinos.
Quick answer: Ontario’s market has two bodies. The AGCO regulates operators and sets the standards. iGaming Ontario, an independent agency since May 2025, signs operating agreements with them. A legal site needs both, and you can confirm one in iGaming Ontario’s public directory. If a complaint to the casino fails, iGaming Ontario can review it. Regulated sites can’t advertise bonuses publicly.
AGCO and iGaming Ontario: Who Does What
| AGCO | iGaming Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario | iGaming Ontario (iGO) |
| Role | Regulator | Conducts and manages the market |
| What it does | Registers operators and suppliers, sets standards, investigates and fines | Signs operating agreements and handles player complaint reviews |
| Public tool | Enforcement news and Registrar’s Standards | Directory of regulated sites |
iGaming Ontario began as a subsidiary of the AGCO. On May 12, 2025, it became a standalone agency, and the AGCO stayed on as the regulator of operators and of iGO itself. You may still see older sources calling it a subsidiary. Ontario’s private market opened on April 4, 2022, and the directory listed 49 operators and 84 sites on September 1, 2026.
How to Check an Ontario Casino
- Open iGaming Ontario’s regulated market page at igamingontario.ca.
- Search for the site or operator.
- Check the exact website. Brands often run a separate Ontario site, so the address matters.
- Look for the iGaming Ontario logo on the site, and confirm it in the directory.
Names can catch you out. PokerStars, for example, now sits under FanDuel in Ontario, so you will not find it under its own name. Our PokerStars review explains the change.
What Ontario Rules Do for You
- Verified operators. Operators and their suppliers go through AGCO registration.
- Game testing. Games must meet the Registrar’s Standards. Features such as slot autoplay are banned.
- Bonus limits. Operators cannot advertise bonuses publicly.
- Safer gambling. Limits, time-outs and self-exclusion are standard.
- Enforcement. The AGCO can fine operators, and it does.
The AGCO in Action: Fines So Far
| Company | Penalty | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Canada | C$110,000 | Offering cash to attract new customers |
| DraftKings Canada | C$100,000 | Advertising and inducement breaches |
| Booming Games | C$70,000 | Slots with an autoplay feature |
| Well Played Media (Casino Days) | C$54,000 | A bonus the regulator found unfair |
These are examples, not a full list. Public penalties show the rules have teeth, which is rare outside regulated markets. Our Casino Days review and BetMGM review cover how those brands operate today.
How to Complain in Ontario
- Complain to the operator through its formal process and keep records.
- Allow time for a response.
- If it stays unresolved after around 90 days, take it to iGaming Ontario, which can review it.
Our explainer on resolving casino disputes explains how to prepare your case.
Ontario vs Offshore Licences
An Ontario licence is the strongest you can have as an Ontario resident. Offshore sites may offer bigger advertised bonuses, but they do not give you these protections. Our casino licence comparison sets out the differences, and our explainer on provincially run and offshore casinos covers the trade-offs. Alberta has a similar two-body system, covered on our page about AGLC licensing in Alberta.
Safer Play in Ontario
Regulated sites must offer tools to limit your play. If you need more help, ConnexOntario and other services are listed on our page about responsible gambling in Canada.
Written by Liam Lambert, OCCG casino reviewer. Details reflect public sources and our directory checks in 2026. If something has changed, let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iGaming Ontario?
An agency that conducts and manages Ontario’s online gambling market and signs agreements with operators. It has been standalone since May 2025.
What is the difference between AGCO and iGaming Ontario?
The AGCO is the regulator that registers operators and enforces standards. iGaming Ontario signs operating agreements and runs the market.
How do I know if an online casino is legal in Ontario?
Check iGaming Ontario’s public directory of regulated sites, and make sure the website address matches.
Is iGaming Ontario part of the AGCO?
Not any more. It became a standalone agency on May 12, 2025, although the AGCO still regulates it.
How do I complain about an Ontario casino?
Complain to the operator first. If it stays unresolved after around 90 days, iGaming Ontario can review it.
Why can’t Ontario casinos advertise bonuses?
Ontario’s rules bar public advertising of inducements. Operators can show offers on their own sites or to players who have agreed to marketing.
How many casinos are licensed in Ontario?
The directory showed 49 operators and 84 sites on September 1, 2026.
Can Ontario players use offshore casinos?
Offshore sites are not part of Ontario’s regulated market and offer no Ontario protection, so we recommend licensed sites.
