Licenses for online casinos,
betting, skillgaming, lotteries etc.
Full-support for gaming projects
Ontario is one of North America’s largest regulated iGaming markets. Its private online gambling market has been operating since April 2022 and allows approved operators to offer casino, sports betting and other gaming products.
Ontario does not issue a traditional standalone gambling licence. Private operators must register with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and enter into an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO).
Our team helps iGaming businesses assess the Ontario market, prepare for AGCO registration and navigate the market-entry process. This article covers the main requirements, costs and timelines to consider.
What Is an Ontario Gambling License?
An Ontario Gambling License is the term commonly used for the authorization required to offer online gambling services in Ontario.
In practice, private operators enter the market through AGCO registration as an Internet Gaming Operator and an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.
Ontario does not issue separate private licences for casino, sports betting or poker.
Who Needs a Gaming License in Ontario?
Any company that wants to operate an online gambling platform for players physically located in Ontario must enter the province’s regulated iGaming framework.
This includes operators offering:
- Online casino
- Sports and event betting
- Poker
- Other approved gaming products
International operators can apply without establishing a Canadian company solely for this purpose. The license holding entity can be incorporated in any jurisdiction, but where local laws don’t conflict with this.
Players do not have to be Ontario residents, but they must be physically located in Ontario when gambling.
Advantages of an Ontario Gaming License
Ontario offers access to a large and established regulated iGaming market with an open competitive model.
The province also provides a structured regulatory environment focused on responsible gambling, player protection, AML compliance and technical standards, making Ontario an attractive option for operators seeking a regulated North American market.
Types of Gambling Licenses in Ontario
Ontario does not issue separate private licences for casino, sportsbook or poker activities. Instead, businesses are regulated according to their role.
| Category | Role |
|---|---|
| Internet Gaming Operator | Operates an online gambling platform |
| Gaming-Related Supplier | Provides gaming-related technology or services |
| Independent Testing Laboratory | Tests and certifies gaming technology |
For most gambling businesses, the key authorization is Internet Gaming Operator registration with the AGCO, combined with an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.
Ontario Gambling License Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they have a suitable corporate structure, transparent ownership and the resources and controls required to operate in Ontario.
The AGCO reviews the applicant and relevant individuals, while the operator must also meet requirements covering AML, responsible gambling, player protection, technical compliance and regulatory reporting.
Our team can help assess your business model and identify the regulatory, compliance and technical requirements that should be addressed before applying.
Gambling Legislation and Regulatory Framework in Ontario
Ontario’s iGaming market operates under both federal and provincial legislation. The key legal framework includes the Criminal Code of Canada, the Gaming Control Act, 1992, Ontario Regulation 78/12 and the iGaming Ontario Act, 2024.
The AGCO’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming set out the practical requirements that operators must meet in areas such as responsible gambling, technology, security, game integrity and reporting.
Step-by-Step Process of Applying for an Ontario Gaming License
The process can be broadly divided into the following stages:
- Business and regulatory assessment
Determine the applicant entity, ownership structure, gaming products, suppliers and regulatory requirements. - AGCO application
Prepare and submit the Operator Application, disclosures and supporting documentation. - Compliance and technical preparation
Bring AML, responsible gambling, player protection and technical systems into line with Ontario requirements. - iGaming Ontario onboarding
Complete the required financial, AML, systems and data-readiness processes. - Registration and Operating Agreement
Obtain the AGCO Certificate of Registration and execute the Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. - Market launch
Once the regulatory, technical and contractual requirements are complete, the operator can launch in Ontario.
Cost of an Ontario Gambling License
The AGCO registration fee for a commercial gaming operator is C$100,000 per gaming site per year.
Operators should also budget for legal and compliance support, technical certification, technology, AML and responsible gambling systems, banking and other operational expenses.
The AGCO registration fee is separate from the commercial financial arrangements between an operator and iGaming Ontario under the Operating Agreement.
Timeline for Obtaining an Ontario Gaming License
The timeline depends on the operator’s corporate structure, documentation, technology and compliance readiness.
Operators should expect a minimum of 90 days to complete the steps necessary to obtain AGCO registration and execute an Operating Agreement with iGO. This should be treated as a minimum planning assumption rather than a guaranteed three-month approval.
Compliance Obligations for Ontario Gaming Operators
Obtaining AGCO registration does not end the operator’s regulatory obligations. Operators must maintain ongoing compliance with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming and the requirements of iGaming Ontario.
Key areas include responsible gambling, AML compliance, player protection, technical standards, regulatory reporting and oversight of gaming-related suppliers.
Operators must also maintain appropriate internal controls and notify the regulator of relevant corporate, operational or technology changes.
Why Choose Ontario for an iGaming Business?
Ontario is particularly attractive to operators looking for access to a large, regulated North American iGaming market.
The province combines an open competitive market with a broad range of gaming products and allows international companies to participate without a mandatory Canadian incorporation requirement.
At the same time, Ontario is a highly regulated jurisdiction. Operators should therefore be prepared for substantial compliance, technical and operational requirements rather than treating the market as a light-touch licensing option.
Overview of the Ontario iGaming Market
Ontario launched its regulated private iGaming market on April 4, 2022.
The market has expanded significantly since launch. According to iGaming Ontario, as of September 1, 2026, the regulated market included 49 operators and 84 gaming websites.
During the fourth year of the market, Ontario recorded more than C$103 billion in wagers and C$4.2 billion in gaming revenue.
| Market Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Market launch | April 4, 2022 |
| Regulated operators | 49 |
| Gaming websites | 84 |
| Fourth-year wagers | C$103+ billion |
| Fourth-year gaming revenue | C$4.2+ billion |
iGaming Ontario also reports that 91.1% of surveyed online gamblers used regulated sites, demonstrating the strong position of the regulated market.
Get Your Ontario Gambling License with Our Team
Entering Ontario’s regulated iGaming market requires careful preparation, from AGCO registration and supporting disclosures to AML, responsible gambling and technical compliance, followed by onboarding with iGaming Ontario.
Our team supports iGaming businesses at every stage of the process:
- Assessing your business model, corporate structure and readiness for the Ontario market
- Preparing and submitting the AGCO Operator Application and supporting documentation
- Developing AML, responsible gambling and player protection policies in line with the Registrar’s Standards
- Coordinating technical preparation and iGaming Ontario onboarding
- Providing ongoing compliance support after launch
Whether you are an established operator expanding into North America or a new market entrant, we can help you build a clear, realistic roadmap to launching in Ontario.
Contact our team to discuss your project and take the first step toward operating in one of North America’s largest regulated iGaming markets.
FAQ about Ontario Gambling License
Is online gambling legal in Ontario?
Yes. Private online gambling is legal in Ontario within the regulated iGaming framework. Operators must be registered with the AGCO and enter into an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario before launching.
Who regulates gambling in Ontario?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for regulating and registering operators, while iGaming Ontario (iGO) conducts and manages the province’s regulated private iGaming market.
How much does an Ontario gambling license cost?
The AGCO registration fee for a commercial gaming operator is currently C$100,000 per gaming site per year. Operators should also account for legal, compliance, technical and operational costs.
How much does an Ontario gambling license cost?
The AGCO registration fee for a commercial gaming operator is currently C$100,000 per gaming site per year. Operators should also account for legal, compliance, technical and operational costs.
How long does it take to obtain an Ontario gambling license?
iGaming Ontario advises operators to expect a minimum of 90 days to complete the required AGCO registration and iGO Operating Agreement process. More complex applications may take longer.
Does an operator need a Canadian company?
No. Ontario does not require an operator to establish a Canadian company solely to enter the regulated iGaming market. International companies can apply if they meet the applicable requirements.
Can one operator offer casino and sports betting?
Yes. Ontario does not issue separate private licences for each gaming vertical. An approved Internet Gaming Operator can offer eligible products such as casino and sports betting within the applicable regulatory framework.
Do players have to be Ontario residents?
No. Players do not have to be Ontario residents, but they must be physically located in Ontario when gambling through a regulated platform.
What is the minimum gambling age in Ontario?
The minimum age for participating in internet gaming products conducted and managed by iGaming Ontario is 19 years old.
Does an Ontario gambling license need to be renewed?
Yes. Operator registration is maintained on an ongoing basis and the applicable registration fee is charged annually. Operators must also continue meeting AGCO and iGaming Ontario requirements throughout their operations.
Get in touch with us
Roman Baranovskyi
Senior lawyer
Valeriia Kozel
Customer manager
Awards & Memberships
Customer reviews
