Internet Gaming

What Marketers Need to Know

To participate in Ontario’s legal internet gaming (iGaming) market, iGaming operators and suppliers need to be registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) – one of two regulatory agencies that are responsible for gaming activities in Ontario, whether they are brick-and-mortar locations or online. The other regulatory agency is iGaming Ontario (iGO) – a subsidiary of the AGCO.

Anyone wanting to be active in this space must comply with the AGCO’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, and iGaming Ontario’s Marketing and Advertising Policy.

A key priority for the regulators is responsible gaming, which means, among other things, that gaming should not be promoted as anything other than entertainment. Since the regulated market in Ontario is new, changes are anticipated as the sector evolves. Some fundamentals however will not change – the need to ensure that marketing and advertising are carried out in a responsible manner and are not misleading.

The CMA, through our iGaming Committee, will keep members informed of developments in this area. Members can access resources  to stay informed and compliant.