Ontario runs a regulated online casino market for private operators. Since 4 April 2022, operators registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and holding an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO) may offer games to Ontario players. For a player, the complaint route is clear but limited: you complain to the site first, wait up to 90 days for its decision, then go to the AGCO, which can act against the operator but, in its own words, can't get your money back.
Ontario licence quick facts
| Regulator | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), with iGaming Ontario (iGO) running the market |
|---|---|
| Since | 4 April 2022 |
| Who it covers | Players in Ontario |
| How to check a licence | The iGaming Ontario logo on the site, or iGO's list of registered operators |
| Complaints route | The operator first (decision within up to 90 days), then the AGCO |
| Regulator's role in disputes | Can act against operators that break the rules; can't make a site pay you |
Who issues the Ontario licence
The AGCO registers and regulates online gambling and sports betting sites and sets the standards that protect players. iGaming Ontario signs operating agreements with registered operators. A site needs both to offer regulated games in Ontario.
What the Ontario licence requires from casinos
Registered sites must meet the AGCO's standards, including handling player complaints, disputes and inquiries in a fair, timely and appropriate way through a formal complaints process. Responsible gambling and advertising are part of those standards, and complaints about them can go straight to the AGCO.
How to check a casino's Ontario licence
Look for the iGaming Ontario (iGO) logo on the site, and check that the operator appears on iGO's list of registered operators. The AGCO only helps with disputes involving these regulated sites.
If a casino doesn't pay
- Read the site's terms, then use its formal complaints process. Keep your player ID and the complaint reference number.
- Wait for the site's decision, which can take up to 90 days.
- If you still have no resolution, or you believe the site broke the rules, complain to the AGCO with the site name, your player ID and the reference number.
- Complaints about responsible gambling, possible illegal activity or advertising can go to the AGCO without contacting the site first.
The AGCO's process can lead to penalties against the operator, but the AGCO says it can't get your money back or make a site pay you.
Self-exclusion and limits
Regulated Ontario sites offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion; the site's responsible gambling page shows them. If a site isn't helping, a responsible gambling complaint can go directly to the AGCO.
What the Ontario licence doesn't do
- The AGCO can't recover money for you; it acts against operators.
- It only covers sites registered for Ontario; offshore sites aren't part of the regulated market.
- An Ontario registration is for players in Ontario.
Our casinos for Canada list and our review method explain what we check, and our responsible gambling page lists free help lines.
Ontario licence FAQ
How do I know an Ontario casino is regulated?
Look for the iGaming Ontario logo and check the operator on iGO's list of registered operators.
How long does an Ontario casino have to answer my complaint?
The AGCO says to allow up to 90 days for the site's formal decision before you bring the dispute to it.
Can the AGCO get my money back?
No. The AGCO says it can't get your money back or make a site pay you, but its process can lead to penalties against the operator.
When did Ontario's online casino market open?
On 4 April 2022, for operators registered with the AGCO and holding an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario.
Sources
- AGCO: internet gaming complaints (operator first, up to 90 days, AGCO can't get your money back, iGO logo and operator list)
- AGCO: internet gaming (the AGCO registers igaming operators)
- BLG, 20 April 2022: Ontario's new iGaming market (opened 4 April 2022 to operators registered with the AGCO and holding an iGO operating agreement)
Checked 29 October 2026.
