The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been recognized with the prestigious Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award from the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA). This esteemed award applauds AGCO’s significant contributions in designing and implementing a groundbreaking regulatory framework for Ontario’s online gambling market, which successfully commenced operations in April 2022.
AGCO’s Innovative Regulatory Framework:
Canada’s Trailblazing Initiative: AGCO’s innovative regulatory framework for iGaming in Ontario stands as a groundbreaking milestone, marking the first of its kind in Canada. It not only fulfills the legal obligations surrounding gaming but also fosters a competitive market environment.
Broad Spectrum of Online Gambling: Ontario’s online gambling market, which opened on April 4, 2022, offers a comprehensive range of gaming options, including casino games and sports betting. The oversight and regulation of this market are entrusted to iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of AGCO. iGaming Ontario plays a pivotal role in granting licenses to operators and suppliers, ensuring the market’s integrity.
AGCO’s Past Recognitions:
3. International Accolades: AGCO’s commitment to excellence in gaming regulation isn’t new. In the previous year, AGCO received the Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). This distinguished recognition was unveiled during the IAGR’s annual international regulatory awards ceremony held in Melbourne, Australia.
Proposed Measures for Responsible Advertising:
4. Protecting Vulnerable Audiences: AGCO is proactively taking steps to introduce new regulations for online gambling advertisements aimed at minimizing potential harm to minors. One of the pivotal proposals is the ban on advertisements featuring celebrities and athletes, as these often have a strong appeal to underage individuals.
Stricter Guidelines: Operators and suppliers operating in Ontario will be mandated to discontinue any advertising campaigns and promotional activities that employ active or retired athletes. The proposed measures are poised to eliminate the use of cartoon characters, symbols, role models, social media influencers, celebrities, or entertainers who may reasonably attract a younger audience.
AGCO’s receipt of the NAGRA Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award serves as a testament to its pioneering efforts in establishing Canada’s inaugural iGaming framework in Ontario. This framework has not only fulfilled its legal mandates but also set a remarkable precedent for responsible and competitive gaming regulation. AGCO’s dedication to excellence, as demonstrated by its past accolades, reinforces the belief that Ontario’s online gambling market is meticulously regulated, safe, and secure for all participants.