Ontario government prepares legislation to end igaming monopoly
Ontario’s government is to introduce new legislation seeking to end the current online gambling monopoly in the Canadian province and open up the market to private operators.
At present, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is the only operator approved to offer online gambling in the province via its PlayOGA.ca website.
However, after last year setting out in its budget plans to end the monopoly, the government has now taken this a step further in its 2020 budget, confirming it will introduce legislation to establish a more open market.
Should this legislation pass into law, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) would conduct and manage online gambling activities, as well as serving as regulator for the market.
A dedicated subsidiary under the AGCO would also be established to manage the relationship between the government and private, licensed operators.
The government and the AGCO will continue to consult with key stakeholders on the design of the new-look market to ensure it reflects consumer preferences.