Ontario’s long-anticipated regulatory shift in its gambling sector became official on May 12, 2025, as the iGaming Ontario Act came into effect. With this move, iGaming Ontario (iGO) formally ended its status as a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and now operates as a distinct entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. 3un6y
The structural change places iGO, which oversees over 50 online gambling operators offering more than 80 platforms, directly under Minister Stan Cho’s purview. Cho, who brings previous gaming oversight experience from his time as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, now also oversees the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), aligning all provincial gambling revenue arms under one ministry.
Previously, iGO reported to AGCO, which in turn answered to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). Under the new structure, the AGCO remains the primary regulatory body for gambling in the province, while iGO focuses solely on operational management of Ontario’s commercial online gambling.
Addressing Conflicts and Streamlining Oversight u2f4p
The reorganization follows concerns raised by Ontario’s Auditor General about a potential conflict of interest stemming from AGCO’s dual roles—overseeing the gambling sector while managing iGO’s revenue-generating operations.
MAG explained the rationale behind the shift, stating the new framework would “strengthen iGO’s governance and ability structure and contribute to the continued success of Ontario’s thriving iGaming market by positioning the agency as a competitive employer and addressing a conflict-of-interest concern raised by the Auditor General.”
By separating the two agencies, Ontario aims to eliminate these overlapping responsibilities. The ministry now supervises all gambling revenue streams through both iGO and OLG, while AGCO continues to regulate the industry, including iGaming.
MAG also emphasized the practical benefits of this shift: “iGO would also be better positioned to optimise its resources by enabling it to respond nimbly to shifting market management and conditions.”
No Immediate Changes for Operators or Players 504z5j
Despite the organizational split, Ontario officials have assured stakeholders that day-to-day operations will remain stable. MAG confirmed, “there would be no impact” on operators or customers as a result of the separation. “The existing operating agreements between iGO and ed operators would be maintained, and operator relationships between both iGO and the AGCO would continue without changes.”
This continuity aims to maintain Ontario’s reputation as a leading jurisdiction in North America for regulated online gaming.
Leadership Transition in Progress 15574y
Meanwhile, iGO is undergoing a leadership transition. Executive Director Martha Otton, who initially planned to retire in 2024, has postponed her departure until March 2025. This extension gives the board of directors, chaired by Heidi Reinhart, time to appoint a successor. The new leader will assume the dual roles of president and CEO of the now-independent iGO.
While regulatory restructuring headlines the current transformation, AGCO continues its enforcement role. Recently, it reached a settlement with Woodbine Entertainment over horse welfare issues following a series of incidents between October and December 2024, where 19 horses were injured, and 10 were euthanized. On November 9 alone, six horses fell, three of which were put down, leading to that day’s races being canceled. Woodbine agreed not to dispute the AGCO’s findings.
Additionally, AGCO issued a $120,000 penalty to Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto after discovering dealer collusion in a cheat-at-play scheme that yielded nearly $20,000 in unlawful winnings over a short period.
Ontario’s regulatory ecosystem continues to evolve, with the separation of iGO and AGCO marking a significant milestone in clarifying oversight responsibilities and enhancing governance.
Source:
iGaming Ontario officially splits from AGCO as separation act takes effect, Canadian Gaming Business, May 12, 2025.
