Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, announced at the Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto that a comprehensive review will be launched on the rapidly expanding online gaming industry within the province. Cho emphasized that by 2025, gaming revenue in the province is expected to exceed 10 billion Canadian dollars for the first time, signifying not only economic growth but also presenting new challenges in regulation and compliance.
This review aims to enhance regulatory efficiency, reduce redundant filings among online and offline operators, and bolster industry innovation and consumer protection. Cho noted that the direction of the reforms will be based on feedback from experts and industry stakeholders, and will be jointly advanced by the provincial government along with iGO, OLG, and AGCO.
Since the implementation of the iGaming Ontario Act in May this year, iGO has officially become independent from AGCO and is now regulated by Cho's department, aiming to eliminate conflicts of interest, enhance governance transparency, and improve operational efficiency. AGCO will continue to be responsible for industry compliance, while iGO will focus on market development.
Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, believes that this review comes at a critical time of industry transformation. Simplifying compliance processes and introducing more product and service options will further mature the market and enhance the competitiveness of operators.
Overall, the online gaming review being conducted in Ontario not only focuses on reducing reporting burdens but also emphasizes regulatory efficiency, market flexibility, and ongoing innovation. In the coming months, as expert recommendations are implemented and regulations are upgraded, it is expected to set a regulatory example for online gaming in Canada.
