🇨🇦 Ontario (Canada) · Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario / iGaming Ontario (AGCO)
Ontario (Canada) Online Gambling Licence — 2026
Canada's first open regulated iGaming market — Ontario's AGCO/iGaming Ontario model let private operators enter legally in 2022 under a 20% revenue share.
Tier 1 — Premium reputationOntario opened the door. In April 2022 it became the first Canadian province to let private operators run regulated online gambling, through registration with the AGCO and an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. Dozens of operators went live.
The model is a 20% revenue share rather than a conventional tax, with strict advertising rules — Ontario banned athlete and celebrity endorsements in 2024. It's Ontario-only, though; the rest of Canada still runs provincial monopolies, so a registration here doesn't unlock the whole country.
Quick facts
| Regulator | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario / iGaming Ontario ↗ |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier 1 — Premium reputation |
| Licence types | Internet gaming operator registration, Gaming-related supplier registration, iGaming Ontario operating agreement |
| Application cost | CAD 100,000 operator registration fee |
| Annual cost | CAD 100,000 renewal + regulatory fees |
| Gaming tax | 20% of GGR paid to iGaming Ontario (commercial model, not a tax) |
| Corporate tax | Canadian federal and Ontario corporate tax applies |
| Substance | Operating agreement with iGaming Ontario; registration with the AGCO; Ontario consumer-protection compliance |
| Timeline | 3-6 months for registration and operating agreement |
Pros
- First open, competitive iGaming market in Canada
- Clear registration path via the AGCO
- Large, affluent English-speaking market
Cons
- 20% revenue share to iGaming Ontario
- Strict advertising and inducement rules
- Ontario-only — other provinces run their own monopolies
Best for
- Operators entering the Canadian market legally
- Sportsbooks and casinos already live in Europe or the US
- Suppliers needing a North American registration
Recent developments (2025-2026)
Ontario's market passed its third year in 2025 with dozens of registered operators; the AGCO tightened advertising rules restricting athlete and celebrity endorsements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ontario's iGaming market open to private operators?
Yes. Since April 2022, private operators can register with the AGCO and sign an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario to offer regulated online gambling.
What does Ontario charge operators?
A 20% share of gross gaming revenue paid to iGaming Ontario, plus AGCO registration and renewal fees of around CAD 100,000.
Does an Ontario licence cover all of Canada?
No. It covers Ontario only. Other provinces operate their own monopoly models, so national coverage needs separate arrangements.