Ontario Gambling Licence – How To Obtain an Ontario Gambling Licence?

What Is an Ontario Gambling License?

An Ontario Gambling Licence is a business authorisation that allows an iGaming company to legally operate and provide online gambling services within the province of Ontario. It’s important to note that this licence is specific to Ontario’s regulated iGaming market and is not a federal authorisation. In other words, it permits services only for residents of the province of Ontario.

The authorisation does not take the form of a single traditional gambling licence. Instead, the process for obtaining the authorisation involves two steps: first, registering with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), followed by entering into an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO).

Who Needs a Gaming License in Ontario?

This authorisation might especially interest experienced market participants. Those who are prepared to handle its relatively high cost and complicated application process may want to grow their iGaming business in the North American market.

Advantages of an Ontario Gaming License

An Ontario Gaming License gives an iGaming business legal access to Ontario, one of the largest regulated markets in North America.

Another major benefit of an Ontario Gambling License is regulatory credibility. This license does not allow an operator or supplier to provide gambling services outside Ontario. However, registration with the AGCO shows that the company meets high regulatory standards, has passed suitability checks, and is ready to follow strict rules on game integrity, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, advertising, and player protection. Thus, an Ontario Gaming License can boost the company’s reputation and build trust among users and business partners.

Overview of the Ontario iGaming Market

According to iGaming Ontario’s Market Performance Report, as of May 2026, Ontario’s regulated iGaming market showed strong commercial performance. In May 2026, the market generated about CAD 9.48 billion in total cash wagers and CAD 413.1 million in gross gaming revenue. The number of active player accounts reached around 1.26 million, with an average revenue of CAD 329 per account.

Casino games remained the top product category, making up about 88% of wagers and 79% of gaming revenue. Betting came in second, with about 10% of wagers and 20% of gaming revenue. P2P poker was a niche segment with approximately 1% of both wagers and revenue.

Types of Gambling Licenses in Ontario

The main categories are Internet Gaming Operator and Gaming-Related Supplier. An Internet Gaming Operator registration is for companies that run online casinos, sportsbooks, poker platforms, or other iGaming websites for players in Ontario. A Gaming-Related Supplier registration is for B2B companies that offer important products or services, such as gaming platforms, games, live casino solutions, betting systems, or other technology linked to gaming operations.

Ontario Gambling License Key Requirements

To obtain an Ontario gambling licence, an applicant must demonstrate that the company, its owners, directors, officers, and other key personnel are qualified to participate in Ontario’s regulated iGaming market. The list of requirements is available on the AGCO website and includes a clear ownership structure, a transparent source of funds, a good business reputation, financial stability, and no major integrity issues. Private operators must register with the AGCO. Before offering games to players in Ontario, they must also sign an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario.

The technical and compliance aspects are also crucial. An Ontario Gaming License requires the operator’s games and essential systems to meet Ontario standards. This includes certification by an AGCO-registered Independent Testing Laboratory where necessary. The operator must also adhere to strict guidelines on responsible gambling, player protection, game integrity, advertising, AML, data security, and reporting. 

Gambling Legislation and Regulatory Framework in Ontario

The regulatory framework for an Ontario Gambling License is based on both federal and provincial law. The Criminal Code of Canada allows provincial governments to operate and manage lottery schemes. This law provides the legal foundation for Ontario’s regulated iGaming model. At the provincial level, the Gaming Control Act of 1992 and related regulations give the AGCO the power to regulate gaming and register market participants.

In practice, the system has two main bodies. The AGCO acts as the regulator. It registers iGaming operators and gaming-related suppliers, sets standards, and ensures compliance.

iGaming Ontario is the commercial body responsible for managing Ontario’s regulated iGaming market. Private operators do not just receive permission and act on their own. They must enter into an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. This agreement outlines the commercial and operational framework for their participation in the Ontario market, including reporting, revenue-related obligations, and market conduct requirements. 

How to obtain an Ontario online gambling license

The process of applying for an Ontario Gaming License typically starts with a pre-application review. At this stage, the company should figure out if it needs to register as an Internet Gaming Operator or a Gaming-Related Supplier. It should also prepare its corporate structure, ownership chart, key persons list, source of funds information, business plan, compliance policies, AML procedures, responsible gambling framework, and technical documentation.

The next step is to submit the application to the AGCO through the iAGCO portal. At this time, the applicant should also pay the required registration or regulatory fee. After submission, the AGCO conducts a suitability review of the company, its owners, directors, officers, and other relevant individuals. Meanwhile, operators usually start onboarding with iGaming Ontario and work on the operating agreement.

The final stage involves regulatory approval and preparing for launch. The applicant must respond to regulator questions, fix any compliance or technical issues, complete testing, and finalize the iGaming Ontario agreement if it is necessary for its business model. Only after registration, technical readiness, payment of the required fees, and all necessary commercial arrangements are complete can the company legally launch its services in Ontario.

Cost of an Ontario Gambling License

The cost of an Ontario Gambling License includes both official regulatory fees and broader market-entry expenses. For an Internet Gaming Operator, the AGCO registration fee is CAD 100,000 per gaming site per year, and it must be submitted with the application. Gaming-Related Suppliers pay lower fees, depending on their category. However, these official fees are only the starting point. Applicants should also budget for legal support, compliance policies, AML/KYC procedures, technical testing, certification, platform adjustments, internal controls, and ongoing reporting obligations. 

Timeline for Obtaining an Ontario Gaming License

The timeline for getting an Ontario Gaming License usually depends on how well the applicant prepares and the complexity of their business structure. In practice, a well-prepared applicant can expect the process to take about 3 to 6 months after submitting the application. However, when we factor in corporate structuring, document preparation, technical changes, testing, onboarding with iGaming Ontario, and getting ready for the final launch, the entire market-entry process may take closer to 6 to 9 months.

The longest steps are usually the AGCO suitability review, technical certification, and working on or finalizing the operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. Delays can happen if the ownership structure is complicated, key individuals are in different jurisdictions, the documentation for the source of funds is unclear, or the platform doesn’t fully meet Ontario’s technical and compliance standards. Therefore, operators should begin their preparations well in advance of the planned launch date.

How to Start a Gambling Company in Ontario

A Canadian or Ontario company is not officially required to apply for an Ontario Gambling License. Foreign companies can register with the AGCO if they meet the necessary regulatory, suitability, technical, and compliance requirements.

In practice, it is strongly recommended to establish a Canadian or Ontario company for operational, banking, and compliance reasons. 

Compliance Obligations for Ontario Gaming Operators

Once an operator obtains an Ontario Gaming License, they must follow ongoing regulatory, technical, and reporting requirements. Key areas include responsible gambling, player protection, AML controls, game integrity, advertising rules, data security, handling complaints, and accurate reporting to the regulator and iGaming Ontario. Operators must ensure their games, platform, payment processes, and internal controls continue to meet Ontario standards after launch.

Ontario gaming operators must monitor their systems, keep proper records, report relevant incidents, cooperate with regulatory reviews, and update their policies as the business or regulations change. This is one reason why an Ontario Gambling License is more suitable for companies with strong legal, compliance, technical, and operational teams. 

Renewal of an Ontario Gambling License

An Ontario Gambling License is not permanent. Operators and suppliers must renew their registration before it expires and show that they remain suitable for the Ontario market. During renewal, the AGCO may review the company’s compliance history, ownership structure, key personnel, financial position, technical readiness, and any past regulatory issues.

In practice, renewal should be approached as an ongoing compliance project, not just a simple administrative task. If the operator has weak internal controls, unresolved incidents, poor reporting, or serious violations of Ontario standards, this may cause difficulties during renewal. A company that wants to keep its Gaming License in Ontario should maintain clean records, strong compliance procedures, and regular internal reviews throughout the entire registration period. 

Why Choose Ontario for an iGaming Business?

Ontario is one of the most interesting regulated iGaming markets in North America. It has a large population, strong player demand, and clear rules. An Ontario gaming license can provide access to a profitable and reputable market.

Registration with the Ontario authorities can foster trust with banks, payment providers, investors, software suppliers, and business partners. At the same time, Ontario is not a cheap entry. It is best suited for well-funded, experienced iGaming companies that are ready to meet strict standards and build a long-term regulated business.

How SBSB Fintech Lawyers Can Help You Obtain an Ontario Gambling License

Obtaining an Ontario Gambling License requires careful preparation, strong compliance procedures, and effective coordination with both the AGCO and iGaming Ontario. SBSB Fintech Lawyers can support your project at every stage — from selecting the appropriate registration category and preparing the required documentation to assisting with regulatory communication, compliance frameworks, technical certification, and market launch. Contact our team at yuliya_barabash@sb-sb.com to discuss your business model and receive professional legal support for entering Ontario’s regulated iGaming market.