The online casino industry in Canada is growing steadily, so the country has to step up its regulations to ensure that the activity is properly controlled. However, rules differ from one province to another, making it a bit complicated for newcomers to understand how the whole business works.
In Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for regulating all gaming activities in the province. It created a new branch called iGaming Ontario (iGO) to regulate internet-based casinos in three ways: by setting rules on what types of games can be offered, by establishing regulations for responsible gambling management, and by ensuring that all online casinos operating in Ontario comply with the gambling laws.
In this post, we are going to dig deeper into the regulations on the iGaming market in Ontario. Let’s take a look!
iGO: The Basics
A newly-established commission regulates the iGaming industry with a set of rules, including licensed operators having to use software approved by them and regular audits of the sites. If you want to launch the best paying online casino Canada, you will have to follow strict guidelines and put in place measures to prevent underage gambling, as well as ensure the protection of player funds.
The commission also monitors advertising campaigns and can take action against companies that advertise inappropriately or in an irresponsible manner. Furthermore, they can restrict the areas where operators are allowed to advertise and even impose additional restrictions or penalties if necessary.
There are seven key steps investors need to make in order to launch a gambling platform:
- Sign a non-disclosure agreement with the commission
- Deliver a Letter of Agreement
- Set technical preconditions for accessing the iGO structure
- Submit the anti-money laundering report
- Provide a finance-related report
- Undergo an iGO readiness test
- Complete the agreement with the commission
Each of these steps comes with a whole range of documents and procedures, so we encourage you to check the iGO website in order to get all the necessary information.
Responsible Gambling Management
Responsible gambling is an integral part of iGaming in Ontario. To ensure that players stay safe when playing online, Casumo, Playojo, Jackpot City and all other operators must implement Responsible Gambling Management Systems (RGMS). These must be regularly updated to reflect the latest trends in online gambling.
In other words, they must include social responsibility measures such as setting deposit limits, offering self-exclusion options and providing support for problem gamblers. All online casinos have to display their RGMS on each page of their websites and provide information about responsible gaming and contact details for support.
Besides that, this policy should include information about the risks associated with online gambling, measures for preventing problem gambling and links to resources that can help players who need assistance. You should also check out AGCO to learn more about the entire process.
What Else Should a Good Online Casino Have?
We’ve seen the basic rules of Ontario iGaming, but what about other non-technical features? How do you recognize a good online casino?
Well, the most important thing is that the company offers secure payments and fast withdrawals through multiple payment channels. It also helps if they have customer service available around the clock, along with great bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players.
The best online casinos also provide a wide selection of games from popular game developers. That way, users can find everything they need for a great gambling experience. Lastly, having a mobile version is essential for an enjoyable gaming experience on the go because the number of smartphone owners is growing all over the world, including Canada.
Conclusion
As you can see, Ontario has a highly distinctive set of regulations that need to be followed when it comes to iGaming. These rules are in place to make sure players have a safe and secure gaming experience while also protecting operators from unethical practices and ensuring they remain compliant with gambling laws.
If you’re looking to set up an online casino in this province, make sure you follow the steps outlined by iGO and pay close attention to the rules and regulations. Good luck!
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