Ontario reveals a fresh legislation concerning online gambling.

This news is bound to disturb the Canada Online Casino industry: Ontario has now become the inaugural province in the nation to legalize online gambling platforms.

Through this article, I will shed light on the imminent actions that Doug Ford's government intends to take in the following months to restore order in this specific market. It is of utmost importance to address this pressing matter, and our focus remains on finding effective solutions.

New legislation

Ontarians are shelling out over 500 million dollars annually in online gambling, as stated by the Ministry of Finance. The real issue here is that the province is barely getting a fraction of this large sum.

I have always noticed that the Société des Loteries et des Jeux had exclusive rights to offer online games through their Play OLG website. However, it was clear that this platform couldn't measure up to the numerous online casinos available, which operate from overseas and are regulated by authorities in Malta, Curaçao, or Gibraltar.

The Ford government has expressed its desire to regain control of the market, a goal it has been vocal about since the announcement of the 2019 budget. In order to achieve this objective, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been tasked with the responsibility of issuing licenses to gaming sites that are deemed trustworthy.

What are the repercussions?

Access to the Ontario market will naturally be awarded in exchange for financial compensation, as part of the new regulation aimed at safeguarding Ontario players by ensuring that only legitimate online casinos can operate in the province. Consequently, foreign operators will have to adhere to the standards and rules established by Ontario to ensure the safety and fairness of online gambling. This measure also serves to prevent money laundering and other criminal activities associated with online gaming. As a result, these new restrictions will put an end to the competition from unregulated foreign online casinos in Ontario, and bolster the online gambling industry in the province.

Finally, Ontario will be able to reap the benefits of the online gambling industry's generated revenues. Moreover, players can have the peace of mind knowing that they are wagering on completely legitimate platforms that uphold a responsible gaming approach.

What about the rest of the provinces?

Quebec, for now, disregards the revenues generated by foreign sites and remains committed to maintaining its monopoly through the Loto-Québec website. Ontario, on the other hand, takes a different approach and becomes the first province to allow private operators, risking the possibility of inspiring others to do the same.

On the other side of Alberta, there is a growing inclination to emulate the Quebec approach by establishing their own unique gaming platform. Consequently, any modifications in the remaining Canadian provinces may only materialize once the initial outcomes of Ontario's legislation become apparent.