Ontario issues first licenses amidst launch delay
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario launched Ontario iGaming at the end of the summer of 2021, opening up registration in December, with plans to launch at the beginning of 2022.
However, plans have been delayed and the launch has been pushed back to the 4th of April.
In the meantime, Ontatio iGaming is keeping busy and has already licensed two operators well ahead of launch date.
Ontario iGaming’s new launch date – 4th April
Last year the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario launched Ontario iGaming, a subsidiary meant to regulate the offshore gaming business.
In summer 2021, it launched its roadmap and invited stakeholders and interested parties to share their thoughts before the first group of interested operators started to go through the motions of implementing the necessary requirements.
Although, launch was expected at the beginning of 2022, it has now been postponed to April, where launch date is set for the 4th.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it gives this new regulator to start licensing interested operators and gives plenty of time to others to implement the requirement and get licensed too ahead of April.
| Responsible Gaming Message |
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| Gambling can be addictive and may impact your life and well-being. Always play responsibly, set clear limits, and know when to stop. |
First licensed issued by Ontario iGaming
The first week of February 2022 saw the first two licenses being issued by Ontario iGaming.
These were awarded to TheScore and PointsBet. The latter will be launching an exciting sportsbook as of the 4th of April.
Things are starting to heat up in Ontario, and we can’t wait for the next players to enter the scene. This year will be huge for Canada, and this is the first of many similar developments to take place in the coming months.
Gambling Awareness: Staying in the Green
At CanadaCasino, we believe that the best way to enjoy online gaming is to stay informed and in control. In the Canadian market, gambling should always be viewed as a form of paid entertainment, much like a movie ticket or a hockey game—never as a source of income.
The Golden Rules of Responsible Play
To keep your experience positive, we recommend following the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction:
- Set a Hard Budget: Only wager what you can afford to lose. Once that “entertainment fund” is gone, it is time to log off.
- Time Management: Use your phone or casino tools to set session timers. It is easy to lose track of time when you’re on a roll.
- Avoid “The Chase”: Trying to win back losses is the most common pitfall. Accept a loss as the “cost of play” and walk away.
- Play Sober and Focused: Never gamble when you are stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or substances.
If you ever feel that gambling is no longer just entertainment, it’s important to know that help is available. Independent organizations like GambleAware provide free, confidential advice, tools, and support for anyone looking to understand their gambling habits better or seek professional help.
Author
Marcelo is an Editorial Specialist specializing in the iGaming sector, with over five years of experience managing and optimizing more than 20 casino and sportsbook websites across global markets. He has worked with leading operators, where he focused on transparent, data-driven content strategies that promote responsible gambling. His expertise spans Web Optimization management, product coordination, and operational efficiency, ensuring consistent performance and compliance.