The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced pivotal updates to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
These amendments to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming are designed to facilitate the upcoming launch of iGaming Ontario’s Centralized Self-Exclusion (CSE) program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in North America that allows players to exclude themselves from every regulated platform in the province through a single registration.
Streamlining Player Protection
The updates include new definitions for “registries” and “persons” to ensure legal clarity as the CSE platform goes live next year. By removing the need for users to visit dozens of individual operator sites to self-exclude, the AGCO aims to lower the barrier for those seeking a break from gambling.
Operators will have 12 months from the CSE launch to fully integrate their systems. Crucially, operators must continue to honor all existing self-exclusion agreements made via their independent systems until the transition is complete.
Market Momentum: February Wagers Hit CA$8.73 Billion
The regulatory shift comes as Ontario continues to post massive growth figures. In February 2026, the province recorded CA$8.73 billion in total wagers, a 23% increase year-on-year.
- Online Casino: Remained the dominant vertical, accounting for 88% of activity (CA$7.7 billion).
- Sports Betting: Saw wagers of CA$946 million, though revenue in this segment dipped sequentially compared to January.
The AGCO and iGO remain focused on a 90% “channelization” goal, striving to ensure nearly all digital gambling in the province occurs within the licensed and tax-contributing ecosystem.
