How to verify a casino is licensed?
Before you sign up at any Ontario online casino, you should know whether it’s actually licensed. Here’s exactly how to check — step by step.
How Ontario casino licensing works
Ontario is the only province in Canada with a fully regulated private online casino market. It launched on April 4, 2022, and every casino that legally operates here must go through two bodies:
- AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) — the regulator that registers operators and sets the rules
- iGaming Ontario (iGO) — the government subsidiary that manages operating agreements with private companies
An operator needs both: AGCO registration and an iGO operating agreement. Without both, they can’t legally offer games to Ontario players.
Step 1: Look for the iGaming Ontario logo
Every licensed casino in Ontario must display the iGaming Ontario logo on their website. You’ll typically find it in the footer or header — often clickable.
If you see this logo, it means the site is regulated by AGCO and monitored by iGO. No logo? That’s your first red flag.
Step 2: Verify on the official iGO operator list
iGaming Ontario maintains a public directory of all licensed operators and their gaming sites. This is your definitive source.
Go to: igamingontario.ca/en/operator/operators
The page shows:
- Total number of registered operators
- Total number of gaming websites
- A searchable list of every licensed site
Find the casino you’re checking. If it’s on the list, it’s licensed. If not, don’t play there.
Step 3: Check for AGCO information on the site
Under AGCO Standard 1.17, operators must display “relevant information about the AGCO” in an easily accessible location. This typically appears in the footer, terms and conditions, or a dedicated licensing page.
Look for:
- Reference to AGCO registration
- Links to responsible gambling resources
- ConnexOntario helpline (1-866-531-2600)
Quick verification checklist
| Check | Where to look | What to find |
|---|---|---|
| iGO logo | Header or footer | Official iGaming Ontario logo (usually links to iGO site) |
| Official list | igamingontario.ca | Casino name appears in operator directory |
| AGCO info | Footer, T&Cs, or licensing page | Reference to AGCO registration and responsible gambling |
What operators must do to get licensed
Getting an Ontario gaming license isn’t easy or cheap. Operators go through a rigorous process:
- $100,000 annual registration fee per gaming site
- Background checks on all shareholders owning 5% or more
- Technical certification — all games must be tested by AGCO-registered independent testing labs
- Compliance with Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming — covering everything from player protection to anti-money laundering
- RG Check accreditation within two years — responsible gambling certification from the Responsible Gambling Council
Operators can’t have any involvement with unregulated Ontario gambling operations. Since October 31, 2022, working in the grey market is grounds for having your application rejected or license revoked.
Why this matters
Playing at a licensed Ontario casino means:
- Your funds are protected — operators must segregate player funds from operational accounts
- Games are fair — RNGs and game software are independently tested
- You have recourse — disputes can be escalated to iGO if the operator doesn’t resolve them
- Responsible gambling tools are required — deposit limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion
Unlicensed offshore sites offer none of these protections. If something goes wrong, you have no regulatory body to turn to.
Bottom line
Verifying a casino license takes 30 seconds. Check for the iGO logo, confirm on the official operator list, and look for AGCO information in the footer. If any of these are missing, find another casino.