The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has recently received a distinguished award from the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA).
This accolade was presented at NAGRA’s yearly conference held in Boise, Idaho, this past June, where AGCO was honored for its efforts in forming a comprehensive regulatory framework for iGaming Ontario .
This is not AGCO's first commendation for its regulatory structure overseeing the online gaming industry, especially in light of its remarkable achievements over the previous year. , it won’t be the last, either.
NAGRA’s Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award
The NAGRA Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award symbolizes a vital acknowledgment of AGCO’s efforts in promoting a successful regulated gaming marketplace.
This recognition celebrates not only the dedicated AGCO team but also the collaborative efforts of Ontario’s Ministries of the Attorney General and Finance. Both groups worked in tandem to ensure that effective regulations are in place to protect players and nurture one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
“The first year of Ontario’s open regulated igaming market has proven to be incredibly successful by all accounts,” remarked AGCO’s registrar and CEO, Tom Mungham . “In a year’s time, we observed a shift from approximately 70 percent of online gambling being conducted on unregulated platforms to over 85 percent of surveyed participants indicating they have gambled on regulated platforms. With more than 45 licensed operators hosting over 75 sites and offering in excess of 5,000 certified games, Ontario consumers now have a wide range of safe choices within the regulated industry. This accomplishment was made possible thanks to the robust government leadership from the Attorney General and the Minister of Finance, as well as the close partnerships with iGaming Ontario, alongside the dedication of gaming operators, suppliers, and stakeholders across the gaming spectrum.”
Attorney General Doug Downey stated, “Kudos to AGCO for this esteemed award that highlights its exceptional regulatory achievements within the new igaming landscape. The Ministry of the Attorney General is honored to collaborate with AGCO in constructing a secure, legal, and competitive market that will continuously foster innovation in the industry, create quality job opportunities, and ensure protections and options for players.”
AGCO has received multiple accolades; notably, in October 2022, the International Associated of Gaming Regulators honored AGCO with the Regulatory Excellence Award in Melbourne, Australia.
Who is the AGCO?
The AGCO, established in 1998, serves as a regulatory agency in charge of overseeing gaming, alcohol, horse racing, and cannabis operations within the province of Ontario, Canada.
It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Attorney General and has been governed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019 since its enactment in 2019.