Streamlining Regulations
In a move expected to significantly impact Ontario’s gambling industry, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that casino and lottery operators no longer require approval from the Registrar for their responsible gambling (RG) training. The change, which took effect on July 11, is part of a broader effort to streamline regulations while maintaining standards for player protection.
Outcome-Based Models
Under the updated Standards, RG training remains mandatory for all employees in Ontario’s gaming and lottery sectors. However, the AGCO has shifted towards a model based on outcomes. It gives operators more control over the design and revision of their training programs.
The concessions are given provided operators align their training with the best practices of the industry. The regulator demands that all programs must still ensure staff can recognise gambling-related harm and intervene effectively when necessary.
The AGCO confirmed that PlaySmart, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) gambling education and support program, will remain valid under the new guidelines. The shift will also create consistency across Ontario’s land-based and online gambling sectors.
Continued Development
This regulatory update is the second major development in Ontario's responsible gambling policy in recent weeks. At the beginning of June, the AGCO issued new guidance for operators under Standards 2.10 and 2.11. The new directives focused on identifying and supporting at-risk players. They instruct operators to use a combination of automated and manual tools to detect signs of problem gambling and take appropriate action based on the information.
Operators are expected to monitor erratic betting patterns, repeated failed deposits, and prolonged gambling sessions, especially those late at night. Other risk signals include refusal to use responsible gambling tools, expression of distress, or sudden changes in gambling behaviour following personal loss or bereavement.
The AGCO indicate that operators should tailor their interventions to match the severity of each case. Examples of acceptable responses include providing personalised communications, sending reminder emails about support services, and even imposing temporary restrictions on play. Operators are also expected to document all interventions and assess their effectiveness over time.
Increased Flexibility
The removal of the requirement for pre-approval aims to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and encourage innovation in the development and delivery of responsible gambling training.
In a statement on their website, the AGCO noted that the change supports a more flexible, outcomes-based approach. It allows operators to update their programs more efficiently while still meeting the province’s standards for protecting players.
Ultimately, the updated standards represent a calculated balancing act that grants operators more freedom but raises the bar on accountability. The AGCO urged operators to share best practices openly, suggesting that collaboration would help guide future refinements of policy, such as those currently underway.
