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“ With no limit on the number of operators that can receive licences and an exciting new market of users to connect with , it ’ s an ideal time to be an affiliate with a presence in Ontario ”
or their players . The goal was to implement a “ seamless transition from grey market to white market ”.
Prior to the launch date , the AGCO provided guidance to prospective applicants on how to facilitate their grey to white transition . They were instructed to cease all grey operations before 4 April 2022 , or face the risk of enforcement for contravening federal and provincial gambling laws , an unsuccessful application with the AGCO and inability to enter the regulated market at a later time .
While this provides clear guidance for those that made plans prior to the launch , the transition becomes vague for those that may have missed the deadline and are now seeking a way into Ontario ’ s regulated market .
TRANSITIONING PRIOR TO LAUNCH Unless exempt , prospective applicants must apply to register with the AGCO before they offer their gambling products or services under the igaming regime . Prior to the launch date , prospective operators that registered with the AGCO as an “ Internet Gaming Operator ” are required to enter into an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario , a subsidiary of the AGCO . The operating agreement contains detailed provisions with respect to how operators must go live in Ontario ’ s market , including transition requirements .
Prior to the launch date , prospective operators with existing customers were advised to take certain steps to transition their players to the new market , meeting iGaming Ontario and AGCO policies . The guidance included steps an operator must take to notify existing players of their transition , requiring players to verify account details in compliance with the standards , iGaming Ontario policies and other governing policies such as anti-money laundering and KYC requirements .
The problem with these transition guidelines is that they do not speak to the prospective applicants who may have failed to cease grey market operations before the launch .
October 2022