The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has streamlined its responsible gambling (RG) training requirements for employees within the province’s gaming and lottery industries. Effective July 10, 2025, operators are no longer obligated to obtain Registrar approval for their RG training programs.
This significant amendment to both the Gaming and Lottery Standards eliminates the previous approval process outlined in Standard 2.5. While mandatory RG training remains a crucial requirement, the AGCO is granting operators greater flexibility in curriculum development and updates. This flexibility is contingent upon adherence to industry best practices and the demonstrable ability of the training to equip employees with the skills to identify and address potential gambling-related harm.
The AGCO emphasizes that the revised standards continue to mandate that employee training must thoroughly cover the employee’s role in promoting responsible gambling and assisting individuals exhibiting signs of problem gambling. Crucially, this updated policy applies equally to both land-based and online (iGaming) operators in Ontario, ensuring consistent standards across all sectors.
Shifting Regulatory Approach
The AGCO’s stated goal is to reduce administrative burdens while simultaneously upholding rigorous player protection standards. The Commission’s bulletin explicitly highlights the intention to minimize bureaucracy, foster innovation, and maintain Ontario’s high standards of player protection.
This regulatory shift is consistent with the AGCO’s broader transition to an outcomes-based regulatory model. This model prioritizes demonstrable results over strict prescriptive controls, aiming for uniformity in regulatory expectations across retail, online, and charitable gaming operations.
Contextual Background
This policy change follows a series of recent enforcement actions undertaken by the AGCO. One notable example is a CA$350,000 (US$255,515) penalty imposed on a Toronto casino in June for hosting a high-risk after-party on the casino floor. This incident underscored deficiencies in staff preparedness and reporting procedures—areas typically addressed in comprehensive RG and compliance training.
Existing RG training programs, such as PlaySmart offered by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming, remain compliant under the updated regulations. The AGCO’s revised standards reflect a commitment to a more efficient and adaptive regulatory framework, ultimately aimed at enhancing player safety and responsible gaming practices within the province.
