iGaming Ontario (iGO) is the provincial agency that runs Ontario’s regulated online gambling market. It doesn’t operate casinos itself. Instead, it signs operating agreements with private companies such as bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel and 888, and those companies offer casino games, poker and sports betting to players in Ontario under iGO’s “conduct and manage” authority.
If you’ve seen the iGaming Ontario logo on a casino site, this is what it means. Below is a plain-English explanation of what iGO does, how it differs from the AGCO and OLG, and how to use its directory to check any site.
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iGaming Ontario at a Glance
- What it is: a provincial agency of the Government of Ontario.
- Market launch: April 4, 2022.
- Status since May 12, 2025: standalone agency under the iGaming Ontario Act, 2024. It was originally created as a subsidiary of the AGCO.
- Operators and sites: 49 operators and 84 gaming websites as of September 1, 2026.
- Games covered: casino, poker, sports betting, bingo and betting exchange.
- Official directory: igamingontario.ca/en/operator/operators
Track changes over time: see our iGaming Ontario Operator Tracker for operator counts by month and every addition to the directory.
What Does iGaming Ontario Actually Do?
Under Canada’s Criminal Code, a province has to “conduct and manage” gambling for it to be legal. Ontario wanted private companies to be able to offer online gambling, so it created iGaming Ontario to hold that role and contract the operators.
In practice, iGO:
- Signs operating agreements with private operators that have been registered by the AGCO.
- Publishes the official directory of regulated sites so players can check them.
- Oversees the commercial side of the market, including how operators work within the agreement.
- Supports responsible gambling initiatives across the market, including centralized self-exclusion. See our BetGuard Ontario guide.
iGaming Ontario vs AGCO vs OLG
Three names come up again and again. They do different jobs:
| Body | Job | Example of what it does |
|---|---|---|
| iGaming Ontario | Conducts and manages the online market through private operators | Contracts bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel; publishes the operator directory |
| AGCO | Regulator | Registers operators, sets standards, handles escalated complaints, sets advertising rules |
| OLG | Provincial Crown agency | Runs lotteries and its own online site, OLG.ca |
A common mistake is to call iGO part of the AGCO. That was true at launch, but since May 2025 they are separate organizations. Another mistake is calling private sites “OLG approved”. Our OLG vs iGaming Ontario guide explains why that wording doesn’t fit.
How iGaming Ontario Operators Get Approved
An operator can’t offer games in Ontario’s regulated market just by applying to iGO. There are two separate steps:
- AGCO registration. The operator (and its gaming suppliers) must be registered by the AGCO and meet the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, which cover things like game integrity, player protection and responsible gambling.
- Operating agreement with iGO. Once registered, the operator signs an agreement with iGaming Ontario, which lets it offer games under iGO’s conduct and manage authority.
Only operators that have completed both steps appear in the directory. For more on the registration side, see AGCO approved casinos in Ontario.
How to Use the iGaming Ontario Operator Directory
- Open the official directory.
- Type the brand name or pick the operator from the dropdown.
- Filter by category: casino, poker, sports betting, bingo or betting exchange.
- Click the listed site link rather than a search result. Many brands have an international site and a separate Ontario site. Only the Ontario one is regulated here.
- Check the date at the top of the directory — it shows when the list was last confirmed as accurate.
If you’d rather scan the whole list at once, our Ontario online casinos list groups every operator with its sites, based on the same directory.
What the iGaming Ontario Logo Means
The AGCO advises players to look for the iGaming Ontario logo wherever they play, as a sign that the site is conducted and managed by iGO. It’s a useful first check, but logos can be copied. The directory is the reliable way to confirm.
What iGaming Ontario Doesn’t Do
- It doesn’t run casino games itself. The operators do.
- It isn’t the first stop for complaints. Contact the operator first. If the issue isn’t resolved, escalate to the AGCO.
- It doesn’t cover other provinces. iGO’s market is for players physically located in Ontario. Other provinces run their own systems.
- It doesn’t guarantee you’ll win or that a bonus is good value. Regulation covers fairness and protection, not odds in your favour. See how welcome bonuses really work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iGaming Ontario?
iGaming Ontario is the provincial agency that conducts and manages Ontario’s regulated online gambling market by contracting private operators.
Is iGaming Ontario part of the AGCO?
Not anymore. iGO started as an AGCO subsidiary, but since May 12, 2025 it has operated as a standalone agency. The AGCO remains the regulator.
How many operators does iGaming Ontario have?
49 operators with 84 gaming websites, according to the directory as of September 1, 2026.
Is an iGaming Ontario casino legal?
Yes. Sites in the iGaming Ontario directory are part of Ontario’s regulated market. Read more in Is online gambling legal in Ontario?
Can I use an iGaming Ontario site outside Ontario?
No. You must be physically located in Ontario and 19+ to play.
Is OLG.ca an iGaming Ontario site?
No. OLG.ca is legal but is run by OLG, so it isn’t listed in the iGO directory.
Bottom Line
iGaming Ontario is the reason private online casinos can legally operate in Ontario. For players, its most useful tool is the operator directory. Check it before you sign up, and use the Ontario version of any brand.
More Ontario guides: New Ontario online casinos 2026 · Ontario casino bonus rules · Ontario casino complaints · Alberta’s regulated market (AGLC and AiGC)
Ontario players should use operators registered with the AGCO and operating through iGaming Ontario.
19+ in most Canadian provinces. 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Gambling involves financial risk. If gambling is becoming a problem, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600, available 24/7.