AGCO removes approval requirement for responsible gambling training in Ontario
Updated standards give casino and lottery operators more flexibility while maintaining player protection obligations.
Key points:
– AGCO no longer requires Registrar approval for responsible gambling (RG) training as of 10 July 2025
– Mandatory RG training must still be in place, regularly updated and based on best practices
– The change supports the regulator’s shift to an outcomes-based model across gaming sectors
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has amended its responsible gambling (RG) training standards for employees in Ontario’s gaming and lottery sectors.
As of 10 July 2025, operators are no longer required to seek Registrar approval for their RG training programs.
This regulatory update, affecting both the Gaming and Lottery Standards, removes the approval step previously mandated under Standard 2.5.
While training remains compulsory, the AGCO now grants operators more discretion to develop and revise content, provided it aligns with industry best practices and effectively prepares employees to recognise and respond to gambling-related harm.
According to the Commission, RG training must still ensure that employees understand their role in promoting responsible gambling and supporting individuals who may show signs of gambling problems.
Good to know: The change also applies to iGaming operators in Ontario, aligning RG expectations across land-based and online sectors
The AGCO stated that the update is intended to reduce administrative barriers while reinforcing high standards for player protection.
The Commission said in its bulletin: “This change reduces red tape, encourages innovation and maintains Ontario’s high standards for player protection.”
The move follows a series of enforcement actions by the AGCO in recent months, including a CA$350,000 (US$255,515) fine issued to Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto in June over a high-risk afterparty held on the casino floor.
The incident highlighted gaps in staff preparedness and reporting protocols – areas often addressed in RG and compliance training.
PlaySmart, Ontario Lottery and Gaming’s long-standing RG training programme, remains valid under the updated standard.
The AGCO said the revision is consistent with its outcomes-based regulatory model, which prioritises measurable impacts over prescriptive controls and aims to provide consistency across retail, online and charitable gaming environments.
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