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Ontario's iGaming Operators Face Tightening Payment and Compliance Rules

19 October 2026

ONTARIO -- New standards under the Alcoholic and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) are tightening requirements for payments and compliance in Ontario's expanding online gambling market.

The Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming, implemented when the market launched in April 2022, are increasing pressure on the province's 50+ operators to improve player verification and secure financial transactions. iGaming Ontario's 2024-25 annual report showed total wagers reached CAD 63.4 billion with gaming revenue of CAD 2.4 billion.

AGCO Releases New Payment and Crypto Rules for iGaming

The AGCO's updated internet gaming standards introduced last April marked the most substantial regulatory changes in Ontario's gambling industry.

The regulations address multiple areas including preventing underage gambling, maintaining game fairness, protecting data privacy, ensuring cybersecurity, implementing anti-money laundering measures, and promoting responsible gambling. Payment security remains a priority given the market's growth.

The clearest demonstration of the AGCO's payment policy is its ban on cryptocurrency. The regulator's updated funds management rules specify that crypto cannot be accepted as legal currency for any gaming-related transactions including account funding or withdrawals.

AGCO Cracks Down on Crypto in Licensed Online Gaming

This cryptocurrency prohibition coincides with Ontario's market facing its first major compliance and fraud prevention challenges since launch.

A January 2024 notice from Canada's financial intelligence unit warned about potential money laundering risks through online gambling platforms. Among the concerns identified:

- Fake identification used to register accounts

- Suspicious transactions going unreported

- Mismatched identification and payment details

- Individuals opening duplicate accounts

Withdrawal and Deposit Checks Mixed with Stronger KYC

AGCO Standard 8.1 establishes that only authorized financial institutions can process payments within Ontario's regulated gambling market.

Deposits may only be processed after completing proper verification and receiving authorization from the financial services provider involved.

Financial transactions now face enhanced scrutiny during account creation and whenever funds move in or out. Operators must verify identities before allowing real-money play and ensure transaction integrity throughout account activity.

The new standards also introduce Canada's most robust protections against underage gambling and self-exclusion violations. Platforms must implement technical blocks to prevent access by minors and self-barred individuals.

Growing Concerns on Gambling-Related Fintech Fraud Prompts Tighter Ontario Rules

Ontario's increasing focus on payment security, customer verification, and fraud prevention reflects broader concerns about financial crime and safer gambling practices. Anti-money laundering compliance in fintech is receiving particular attention across Canada.

The regulatory focus stems partially from international operators accessing Toronto's payment and fraud prevention services. This creates growing pressure to accelerate deposit processing while maintaining compliance standards.

Major Ontario operators report adapting to the new regulations while acknowledging significant investments will be needed in KYC and fraud prevention systems. The industry shows little willingness to tolerate operators engaging with unregulated gambling sites.