On April 4 2022, Ontario launched its first internet gaming (igaming) market. Operators have already begun applying for licences to be fully operational come launch day. But how does this licence differ to the likes of UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (IOM GSC) or Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)? And what do operators need to know to successfully apply.
iGaming Ontario, working alongside the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Government of Ontario, are creating a regulated, online gaming market that will promote responsible gambling in Ontario, Canada.
Led by four main objectives; consumer choice, consumer protection, legal market growth and provincial returns, and reduced red tape, iGaming Ontario are aspiring to provide the best online experience in the safest environment for players in Ontario.
As with an MGA or UKGC licence, operators will be required to undertake know your customer (KYC) identity verification and adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) requirements at the point of registration i.e. a player creating a new account.
As part of an Ontario licence, operators can implement the following methods of identity verification:
Credit file
This player verification must be from a Canadian credit bureau that has been in existence for at least three years with the information coming from more than one source. Name, address and date of birth must match in order to pass. The person’s name, credit file number, name of the bureau or third-party vendor and date of the credit file search must all be recorded and retained.
Dual source
All information gathered as part of the operator’s KYC checks must be from two different sources. A combination of name and address, name and date of birth or name and confirmation of a financial account must be matched.
Document Verification
This must be a current, authentic government issued document. The name and photograph must match what has been presented upon registration, and the following information must be recorded and retained: name, document type, document number, province/state and country of issue, expiry date and the date of verification.
In order to support AML compliance, operators will be required to carry out traditional PEP, sanction and adverse media checks while conducting monthly ongoing monitoring for any change in the player’s circumstances.
All player information must be kept up to date and an annual reminder sent to the player to review and update their information.
Every operator will have an onboarding flow that aligns with their risk-based approach and specific licence.
Below is an example of what an onboarding and verification flow might look like for the new iGaming Ontario licence. In this example, we have used the credit file verification as a starting point, with dual source and document verification checks in place, if a previous check fails.
If you are an operator seeking an iGaming Ontario licence, we can help with our Canadian, FINTRAC-compliant identity verification solution.
“We are excited to be supporting operators applying for the Ontario iGaming license. We have been working with operators who transact in Canada for many years including state-owned Atlantic Lottery and it is great to see the new regulator putting player’s safety at the core.” Rebekah Jackson, Business Development Director, GBG.
Comply with ever-changing global gambling regulations, onboard customers quickly and provide a safe, secure gambling environment.