Where can you operate with an AGCO license?
If you believe that obtaining a license in Ontario will allow you to operate legally worldwide - we are here to disappoint you. The primary and non-negotiable rule for every licensee is to provide gaming services exclusively to individuals who are physically located within the province of Ontario. The player’s residency or citizenship does not matter (except in cases involving countries on the FATF “blacklist”), but the player must be physically present in the province at the time of gameplay.
To comply with this requirement, operators are obliged to:
· Integrate geolocation verification technologies;
· Block access to games via VPNs (and this is not a “recommendation” – it is a technical must-have).
This is another reason why newcomers may find it challenging to enter this market - the gaming platform must be adapted not only to legal standards but also to the technical restrictions of the jurisdiction itself.
And how much does it cost to obtain a License?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has implemented a multi-tiered fee structure that reflects the scale and complexity of iGaming operations. In short, obtaining a license is neither cheap nor quick.
To begin with, prepare to pay $100,000 CAD per domain as a non-refundable regulatory fee at the application submission stage. Since this fee is non-reimbursable under any circumstances, we always recommend carefully reviewing all documentation, technical readiness, and compliance with regulatory standards before proceeding with the application.
But there is good news!
AGCO rarely issues outright rejections to applicants. On the contrary, the regulator is generally committed to helping operators obtain a license. If any deficiencies are found in the policies, documentation, or technical platform, the regulator will usually provide specific recommendations and allow time to make the necessary corrections.
However, it is important to note that if the applicant has intentionally concealed material facts, or if the regulator identifies connections to criminal or sanctioned entities, AGCO reserves the right to deny the license without the possibility of remediation, and without refunding any fees already paid.
Next, the cost of certifying the technical platform typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 CAD, depending on the system’s complexity, testing requirements, and the approved laboratory provider chosen (e.g., GLI, eCOGRA). The audit of the Control Activity Matrix can cost up to $100,000 CAD, depending on the selected expert. These expenses are also borne by the applicant and are not included in the base regulatory fee.
Additionally, during the review process, AGCO may initiate further investigations - for example, into the backgrounds of shareholders, directors, other key individuals, or cybersecurity protocols. These investigations are invoiced separately. The typical cost is around $15,000 CAD, although this amount may increase if the applicant has a complex corporate structure or is based in a “non-standard” jurisdiction.
