How do I confirm that an Ontario online casino's licence is currently active and in good standing?

Picture this: you've found a casino site that looks polished, accepts Ontario players, and even mentions the AGCO. But "looks regulated" and "is regulated" aren't the same thing. Here's exactly how to close that gap.

Step 1 — Check the iGaming Ontario operator directory (the definitive source)

A directory of all fully registered and authorized operators and their iGaming sites is available via the iGaming Ontario website. That's your primary tool. The listing is updated every time a new site offered by a regulated and authorized operator is made available, so it reflects current status, not a snapshot from months ago. If the site you're checking isn't on that list, it is not operating legally in Ontario's regulated market — full stop.

Being a fully registered and authorized operator in the iGaming market means the organization has successfully received a registration by the AGCO and, with the exception of OLG.ca, has executed an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. Both steps are required; passing one without the other doesn't make a site legitimate.

Step 2 — Look for the iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos on the site itself

Every internet gaming website offered by a fully registered and approved operator in Ontario will have iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos displayed. These aren't decorative — they're a direct signal from iGaming Ontario that the site has cleared the full registration process. If either logo is missing, treat that as a red flag and cross-reference the directory before depositing anything.

BetGuard (betguard.ca) is Ontario's centralized self-exclusion service, launched in May 2026. It enables individuals aged 19 and older to voluntarily opt out of all Ontario regulated online gaming platforms through one online portal — preventing access to existing accounts, new account creation, and marketing communications from any regulated site in Ontario. Its logo appearing on a site is a meaningful indicator of compliance, not just a badge.

Step 3 — Understand what "registered" actually required

It's worth knowing why the list matters. To complete the registration steps, operators will have met rigorous standards of game integrity, fairness, player protections, and social responsibility. Their sites will have controls preventing underage access and measures to enable more responsible gambling. They have also entered legal agreements ensuring compliance with applicable laws, including anti-money laundering.

Expired registrations can't be renewed. If the AGCO doesn't receive a renewal application by the expiry date, the registration expires, is no longer valid, and the operator must apply for a new one — they can't operate an iGaming site if they aren't registered. So even an operator that was once legitimate can fall off the list. Checking periodically, not just once, is sensible.

The quick verification routine

• Go to igamingontario.ca → Players → List of iGaming Sites and search for the site by name.
• Confirm the iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos are visible on the casino's own site — typically in the footer.
• If anything feels off, the AGCO's own page at agco.ca confirms that the iGaming Ontario directory is the authoritative source for registered operators.

You must be 19+ to play on any of these platforms, and you must be physically located in Ontario to play. If you ever want support around your gambling, ConnexOntario is reachable at 1-866-531-2600, any time.