How does an Ontario online casino use my personal information once I have registered an account?

Your data doesn't just sit idle after you create an account — it flows through several distinct, legally constrained channels, each with a specific purpose. Here's how that actually works for players at regulated Ontario online casinos.

What gets collected and why

At registration, operators are required to collect at minimum your date of birth, a method of identification for subsequent logins, and your contact information. Beyond those basics, operators must also gather information required by the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act — meaning identity verification documents are part of the picture from day one, not just if a problem arises. This is federal AML law, not something any individual operator invented.

Once you're playing, the system keeps detailed records. Operators are required to track all relevant player information including funds, individual gaming sessions, and game play information. Specifically, recorded information includes game play history — games played, amounts bet, amounts won, progressive jackpots won, and so on. This log exists partly for your protection (disputes, account recovery) and partly so the regulator can audit the platform at any time.

The privacy framework operators must follow

iGaming Ontario's privacy policy provides direction on how personal information is collected, disclosed, and used; information collected by iGO or operators on its behalf is governed by Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and other applicable laws. Private operators registered in the market are also subject to the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which governs how private companies engaged in commercial activities handle personal information. In practice, this means operators must obtain your consent to use your personal information, and are required to give you access to that information along with information about redress procedures.

The AGCO's own IT standards go further: player personal information shall only be used for the lottery schemes conducted and managed by iGaming Ontario, unless there is prior approval. That's a meaningful constraint — it rules out selling your data to unrelated third parties without authorisation.

When your data can be shared

There are circumstances where your information moves beyond the operator. In certain circumstances, operators may provide your personal information to third parties without notice, subject to applicable laws — including to government authorities or law enforcement if required by law, or to prevent fraud or other illegal activity. iGaming Ontario also requires the sharing of anonymized player data for the purposes of responsible gambling research. Note the word "anonymized" — that's a key distinction from sharing identifiable data.

The AGCO explicitly lists "protection and security of personal information — ensuring personal information is kept private" as one of its core oversight responsibilities in the regulated market. If you believe your data has been mishandled, the AGCO addresses regulatory complaints including those related to misuse of private information.

Your rights and how to exercise them

While operators make reasonable efforts to keep your personal information correct, you are ultimately responsible for keeping it accurate and up to date — and you can contact the operator (or iGaming Ontario, depending on who holds the data) to make corrections. After the applicable retention period lapses, records containing personal information are securely disposed of in accordance with iGO's policies and applicable laws.

One practical note: when you visit an operator's website, cookies are used to operate and administer services and improve your experience — a cookie is a piece of information sent to your browser by the sites you visit, and you can set your browser to accept, reject, or be notified when one is offered.

Always confirm the site you're using is genuinely registered by checking the iGaming Ontario registry directly. Regulated Ontario sites display both the iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos — their presence tells you the site is managed by iGaming Ontario and regulated by the AGCO, which means the privacy protections described above actually apply to you. If you ever have concerns about your play, ConnexOntario is available at 1-866-531-2600. Ontario's legal gambling age is 19+.