AGCO Tightens Bonus Regulations for Ontario's Online Casinos
22 October 2026
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced new restrictions on online casino bonuses and "free" CAD offers, with a strong emphasis on clear wagering requirements and truly free promotions starting this quarter. According to analysts, this move could significantly impact the market for AGCO-regulated operators, who will need to rethink how they attract and retain customers. Player advocates, however, favor the changes.
The AGCO has updated its Registrar’s Standards to restrict how bonuses and free credits can be marketed. Under the new standards, operators are only allowed to advertise bonuses on their own gaming sites or through direct marketing after a player has granted "active consent."
Public advertisements to a general audience, or targeted ads to unregistered users, are now prohibited.
All public advertising of gambling inducements, bonuses, and credits has also been banned outright. This includes targeted and algorithm-based ads, with a few exceptions such as promotions appearing on an operator's website or through direct advertising to players who have opted in. "If you promote something as 'free,' it must genuinely be free," notes the AGCO's July 2025 reminder on the topic.
The regulator defines "free" as "free," with no requirement for players to spend or risk any of their own money. Any bonus offer that requires money spent must not be described as "free" or "risk-free," and must clearly detail the wagering conditions at the first mention. Operators must disclose all key terms, including wagering requirements and time limits, on the landing page or within one click.
For example, a hypothetical offer of "$100 in free play" for new rewards cardholders is non-compliant, under AGCO standards, if the offer requires incurring losses that would then be returned in free play credits. The AGCO has warned that future non-compliance, including offers labeled "free" that require player funds, could result in regulatory action, including penalties.
Wagering requirements are also a major focus of the new regulations. AGCO's guidelines generally limit wagering to 30x the bonus. Requirements above 35x are marked as red flags, and some operators have already faced real fines for exceeding these limits.
Operators are encouraged to make wagering as user-friendly as possible. Bonuses are received more favorably when wagering is applied to the bonus alone, set to 30x or less, and comes with year-long expiration. In contrast, wagering that spreads beyond the 50x mark, is spread across both deposit and bonus, or has cumbersome bet limits buried in legal terms, is considered undesirable.
The AGCO regulations have also imposed strict terms and conditions on bonus offers, particularly concerning wagering limits. Guidance advises that operators should clearly spell out the rules for qualifying games, wager amounts, bonus-specific bonus terms, and expiration dates. A "good" bonus, according to Ontario regulators, should be straightforward, made easier to adhere to, and well-yarded from a player's perspective.
The Athletic reported that the changes have been received positively by player advocates but may require a strategic reset from many operators. A shift in the market towards lower-risk offers is expected, according to analysts, as the new standards create an environment where players appreciate fair terms and value transparency.
As operators implement compliance strategies for the new year, they will need to strike a balance between adhering to the updated AGCO standards and continuing to bring players to their tables.