Ontario’s recently introduce gaming entity responsible for online offerings has already implemented some changes to the digital rules. The new entity is named iGaming Ontario and it has currently implemented a ban on the auto-play feature while gambling online and introduced a minimum spin speed of 2.5 seconds for digital slot offerings.
As of right now the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is the only officially regulated entity to provide online gaming to the province. However, this will soon change as the province is looking into expanding the market. Last week the government launched iGaming Ontario, which is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and it will be responsible for online offerings.
New Rules
The new entity for online gambling has already prepared and announced some changes to the online offerings. The organization has now banned the Auto-play feature in digital slots, as the rules state that a player should commit to each game individually, by releasing and pressing again the start button or its equivalent button.
There are also amendments to spin speed, which is not altered to a minimum of 2.5 seconds. Additionally, split-screen or multi-screen slot play is now also prohibited by the new entity. This was done due to games giving players’ impression that skill or skill can affect the results. The animation where a player wins less than his original stake, which is similar to that of a win is also banned.
Online games must also display participants’ net position in the game in Canadian dollars and not in credits. The new rules also state that marketing materials must not be based on themes, use of language, to appeal to minors. Ads also must not appear close to schools or feature a fictional character that appeals to the younger ones.
Gambling ads must also not take advantage of susceptibilities, aspirations, credulity, inexperience, or lack of knowledge for potentially high-risk players. Also, marketing must not be misleading or suggest that gambling is a way of financial success. Ads to promote bonus offers now must also be displayed on the operator’s website. Operators will have to provide self-exclusion options and introduce responsible gaming provisions.
New Gaming Entity
iGaming Ontario was officially launched last week and it is a subsidiary entity of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The new organization will function separately from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and it will have its own staff and board of directors, which should be revealed soon. Danish consultant Birgitte Sand will be in charge of the project and she will be tasked with meeting and discussing matters with industry advocates.
Immediate Praise
Shortly after the announcement of the new iGaming entity, for regulated online betting by Ontario, Torstar Corporation congratulated and praised the local authorities. The media outlet that plans to enter the province’s gaming markets by launching a casino platform stated that the new entity comes at a great time, as the country of legalizing single-sports betting. It is believed that this would greatly improve offerings and betting volume in the country.
