Ontario Gaming Minister Announces Sector-Wide Review at CGS

Ontario’s gambling landscape is set for a significant transformation as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho announced a full-scale review of the province’s iGaming and land-based gaming sectors. The statement was made during his keynote at the Canadian Gaming Summit on June 19, 2025, reflecting the government’s intent to elevate Ontario’s growing industry from a “B+” to an “A.”

The forthcoming review will cover both the regulated online market, which has expanded rapidly since its 2022 launch, and retail gambling, including casinos and sportsbooks. Cho emphasized that the initiative aims to increase efficiency, enhance economic returns, and ensure greater coordination between digital and physical gaming.

“Ontario is very much a pioneer and a leader in this sector,” Cho told attendees. “We have challenges and, of course, we also have opportunities to improve. That’s why we’re doing this gaming review.”

The minister underlined the growing scale of the market, noting that OLG is forecasted to bring in $6.82 billion, while iGaming Ontario (iGO) is projected to contribute $3.7 billion. These revenues support businesses, create jobs, fund charities, and return billions to taxpayers, according to Cho.

Rather than being dictated by political preference, the review will be guided by industry input. Cho pledged a collaborative approach, stating:

“You have my word that we will work with you as industry partners to make sure that decisions make sense based on expertise, not on speculation and not on a politician’s whim.”

Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) President and CEO Paul Burns welcomed the initiative, pointing out that operators currently deal with two distinct entities—iGO for conduct and management, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for regulation. This dual system often leads to duplicated reporting efforts, inefficiencies, and resource misallocation.

Burns echoed the need to streamline processes, suggesting that improved cooperation between regulatory bodies could help the sector adapt to new technologies and evolving player expectations. He noted that conversations around this review are already active among stakeholders.

Despite the online sector’s rapid rise, Cho stressed that retail gaming remains vital. He specifically referenced ongoing work to integrate the self-exclusion program—currently being developed by iGO—across both online and land-based platforms.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Cho admitted. “I don’t know that we hit the exact ebb and flow of this evolution of online and land-based gaming… We have to monitor that carefully.”

The Minister highlighted the evolving nature of player behavior and the need for policies that keep pace with market dynamics.

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The review also follows a recent structural change: iGaming Ontario now operates as a standalone Crown agency, . This shift is designed to allow more flexibility and direct alignment with Cho’s ministry. Cho described the move as timely, citing the need for agility in a fast-changing environment.

iGO Chair Heidi Reinhart and OLG Chair Jim Warren both expressed commitment to closer cooperation while maintaining their organizations’ independent mandates. Reinhart also noted that iGO is in the final stages of appointing a new CEO, following the retirement of Martha Otton.

Ontario’s gambling minister made it clear that the province is preparing to enter a new phase of development. The review promises to address both existing inefficiencies and future growth opportunities—paving the way for a more coordinated, responsive, and economically beneficial gaming sector.

Source:

, canadiangamingbusiness.com, June 19, 2025