AGCO Removes Registrar Approval Requirement for RG Training Programs
Effective July 10, 2025, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) no longer requires Registrar approval for responsible gambling (RG) training programs. This significant update applies to both casino and lottery operators, marking a shift towards a more flexible, outcomes-based approach to RG training standards. While operators now have greater flexibility in developing and updating their responsible gambling training programs, the overall emphasis on employee education regarding gambling harm prevention and support remains intact.
This change directly affects Standard 2.5, which previously required specific approval from the Registrar for all RG training. Under the revised guidelines, casinos and lottery operators can now tailor their training programs to meet evolving best practices while ensuring that all staff are adequately equipped to assist players at risk of gambling harm.
What the Changes Mean for Operators and Employees
The AGCO’s move to remove Registrar approval for RG training comes with both advantages and responsibilities for operators. While this update grants increased autonomy to operators when designing and updating their training programs, the core requirements for such programs remain unchanged. Training must still be mandatory for all relevant employees, regularly updated, and based on the most effective practices available.
The focus on responsible gambling remains central to the AGCO’s regulations, ensuring that employees fully understand their role in safeguarding players from gambling-related harm. Operators are expected to maintain a high level of diligence in training staff on how to recognize the signs of gambling problems and how to support individuals showing these signs.
For players, this shift promises more consistent and comprehensive responsible gambling practices across Ontario’s gaming sectors, including traditional casinos, lottery outlets, and iGaming platforms.
AGCO’s Commitment to Player Protection and Innovation
The revision of the training standards aligns with the AGCO’s outcomes-based regulatory model. This approach focuses on tangible results rather than rigid procedures, encouraging innovation in responsible gambling initiatives. As noted by the AGCO, the change reduces bureaucratic hurdles, helping operators to respond more quickly to emerging trends and insights in player protection.
Stepping away from mandatory approval processes allows operators to continuously refine their training content, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of player protection and regulatory compliance. The AGCO’s focus on flexibility helps operators stay nimble and responsive, while still adhering to Ontario’s strict standards for gambling safety and fairness.
Existing PlaySmart Training Remains Valid
The AGCO’s announcement does not negate the validity of existing responsible gambling training programs, such as the PlaySmart initiative, which continues to be a crucial tool for educating both players and operators. Operators can continue to use the PlaySmart program or other proven models as part of their training efforts. However, they now have the added flexibility to update and adapt their training content more freely, within the framework of AGCO’s overarching player protection standards.
This move by the AGCO also signals the importance of keeping Ontario’s gambling landscape in line with international best practices. By reducing red tape and fostering a more adaptable regulatory environment, the AGCO is ensuring that Ontario remains a leader in player protection within the gambling industry.
Source:
AGCO Updates Responsible Gambling Training Standards for Gaming and Lottery, agco.ca, July 10, 2025.
