iGaming rules drop

Plus: The cannabis industry feels left out and the budget watchdog is in high demand ahead of 2022

Good Thursday morning. This is Queen’s Park Observer.

ABOVE THE FOLD

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SIN SECTORS — Today is all about what the cannabis industry is looking for from the Ford government — but first, an update on the iGaming file (read my earlier report here).

The AGCO has released its standards for the expanded internet gaming market, which is expected to launch later this year, allowing private firms to play a hand in the provincial system. The rules are fairly high level, which the regulator said was intentional, as that “offers greater flexibility for regulated entities to determine the most efficient and effective way of meeting the outcomes required, which in turn helps reduce regulatory burden and support market innovation.”

The rules will apply to registered internet gaming operators, and the overarching themes are related to:

— Responsible gambling

— Ensuring regulated entities have a “sound control environment, and an organizational structure that promotes good governance, acc…