Home Blog There's a change in leadership coming as the AGCO in Ontario seeks to instate a new person for the Chair of the Board position.

There's a change in leadership coming as the AGCO in Ontario seeks to instate a new person for the Chair of the Board position.

Last update: May, 2024

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), responsible for online wagering oversight in Ontario, has announced notable shifts in its leadership. Details have emerged about Dave Forestell stepping in as the Board's new Chair. Previously, Mr. Forestell served as a Board member and chaired AGCO's offshoot, iGaming Ontario. online casinos in Ontario News reports indicate that Forestell has vacated his executive position at iGaming Ontario to embrace his new responsibilities in AGCO. Following this, iGaming Ontario is expected to seek out Forestell’s replacement.

The leadership changes within the regulatory board follow earlier news about Tom Mungham, the entity's Registrar and CEO, planning retirement later in 2023. A search for Mungham’s successor is already underway. Until a suitable candidate is found, Mungham will continue in his role.

Forestell’s mission is to steer AGCO in regulating one of the world's most rapidly expanding iGaming landscapes. Previously, in April, the regulator sought to eliminate star athletes from iGaming ads, advising against featuring beloved cartoon characters, celebrities, or any figure perceived as popular with minors.

AGCO was on track to enforce these rules soon after they were announced. By mid-June, at the Canadian Gaming Summit, there was talk of a binding decision expected in weeks. Yet, AGCO hasn't released a formal statement on updated marketing norms.

The Casino games maintain their prowess in the iGaming sphere.

Fresh data from iGaming Ontario reveals that Ontarians are more inclined towards digital casino play than sports betting. The second quarter of 2023 saw $14 billion in wagers, with $11.6 billion dedicated to online casinos and $2 billion on sports. Additionally, peer-to-peer poker accounted for $350 million.

These figures highlight the Ontario iGaming sensation, outshining many regulated U.S. markets. Launched officially in April 2022, it marked Canada's first provision for legal online gambling. The figures exclude those from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and retail sectors.

Experts propose that online gambling’s rise stems from easy access for casual players via mobile and desktop interfaces, attracting new and existing users. A recent disclosure marks over 900K active player accounts in Ontario.

Significant restructuring is underway as 888 introduces changes within its Board Committees.