In order to own or operate a bingo hall in Ontario, you must be registered by the AGCO.

New Registration Classes

On June 1, 2012, changes to the regulations under the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA) came into force as part of the Ontario government’s initiative to modernize gaming and enhance flexibility for gaming operations in the province.

Among the changes, a streamlined registration scheme has been introduced which both reduces the number of registration categories from 24 to seven and allows individuals and businesses to supply goods and services across all gaming sectors without having to obtain separate registrations.

As a result of these changes, the category of registration previously called “Bingo Hall Owner/Operator” is now contained within the new class called “Operator”.

Please note that for fee related purposes, bingo halls will continue to be classified as either Class A, where 4 or more events are conducted per week; Class B, where 4 or more events are conducted per week on a non-profit basis; or Class C, where no more than 3 events are conducted per week.

As of June 1, 2012, anyone registered as a “Class A, B or C Bingo Hall Owner/Operator” will be automatically deemed to be registered under the new “Operator” category. No action is required on the part of the registrant. New certificates will be issued as registrations are renewed.

If you are a “Bingo Hall Owner/Operator” and wish to renew your registration, please complete the forms below as an “Operator” and submit them and all other required documentation and fees as directed on the application forms and guide.

Important note: A registered “Operator” does not require a separate registration as a “Seller” in order to sell break open tickets and/or lottery products on behalf of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) at its gaming site. However, applicants wishing to sell lottery products on behalf of the OLG must have a valid OLG Retailer Contract.

For more information on the changes to the GCA, please see   Information Bulletin No. 69 - Changes under the Gaming Control Act, 1992.

Relocating, Re-Opening, Upgrading a Bingo Hall

For detailed information regarding the criteria and procedures for relocating, re-opening or upgrading a bingo hall, please download “Criteria and Procedures for Establishing Bingo Halls” located in the Application Process section of this page. You will also find there all relevant information forms (with instruction sheets) in PDF format.

Risk-Based Registration

The AGCO employs a risk-based approach to the processing of applications for gaming registrations. For more information about risk-based registration, please see   Information Bulletin No. 68 - AGCO Implements Risk-based Registration to Process Gaming Registrations.

Related Links

For more information regarding change of name, address, ownership structure, renewals and other related information, please visit our   Charitable Gaming Registration page.

Application Process

PDF Instructions

New and updated PDF forms on this site can be filled-in and saved locally to your PC. This updated feature preserves all of the information you have filled in, however, version 6.05 or later of Adobe Reader® is required.  Download Adobe Acrobat Reader®

Application Forms & Guides