OLG Seeks Industry Support to Strengthen FINTRAC Compliance

Money laundering risks are tightening their grip on Canada’s gaming industry, and Ontario is taking no chances.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), seeking innovative anti-money laundering (AML) solutions from tech providers and industry experts. The goal is to enhance compliance, strengthen oversight, and streamline reporting across its lottery, casino, and online betting operations.

With regulators sharpening scrutiny and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) upping enforcement, OLG wants cutting-edge tools for player identification, transaction monitoring, and automated reporting. For vendors, this is a golden opportunity to shape how AML is handled in one of North America’s largest regulated gaming markets.

So, what exactly is OLG looking for, and why does this matter for the future of Canadian gambling compliance? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Points:

1. OLG issues an RFI for AML solutions covering monitoring, case management, and player risk profiling.
2. The move follows challenges with FINTRAC reporting and recent fines against Canadian gaming operators.
3. Ontario is seeking modern, tech-driven solutions to enhance compliance and efficiency across its gaming ecosystem.

Ontario’s OLG Calls on Industry to Boost AML Defenses Amid Rising Compliance Demands

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has always been a central player in Canada’s gaming landscape. Now, with anti-money laundering risks increasing and regulatory expectations growing, OLG is reassessing its defenses.

The newly issued Request for Information (RFI) is designed to tap into industry innovation. Rather than dictating rigid requirements, OLG is essentially asking: What can the market offer us to stay ahead?

A Shift in Strategy

This isn’t OLG’s first attempt at modernizing its AML systems. Back in December 2022, it launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consolidated AML software solution. That process was later abandoned in favor of this more flexible RFI, which invites open contributions from potential vendors.

According to OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti, the new path “presented a better fit for OLG’s needs and strategy.” The corporation already maintains robust IT systems, but it wants to integrate next-gen tools that can elevate monitoring, detection, and reporting efficiency.

Why FINTRAC Reporting Is a Hot Button

A key challenge outlined in the RFI involves reporting to FINTRAC, Canada’s financial intelligence unit. Ontario’s iGaming expansion since 2022 has made compliance more burdensome. Operators must currently submit suspicious transaction reports manually—an archaic process prone to inefficiency.

To complicate matters, FINTRAC’s web portal was offline for up to a year between March 2024 and March 2025 due to a hacking incident, leaving operators scrambling for solutions. While some built in-house automation tools, the broader industry is still struggling with fragmented systems.

Meanwhile, iGaming Ontario (iGO), which regulates commercial iGaming operators, is developing its own secure automated FINTRAC filing system, expected to significantly reduce manual workload. OLG’s RFI signals it is ready to move in the same direction.

The Bigger Picture: Risk and Reputation

In recent months, FINTRAC has fined multiple Canadian gaming bodies, including BCLC in British Columbia and SIGA in Saskatchewan, for compliance failures. These penalties highlight that regulators are no longer lenient.

For OLG, strengthening AML capabilities isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about protecting its reputation as a trusted state operator. By modernizing systems now, OLG can reduce exposure to financial crime while showing leadership in responsible gaming.

My Take

In my opinion, this RFI is a smart move. It acknowledges that compliance technology is evolving too quickly for static solutions. By inviting ideas from across the industry, OLG is positioning itself to adopt best-in-class innovations without being locked into outdated frameworks.

For vendors, this is a chance to showcase AI-driven risk detection, real-time transaction monitoring, and automated reporting tools. For the wider market, it’s a reminder that AML compliance is no longer just a back-office function—it’s a strategic priority that directly impacts credibility and sustainability.

OLG’s call for industry input on AML solutions is more than a procurement step—it’s a signal of intent. With fines mounting, oversight tightening, and technology advancing, Ontario wants to stay ahead of the curve.

By strengthening its AML capabilities and embracing automation for FINTRAC reporting, OLG is setting an example for other provincial regulators.

The message is clear: in Canada’s fast-growing iGaming sector, robust AML isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Tags: #OLG #AML #FINTRAC #OntarioGaming #iGamingCompliance #RiskManagement #ResponsibleGaming

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