History of the AGCO

Learn about the history of the AGCO.

Overview

The AGCO was established on February 23, 1998 under the Alcohol, Cannabis and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996 (ACGRPPA). The AGCO assumed responsibility for the administration of legislation previously administered by the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario and the Gaming Control Commission.

  • On April 1, 2016, the AGCO assumed responsibility for regulating horse racing under the Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015.
  • On September 25, 2018, the AGCO assumed responsibility for regulating privately run recreational cannabis retail stores under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018.
  • On November 29, 2021, ACGRPPA was repealed and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019 (AGCO Act) was proclaimed into force, continuing the AGCO under a separate corporate statute.  
  • On November 29, 2021, the Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA) came into force to rationalize the regulatory framework found in the Liquor Licence Act and parts of the Liquor Control Act into a new and modern framework for the sale, service and delivery of beverage alcohol in Ontario.  

Regulatory bodies prior to the AGCO  

Liquor Licence Board of Ontario
Established in 1947 under the Liquor Licence Act, the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario was responsible for regulating the sale, service and consumption of beverage alcohol in Ontario to promote moderation and responsible use. 

Gaming Control Commission
The Gaming Control Commission was established under the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA) in 1994. The Commission was responsible for the regulation of charitable and casino gaming, for ensuring that those people and companies involved in casino and charitable gaming satisfy high standards of honesty, integrity and financial responsibility, and that games of chance are conducted fairly.

Ontario Racing Commission
Originally established in 1950 under the Racing Commission Act, the Ontario Racing Commission was responsible for regulating the horse racing industry in the public interest and in accordance with the principles of honesty, integrity, and social responsibility. In 2000, the Government of Ontario passed new legislation called the Racing Commission Act, 2000, which converted the Commission to a self-financing regulatory agency with a governing board.