Ontario Cracks Down on Uncertified Gambling Sites with Hefty Fines
The Ontario gaming regulatory body, the AGCO, recently issued significant penalties to three internet gambling operators, totaling $70,000 CAD (approximately $51,700 USD) in financial sanctions. Their transgression? Allegedly neglecting to guarantee the independent fairness verification of their offered slot games.
LeoVegas received the most substantial penalty at $25,000 for purportedly providing a game on its Ontario platform lacking the necessary certification.
Bunchberry Limited faced a $15,000 fine for allegedly offering games that hadn’t received approval from an independent testing facility.
Mobile Incorporated Limited was also penalized with a $30,000 fine for allegedly hosting several uncertified games on its platform, including some from providers not registered with the AGCO.
The AGCO’s CEO and Registrar, Tom Mungham, stressed the organization’s dedication to maintaining rigorous standards: “We anticipate all registered operators to comply with Ontario’s stringent requirements concerning responsible gaming practices, player safeguards, and game integrity. We are actively ensuring their compliance for the benefit of Ontario’s residents.”
He further emphasized the crucial role of independent verification: “A fundamental element of our regulatory structure mandates that operators solely offer games from registered gaming providers, and these games must undergo certification by AGCO-approved independent testing laboratories to meet our high standards for game integrity.”
Mungham concluded with a message directed at players: “Individuals in Ontario who opt to engage in gaming activities on regulated platforms require the certainty that the games offered fulfill these standards.”
While still in its early stages following its April 4, 2022 debut, Ontario’s internet gaming market is already creating a stir. Being the inaugural Canadian province to fully legalize online wagering, its development was closely watched by many. Now, the preliminary data is available, and it’s impressive: a remarkable $1.4 billion in income has been generated! This initial triumph will undoubtedly be observed by other provinces as the Canadian gaming landscape undergoes further transformation.
