AGCO Penalizes Sports Betting Operators
Author:
Megan Butler
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) recently took action against BV Gaming, the operator of BetVictor, and Fitzdares Canada for their involvement in offering prohibited bets on major junior hockey. The AGCO penalized both operators for facilitating bets on Canadian Hockey League (CHL) events, such as games from the Ontario Hockey League, which go against regulatory guidelines.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has taken action against BV Gaming, operator of BetVictor, and Fitzdares Canada for their involvement in offering banned bets on major junior hockey.
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BetVictor and Fitzdares Canada Each Fined CA$ 15,000 For Violations
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has taken action against BV Gaming, operator of BetVictor, and Fitzdares Canada for their alleged involvement in offering prohibited bets on major junior hockey. The penalties were imposed after both operators were found to have accepted bets on contests from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League during the 2022-23 season.
AGCO stated that this activity violated the established standards that prohibit wagering on minor league sports, including the three major junior hockey leagues within the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Specifically, Standard 4.34, paragraph 15 strictly forbids betting on this level of sporting event.
In response to the violation, BV Gaming (BetVictor) and Fitzdares Canada have been ordered to pay a penalty of CA$15,000 (￡8,913/€10,380/US$11,337) each. While the operators retain the right to appeal the ruling, the penalties serve as a clear reminder of the regulatory restrictions in place and the consequences for non-compliance.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Will Continue to Closely Monitor Ontario Sports Betting Market
The chief operating officer of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Dave Phillips, emphasized the organization’s commitment to upholding the integrity of sports betting in Ontario. He stressed that this dedication also extends to safeguarding the overall integrity of sports, particularly Canadian major junior hockey, within the province:
“As the regulator of Ontario’s sports betting industry, AGCO is resolved to maintain the integrity of sports betting. In turn, this may serve to protect the integrity of sport. This includes a clear prohibition on offering bets in Ontario on minor league sports, including Canadian major junior hockey.”– Dave Phillips, Chief Operating Officer, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Press Release
Phillips’ statement highlighted the commitment of the responsible authority to closely monitor the sports betting markets in Ontario, with a primary focus on safeguarding the public interest:
“We will continue to carefully monitor Ontario’s sports betting markets to ensure the public interest is protected.”
As one of the first operators to obtain a gaming license in the province during the market’s launch in April 2022, BV Gaming was authorized to provide online sports betting and casino games to customers. Fitzdares made its entry into Ontario in February of 2023 through a partnership with FSB, a leading B2B sportsbook and igaming service provider.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Fined More Operators in May 2023
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) took further action in May 2023 against three operators for providing unlicensed slot games to players. Bunchberry Limited, Mobile Incorporated Limited, and LeoVegas Gaming were each fined a total of CA$70,000 for their violations of Standards 4.08 and 4.09, which require licensees to obtain regulatory approval for all slots through an independent testing laboratory.
Further investigation revealed that Mobile Incorporated had also breached Standard 1.22 by offering unlicensed games from suppliers that were not registered with the AGCO. The penalties imposed by the regulator highlight the importance of adhering to licensing requirements and ensuring that all games offered to players meet the necessary regulatory standards.
The AGCO’s actions serve as a warning to operators in Ontario and the wider gambling industry about the need for compliance with licensing regulations and the responsible provision of licensed and approved games. The regulator’s commitment to upholding industry standards helps protect players and maintain the integrity of the gambling market in Ontario.
AGCO registrar and chief executive Tom Mungham reminded observers that the organization holds all parties to the highest standards:
“The AGCO holds all registered operators to high standards of responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity, and monitors their activities in the interest of Ontarians. A critical feature of our regulatory framework requires operators to only offer games that are from registered gaming suppliers and have been certified by an AGCO-registered independent testing laboratory to meet the highest standards of game integrity. Ontarians who choose to play on registered sites need the assurance that the games being provided meet these requirements.”– Tom Mungham, Registrar and Chief Executive, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Press Release
85.3% of Ontario Gamblers Bet Legally, According to AGCO
A recent report conducted by Ipsos has shed light on encouraging trends within the gambling landscape of Ontario, Canada. The study, commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, marked the one-year anniversary of the province’s legal online gambling market, which was launched on April 4th, 2022.
According to the findings, an impressive 85.3% of gamblers in Ontario who participated in online wagering over the past three months did so through legal and regulated websites. This demonstrates a significant shift towards the use of authorized platforms within the province. However, the report also highlighted that 19.5% of players engaged in gambling activities on both legal and illegal sites, while 14.7% exclusively used unregulated platforms.
The results underscore the progress made in establishing a robust and well-regulated online gambling market in Ontario. The high percentage of players opting for licensed websites reflects the effectiveness of the province’s regulatory efforts in promoting consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. Tom Mungham, registrar and CEO of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), claimed that the results proved the success of the AGCO’s overall strategy:
“A key objective in this first year has been to move Ontario players from playing on unregulated sites to the regulated market, so that they would benefit from high standards of operator and game integrity, fairness and player protections including responsible gambling safeguards. Although there’s still much work to be done, we’re pleased to see such a substantial shift towards gaming on regulated sites so far, and everything that it represents for players and for the province.”
