AGCO
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
| a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
| b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
| c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
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Endorphina Limited has obtained a Gaming-Related Supplier registration in Ontario, Canada, allowing the company to supply its online slot content to licensed operators in the province.
The registration was issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Ontario is one of North America’s most closely regulated online gambling markets.
“Securing approval in Ontario is a significant achievement for Endorphina. It confirms the quality of our products, the strength of our compliance framework, and our readiness to operate in highly regulated environments,” said Head of Compliance at Endorphina, Džangar Jesenov.
Endorphina said it has a portfolio of 200+ slots, partnerships with 6,000+ operators, and an active presence in more than 50 jurisdictions. The company positions the Ontario approval as part of its broader expansion strategy in regulated markets.
The post Endorphina secures AGCO supplier registration in Ontario appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Amusnet is entering the North American market after securing a Gaming-Related Supplier–Manufacturer Registration from the AGCO in Ontario, Canada, marking a strategic milestone in the group’s global expansion.
Licensing grants Amusnet access to Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, which is one of the most established and fast-growing jurisdictions in North America, known for its robust regulatory framework and strong long-term growth potential.
It will allow the supplier to offer online gaming content to licensed operators in the province, officially establishing its presence in the region. Amusnet will initially roll out its iGaming portfolio, with the option to expand into Land-based solutions at a later stage.
Ontario’s regulatory framework emphasises strict compliance, ensuring that all suppliers adhere to high standards in technology, security and player protection. This makes Ontario a key benchmark market for companies entering North America. The new registration further confirms that Amusnet has successfully met these rigorous requirements for integrity and regulatory compliance, enabling it to distribute its content across the province.
“Securing the AGCO licence is an important milestone for Amusnet and reflects our long-term commitment to operating in fully regulated markets. Our entry into Ontario represents a key strategic step into North America, which is a high-priority region with strong long-term growth potential. We look forward to partnering with local operators and building a sustainable presence in the market,” said Ivo Georgiev, CEO of Amusnet.
The post Amusnet Marks Strategic Entry into North America with Ontario Licence appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Platipus Gaming has obtained a supplier licence in Ontario, Canada, clearing the company to provide gaming content to licensed operators in the province.
The licence brings Platipus under the oversight and technical standards required in Ontario, with the company positioning the approval as part of its broader focus on regulatory alignment and responsible product supply.
A spokesperson from the Legal Department commented:
“We are pleased to receive our supplier licence in Ontario and to make our gaming content and solutions available. Following a comprehensive application process, we can now formally present this achievement as part of our regulated market presence.”
Viktoriia Andreasen, Head of Marketing, added:
“Ontario stands out as a well-structured and highly organised jurisdiction. It represents an important regulated market with strong operational standards”.
The company said the approval supports its “compliance-by-design” approach, where regulatory requirements are integrated early in product development, and that operating under Ontario’s framework can help support entry into other regulated markets that reference Ontario standards.
The post Platipus Gaming secures Ontario supplier licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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