The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed penalties amounting to CA$150,000 (US$108,600) on registered internet gaming operator PointsBet, for breaching responsible gambling standards in Ontario.
The Registrar of AGCO cited several gambling violations, including failing to help a player experiencing gambling harm, neglecting the 24-hour cooling-off period after a player cancelled their deposit limit and sending gambling inducements without player consent.
According to the AGCO, the penalties show that the operator failed to follow its policies to prevent gambling-related harm, help players at risk and train employees on responsible gambling. The AGCO aims to enforce standards based on international practices to protect players, including prevention, awareness, early intervention and support.
This incident follows a similar regulatory action against Apollo Entertainment in August 2023, where the AGCO issued CA$100,000 in penalties for failing to meet Ontario's responsible gambling requirements. Apollo faced allegations of not intervening with players experiencing gambling harm, inadequately implementing gambling limit tools and a voluntary self-exclusion program and lacking employee understanding of responsible gambling.
Additionally, in April 2023, the AGCO imposed CA$70,000 in penalties on three iGaming operators – LeoVegas, Bunchberry Limited and Mobile Incorporated Limited – for failing to independently approve slot games for integrity.
The penalties reflected alleged violations of offering uncertified games and games from unregistered suppliers.
