A well-known internet gaming platform, PointsBet, received a substantial penalty of $150,000 in Canadian currency (approximately $108,600 USD) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The commission penalized PointsBet for violating Ontario’s regulations on responsible gaming, designed to safeguard individuals from gambling dependency and its associated harms.
The AGCO’s inquiry revealed multiple instances where PointsBet fell short of expectations. They neglected to assist a gambler exhibiting clear signs of a gambling issue. Additionally, they failed to implement a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after a user attempted to lift a deposit restriction. Furthermore, they disseminated promotional materials related to gambling without obtaining the player’s permission.
The AGCO emphasized that these sanctions reflect the gravity of PointsBet’s disregard for regulations intended to mitigate gambling-related harm. These guidelines prioritize assisting vulnerable players and ensuring staff members are well-versed in responsible gambling practices. The AGCO is dedicated to maintaining the highest benchmarks to safeguard players, drawing upon global best practices encompassing prevention, education, early intervention, and support.
This is not the first instance of AGCO taking such measures. In August 2023, they imposed a $100,000 fine on Apollo Entertainment for comparable infractions. Apollo faced scrutiny for not intervening with players displaying indicators of problematic gambling, inadequately implementing gambling limit mechanisms and voluntary self-exclusion options, and demonstrating a lack of staff awareness regarding responsible gambling protocols.
Earlier in April 2023, the AGCO issued a $70,000 penalty to…
Three internet gaming firms were caught red-handed for providing illegitimate games. It seems LeoVegas, Bunchberry Limited, and Mobile Incorporated Limited failed to do their due diligence and wound up featuring uncertified games, some even originating from dubious sources. Now they’re facing consequences for their reckless disregard of regulations.
