Authorities Crack Down on Unlawful Gaming Devices in Ontario, Overseen by AGCO
In a bid to ensure the safety and integrity of gambling operations in Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has stepped up its enforcement efforts against unlicensed gambling machines.
Operators must be officially licensed by the AGCO to legally offer gambling services in Ontario. Operating unlicensed gaming machines or platforms leads to enforcement actions, including revocation of retailer lottery seller registrations and removal of unapproved gambling devices from premises.
Licensed operators are also required to implement robust responsible gambling (RG) measures to identify and support players at risk of harm. The AGCO holds operators accountable under a regulatory model that emphasizes ethical practices, such as proper staff training in RG and transparent consumer protections.
Compliance with advertising and promotion rules is another key requirement. Operators must avoid misleading promotions and comply with strict advertising standards. The AGCO monitors and restricts advertising of unregulated or offshore gaming operators to protect consumers.
Financial reporting and operational integrity are also non-negotiable. Licensed entities must maintain precise financial records and submit accurate reports to the regulator. Regulatory standards require adherence to fair play principles, including use of approved random number generators and game fairness; breaches lead to significant penalties.
Operators are obligated to renew permits timely and comply with all license conditions. Violations such as operating without valid licenses or failing to meet regulatory requirements result in fines and other enforcement actions.
Unlicensed gambling machines, such as those under the Prime Slot brand, have been found in convenience stores, but the safeguards required by AGCO are not present with unlicensed operators and gambling products. The AGCO believes that these machines have no place in convenience stores or other locations accessible to children and youth.
Companies targeted by AGCO have 15 days to appeal to the License Appeal Tribunal. The AGCO has already initiated enforcement against unlicensed gaming machines in Ontario and has revoked or is in the process of revoking licenses due to these violations.
Furthermore, the AGCO has warned advertisers not to allow ads for offshore gambling websites and products to appear in the press and media. The AGCO has already analyzed instances of offshore gambling ads appearing in the press and media and will continue to act against venues offering unlicensed gambling products.
The crackdown on unlicensed gaming machines reflects the AGCO's commitment to enforce these criteria rigorously, protecting consumers and maintaining a lawful, fair gambling environment in Ontario. The AGCO is working to ensure the regulated gambling market remains protected and consumers are safe.
- Despite the presence of unlicensed gambling machines, like those under the Prime Slot brand, in accessible locations such as convenience stores, the safeguards required by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) are not applicable with unlicensed operators, posing a potential risk to children and youth.
- The AGCO has warned advertisers not to allow advertisements for offshore gambling websites and products to appear in the press and media, with instances of such offshore gambling ads already analyzed, and the regulator planning to continue acting against venues offering unlicensed gambling products.
- Operators found to be operating unlicensed gaming machines or platforms in Ontario face strict enforcement actions, including revocation of retailer lottery seller registrations and removal of unapproved gambling devices from premises, as a means to ensure a lawful, fair gambling environment and the safety of consumers.
