Advertisers urged to avoid associating with offshore gambling sites by AGCO

Advertisers urged to avoid associating with offshore gambling sites by AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is sick of watching offshore gambling platforms take advantage of residents in the province, and they're taking action to put a stop to it.

In a statement on their website, the AGCO revealed that they've been reaching out to a slew of media companies, telling them to cut ties with any gambling websites that don't hold a license in Ontario but are attempting to reel in unsuspecting locals. A particular platform called out in the statement was Bodog, which is apparently in violation of the Gaming Control Act, 1992.

Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at the AGCO, Dr Karin Schnarr, said that the regulated iGaming market is the only safe option for local players, and by refusing to peddle ads for unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organizations can demonstrate responsibility and aid in protecting Ontarians.

At the moment, AGCO has pointed out that it's up to the advertisers to ensure they're not promoting unlicensed sites. The regulator also clarified that since the market was regulated in 2022, operators are expected to adhere to strict rules and maintain solid player protection measures, something that may not be the standard with an offshore brand not accountable to the AGCO's statutes.

Recently, the AGCO handed out a hefty fine to three land-based casino sites owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, alleging that minors were allowed to roam the gaming floors and, in certain cases, partake in the games. The AGCO slapped them with a CA$151,000 fine.

The AGCO's moves against offshore gambling brands are crucial to protect consumers from unregulated, possibly dangerous gaming environments. Many offshore operators continue to target Ontario customers, putting them at risk of getting ensnared in unlicensed and likely dodgy activities. By stopping these ads, the AGCO is trying to protect Ontarians and support the province's regulated market. Information from FINTRAC indicates that some offshore operators have been implicated in money laundering activities, which is another reason why the AGCO wants to keep these platforms out. By shining a light on unlicensed operators like Bodog, the AGCO is making a stand to preserve a safe and regulated gaming scene in Ontario.

Enrichment Insights: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is cracking down on offshore gambling brands by asking media companies to stop advertising sites that aren't licensed in Ontario. This move aims to protect consumers from risky and unregulated gambling environments, as some offshore operators have been linked to illicit activity such as money laundering (FINTRAC). Specifically, the AGCO called out Bodog, stating it breaches the Gaming Control Act, 1992, highlighting the regulatory body's concerns about unlicensed operators. By stopping these ads, the AGCO is trying to support Ontario's regulated market and protect players from unregulated activities associated with offshore sites.

1. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is taking action against offshore gambling platforms, urging media companies to cease promotions of unlicensed gambling sites that target Ontario residents.
2. The AGCO's decision to curb ads for unregulated gambling sites like Bodog is aimed at protecting consumers from potentially harmful and unregulated online casinos.
3. The AGCO's stance on offshore brands is also based on evidence suggesting some of these operators have been involved in money laundering activities, as indicated by FINTRAC.
4. By addressing unlicensed operators, the AGCO aims to maintain a safe and regulated casino-and-gambling industry in Ontario, ensuring that sports betting and other casino games are conducted within the confines of the established finance and legal framework.

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