The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal gambling operations, both online and offline. In the latest enforcement move from late last week, the gambling watchdog has gone after unlicensed gaming machines available in physical spaces.
AGCO goes after unlicensed gaming machines in Ontario
According to the regulator’s official statement, several venues had their lottery seller registrations revoked or are in the process of having their licenses revoked, due to what AGCO concluded were unlicensed electronic gaming machines.
The slot machines were under the Prime Slot brand, the regulator said in a statement detailing the case. Commenting on the latest regulatory decision, AGCO Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Dr. Karin Schnarr, had this to add:
"Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth."
The regulator said that any gambling machine that was offered at any venue in the province of Ontario ought to meet stringent criteria for player safety, integrity, and protection of minors and vulnerable individuals.
These safeguards are not present with unlicensed operators and gambling products, the regulator further clarified. AGCO has similarly taken issue with how certain manufacturers and venues try to promote their products as "games of skill," something that the watchdog has dismissed as a legitimate argument.
This "games of skill" reasoning has been used to install gambling machines at various venues, including convenience stores. AGCO has assured that the regulator would continue to act against such venues that offer what the watchdog considers to be unlicensed gambling products.
The regulator has been acting against the unlicensed sector
In the meantime, the companies targeted by the procedure have 15 days to appeal to the License Appeal Tribunal and try to overturn the watchdog’s decision. AGCO has been looking to ensure that the regulated gambling market remains protected and its consumers are safe.
In another recent publication, the watchdog warned advertisers not to allow ads for offshore gambling websites and products to appear in the press and media, as the regulator has already analyzed instances of this happening.
