Canada
GLI Named an Independent Testing Laboratory for iGaming in Ontario

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an iGaming independent testing laboratory (ITL) by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
The registration means that, effective immediately, GLI is authorized to test and certify iGaming components such as games, random number generator (RNGs), and platforms/RGS.
The AGCO and the province will leverage the benefits of GLI’s 30+ years of international experience in iGaming testing, certification, and consultation. Today, GLI is the only lab working with all existing and emerging jurisdictions worldwide, giving GLI unparalleled expertise and insight to help AGCO, AGCO-registered operators, and/or gaming-related suppliers successfully navigate the exciting opportunities in Ontario for iGaming.
In addition to Ontario, GLI has helped all other Canadian provinces currently online with their technical standards and/or mission-critical online gaming testing deployments to date, including the Province of Alberta’s most recent online portal’s launch.
“It is extremely exciting to see the future of the iGaming landscape emerge in Ontario. GLI is proud to be a part of it and honored to have been registered as an authorized test lab by the AGCO. We’re always preparing for what’s next- land-based, digital, or both, with experts on the ground around the world. As the pioneer in iGaming and sportsbook testing and certification, we know we will have much to offer, and our global professionals are ready to help in ways no one else can,” James Maida, CEO of GLI, said.
In addition to formal testing and certification work on behalf of the AGCO, GLI is ready to provide other valuable assistance to interested operators and suppliers, such as pre-certification testing, jurisdictional consultation, and regulatory advisory support to help them clearly understand the AGCO Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. GLI also provides a full suite of critical integrated services including GAP Analyses and Transfers of Approval, educational services for iGaming or sports betting compliance, workshops, and many other forms of emerging market support and consultancy.
“Beyond wanting the AGCO and province of Ontario to greatly benefit, we also want operators and suppliers to be commercially successful, all while maintaining the highest levels of integrity in compliance. Our technical and regulatory compliance teams are ready to test, consult and advise on best practices to achieve that,” Salim L. Adatia, Vice President of Client Services for North America, said.
Canada
BetVictor Canada launches Tracy McGrady Safer Gambling campaign

BetVictor Canada has launched its new out-of-home advertising campaign across the streets of Toronto to promote NBA legend Tracy McGrady as its Safer Gambling Ambassador.
Two mobile digital trucks strategically targeting high-traffic areas near Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and major sporting events will provide prime audience exposure for the campaign, scheduled around Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays home games.
To further enhance the campaign’s reach, BetVictor Canada has partnered with Clear Media Group to leverage digital taxi tops across Toronto, providing city-wide exposure with 100 taxis displaying key brand messaging. These digital taxi tops will run during peak evening hours (5:00pm – 9:00pm) on select dates until April 5th, 2025.
The campaign coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide grassroots campaign held each March that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
BetVictor Canada offers an array of tools and services to help its Canadian customers bet and play safely and responsibly, across a host of sports betting markets and online casino games.
Mark Harper, Head of Emerging Markets at BV Group, said: “BetVictor is delighted to be participating in the National Council of Problem Gambling campaign in March, to help increase public awareness of problem gambling and the need to promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“In using our Safer Gambling Ambassador, Tracy McGrady, to raise awareness about BetVictor’s safer gambling tools such as loss limits, time alerts and product restrictions we are dedicated to ensuring all players have a safe gambling experience. #PGAM2025.”
Canada
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
Canada
BCLC Launches “What’s played here stays here” Campaign

BCLC’s new “What’s played here stays here” campaign is issuing an important reminder to British Columbians who choose to gamble – specifically that all net profit its operations generate stays in B.C. to help fund critical services like education, health care and community programs.
The campaign also reinforces that all other gambling websites operating in B.C. are illegal and take away funds from critical community programs and services.
“Across B.C. and Canada, we’ve seen incredible groundswell around the importance of buying and supporting local, and that’s no different for British Columbians who choose gambling for their entertainment. We want our B.C. players to know they can find a world-class gambling experience in their own backyard, whether it’s at one of our 33 casinos, 3,400 lottery retailers, or online at PlayNow.com, and that the proceeds from their play with BCLC make a positive impact at home in their community,” Pat Davis, President and CEO of BCLC, said.
Along with illegal online gambling websites, BCLC also competes with Washington State and Las Vegas casinos, all of which aggressively market to B.C. residents.
“BCLC continues to raise awareness that these gambling options do not support B.C.’s economy and take away funds from vital provincial and community-based programs and services. In a time when British Columbians are standing united, we want to reinforce that playing together with BCLC helps make B.C. even better,” Pat Davis added.
-
Canada7 days ago
GiG Launches Fourth Partner into Ontario as PowerPlay Enhances Its Gaming Experience with GiG’s Formidable Combination of Proprietary Platform, Sportsbook and AI technology
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator Expands in LATAM with Peru Certification
-
Latest News7 days ago
1/ST CONTENT broadens its South American reach in new LATAM deal with America Simulcast and Sportbet
-
Conferences7 days ago
WA.Technology to accelerate operators’ Brazilian growth at SiGMA Americas
-
Latest News7 days ago
From $400M to $1.45B: Exploring Gurhan Kiziloz’s Strategic Expansion in Online Gaming
-
Canada6 days ago
Online casino with a Nordic twist enters yet another market as it continues to deploy its ambitious international expansion plans
-
eSports6 days ago
PlayVS Announces Multi-year Partnership with Zenni Optical
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
4ThePlayer Games Secures Certification for the Brazilian Market!