Compliance Updates
AGCO issues $150,000 in penalties to PointsBet for violations of internet gaming responsible gambling standards
The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued PointsBet Canada Operations 1 Inc., a registered internet gaming operator, a Notice of Monetary Penalty totaling $150,000 for failing to meet Ontario’s responsible gambling requirements.
The penalty relates to several alleged violations of the responsible gambling provisions of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming (the Standards), including, but not limited to:
- Failing to appropriately intervene and provide assistance to a player who was potentially experiencing gambling harms. In this case, a player lost over $500,000 in under three months The player was flagged as potentially high-risk by the operator’s systems on multiple occasions, including due to incurring significant losses and making repeated withdrawal cancellations. Despite this, no interventions were provided by the gaming site operator during that period.
- Failing to enforce the required 24-hour cooling-off period when the player cancelled their per-day deposit limit.
- Communicating gambling inducements, bonuses, or credits through direct advertising without active player consent. Despite the player withdrawing their consent for direct advertising and marketing, credits totaling $35,500 were deposited on various occasions into the player’s account, and numerous offers of free tickets to sporting events were provided.
- As demonstrated by these incidents, failing to ensure that employees understood the importance of responsible gambling and were adequately trained to respond appropriately to, and assist, players who may be experiencing harm from gambling.
Ensuring registered igaming operators comply with Ontario’s strong responsible gambling provisions is an AGCO priority. The AGCO’s Standards require registered operators in Ontario’s igaming market to follow specific rules designed to protect players at risk of gambling-related harm. These responsible gambling measures, grounded in international best-practices, include prevention, awareness, early intervention, and support.
A registered operator served with a Notice of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s action to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
“In Ontario, igaming operators have an obligation to proactively monitor their patrons’ play for signs of high-risk gambling, and to take appropriate actions to intervene and reduce the potential for gambling related harms. The AGCO will continue to focus on player protection by holding all registered operators to these high standards.” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
Canada
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
Compliance Updates
Media Troopers Receives Two-Year Renewal of Colorado Sports Betting License
Media Troopers, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in sports betting and iGaming, has marked its two-year anniversary in promoting sports betting in Colorado as a vendor licensed by the state.
Shmulik Segal, CEO of Media Troopers said: “We are very proud of this renewal, as it marks a milestone of two successful years of growth and commitment to the State of Colorado.”
Colorado’s Division of Gaming has renewed Media Troopers’ vendor license, allowing the company to promote sports betting offers for its customers until January 2027.
“Receiving a new license and debuting in a state is always exciting, but it is where the hard work begins,” Segal added. “So I am proud to celebrate two successful years of hard work and dedication in promoting safe and reponsible gaming for our Colorado partners such as BetMGM, bet365, and BetFanatics.”
Compliance Updates
Digitain Group Products are Certified for Brazil
Digitain among the first game and software suppliers to successfully meet Brazil’s new regulatory standards.
Digitain, a leading provider of sportsbook and casino platform solutions, is proud to announce that it is among the first game and software suppliers to successfully meet Brazil’s new regulatory standards.
The Brazilian gaming market is undergoing a significant transformation. With new regulations in place, gaming operators and providers must adapt quickly to meet these evolving requirements. This achievement underscores Digitain’s commitment to delivering high-quality gaming products and ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations, allowing our partners to continue their operations seamlessly.
Arshak Muradyan, Digitain Group’s Chief Compliance Officer, stated, “Brazil’s gaming industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years, with more attention given to regulating and managing this fast-evolving market. In 2024, Brazil introduced stricter rules for gaming providers, including new certification requirements, enhanced player protection measures, and tighter oversight of both games and operators. The certification process, conducted by an authorised testing laboratory of GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), ensures that our products meet the high standards of quality and fairness mandated by Brazilian regulators.”
Ani Mkrtchyan, Chief Sales Officer of Digitain Group, said, “As a company operating on the global stage, Digitain Group has consistently recognised the importance of regulatory compliance. This is why we’ve acted swiftly to meet the new requirements set out by Brazil’s regulatory authorities, positioning ourselves as one of the first companies to successfully navigate this evolving landscape.”
“Digitain Group’s success in securing certification for the Brazilian market is a significant milestone, and we’re proud to be among the first to meet these new regulatory standards. By adhering to the highest standards of compliance, we ensure the integrity of the industry and position ourselves and our partners for continued success in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets.”
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
BF Games Makes Strategic Entry into Brazilian Market
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Bragg Gaming is Live in Brazil’s Regulated iGaming Market
-
Latest News5 days ago
Plaza Hotel & Casino offering free stalls to temporarily rehome horses affected by the California wildfires
-
Affiliate Industry5 days ago
MetaBet inks Gentoo Media partnership to enhance flagship sites
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL
-
Latest News5 days ago
INSPIRED TO LAUNCH 16 SLOT GAMES IN BRAZIL, IGNITING THE iGAMING MARKET IN JANUARY 2025
-
Latest News5 days ago
PENN Entertainment Announces Partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment for Market Access in Washington, D.C.
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil