The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) levied a substantial financial penalty against PointsBet, a well-known internet gaming platform, for neglecting its responsible gaming obligations. The company was directed to pay CA$150,000 (approximately US$108,600), a significant reputational hit.
Apparently, PointsBet committed several errors, including neglecting to assist a gambler exhibiting clear signs of difficulty and disregarding the mandatory 24-hour waiting period for deposit limit adjustments. Furthermore, they disseminated promotional content related to gambling without obtaining explicit consent from users, a serious transgression.
The AGCO emphasized that this sanction should serve as a stark warning to PointsBet and the broader industry. They underscored the criticality of robust policies to mitigate gambling-related harm, offer assistance to those in need, and educate personnel on responsible gaming practices. They even referenced global benchmarks, highlighting their dedication to player protection.
This is not the first instance of the AGCO taking decisive action against operators. Recently, they imposed a CA$100,000 fine on Apollo Entertainment for comparable infractions. It appears the AGCO is committed to rectifying the industry and guaranteeing adherence to regulations.
A trio of online gaming firms, LeoVegas, Bunchberry Limited, and Mobile Incorporated Limited, received financial sanctions. The companies failed to adequately verify the legitimacy of their slot game offerings.
Reports indicate they were penalized for featuring unauthorized games and utilizing questionable game developers.
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