Ontario regulator fines operators for betting infractions

The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has taken measures to safeguard the public interest and uphold the responsible operation of Ontario’s internet gaming (igaming) market.

Penalties for BVGruop and Fitzdares

In line with these objectives, the AGCO has served Notices of Monetary Penalty totalling $30,000 to BV Gaming Limited and Fitzdares Canada Limited for alleged violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

The operators in question are accused of offering a multitude of bets on games from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League during the 2022-23 season. According to the AGCO, such actions contravene the Standards, which explicitly prohibit betting on minor league sports, including the three major junior hockey leagues within the Canadian Hockey League.

Operators with the right to appealing

Operators who receive a Notice of Monetary Penalty from the AGCO have the right to challenge the Registrar’s decision by appealing to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). The LAT operates independently of the AGCO and is a constituent part of Tribunals Ontario, serving as an adjudicative tribunal.

Dave Phillips, the Chief Operating Officer of AGCO, emphasized the regulator’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Ontario’s sports betting industry, which also extends to protecting the integrity of sports as a whole: “As the regulator of Ontario’s sports betting industry, the AGCO is resolved to maintain the integrity of sports betting which, in turn, may serve to protect the integrity of sport. This includes a clear prohibition on offering bets in Ontario on minor league sports, including Canadian major junior hockey. We will continue to carefully monitor Ontario’s sports betting markets to ensure the public interest is protected.”