Ontario Regulator Fines theScore for Responsible Gambling Breaches
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined Score Media and Gaming Inc., operator of theScore Bet, CA$105,000 for failing to properly intervene in a case of high-risk gambling. The regulator stated that the company breached responsible gambling standards designed to protect players from financial and emotional harm.
AGCO Cites Failure to Act on High-Risk Play
According to AGCO, theScore allowed one customer to wager approximately CA$2.5 million and lose CA$230,000 over eight months without appropriate intervention. The regulator said the operator should have identified several warning signs, including frequent, high-stakes bets and rapidly escalating losses. These patterns, AGCO noted, were clear indicators of potential gambling-related harm.
The investigation found that despite these red flags, theScore did not take timely action to assess the customer’s risk level or provide responsible gambling support. The regulator also stated that the company lacked adequate monitoring tools and internal procedures to detect excessive play.
Breached Standards and Industry Implications
AGCO found that the operator violated three parts of Ontario’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming – policies to identify and reduce gambling-related harm, behavioural monitoring systems, and staff training requirements. The regulator emphasized that all licensed operators must ensure active monitoring and early intervention when signs of risk appear.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and Registrar, said that strong player protection is essential to maintaining trust in the regulated market and preventing harm. The decision underscores the growing focus on compliance and responsible gaming enforcement in Ontario’s online gambling industry. TheScore has the right to appeal the penalty before the Licence Appeal Tribunal, but AGCO has confirmed that enhanced oversight will continue across all registered operators.
