(AsiaGameHub) – The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued fines to two of its licensed suppliers for providing gaming content to unlicensed platforms. Both Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions have been ordered to pay a financial penalty of CAD 40,000 each.
The Two Suppliers Violated Ontario’s Rules
An investigation by the AGCO revealed that games from these two suppliers were accessible on websites that lacked an Ontario license, yet remained available to players within the province.
Ontario maintains a rigorous regulatory environment where only authorized operators are permitted to provide gaming services; consequently, unlicensed entities operate in violation of provincial law. Suppliers are strictly forbidden from supplying content to websites that target Ontario without the necessary authorization.
The AGCO noted that both Relax and Arrise hold valid registrations, which permit them to supply slots and casino games to authorized local operators. However, these licenses explicitly prohibit the companies from providing their products to unregulated gaming sites that are accessible to Ontario residents.
The regulator stated that supplying illegal operators bolsters the black market, which lacks the essential consumer protections required in the legal sector.
AGCO Outlines Illegal Gambling Disruption as a Top Priority
The AGCO identified the disruption of the unregulated gambling market and its associated supply chains as a primary objective. To this end, it imposed a CAD 40,000 ($29,300) fine on each of the two companies.
The AGCO acknowledged that both suppliers cooperated fully with the investigation. It further noted that both companies have since taken immediate steps to prevent Ontario players from accessing their games via unregulated platforms.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and registrar of the AGCO, highlighted the necessity of stringent regulation for the integrity of Ontario’s iGaming market.
Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO & registrar, AGCO
Meanwhile, the province of Alberta is preparing to launch its own iGaming market, aiming to mirror the success seen in Ontario.
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