AGCO
Ontario Budget Includes iGaming Legislation
The Ontario Provincial Budget was released and specific to the gaming sector, Ontario announced the next steps in moving the regulatory model forward for iGaming.
Included in the budget package is legislation that will transfer Conduct & Manage Authority for iGaming from OLG to the AGCO. Below is the paragraph from the budget:
Establishing a Market for Internet Gaming (iGaming) in Ontario
In the 2019 Budget, the government stated its intention to establish an online market for internet gaming (iGaming) in Ontario that is both competitive and protects consumers. In continuing to work towards this goal, the Province is introducing legislation to give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) authority to conduct and manage iGaming, in addition to having the role of the regulator.
If the proposed legislation is passed, a dedicated subsidiary under the AGCO would be established as the conduct and manage entity to manage the relationship between the government and private iGaming operators.
The Province and the AGCO intend to continue consulting with key stakeholders on the design of the iGaming market to reflect consumer preferences and foster an exciting gaming experience, while ensuring that appropriate responsible gaming protections are in place. These engagements will include a number of diverse topics, including approaches for revenue collection, data and gaming system requirements, the licensing and registration approach, product offerings and marketing considerations.
The Province will also continue to engage with the federal government to encourage the legalization of single-event sports wagering. Legal single-event sports wagering would help support the growth of a competitive online gambling market in the province and, as a popular form of wagering, would also benefit other parts of the gaming sector.
CGA News Release on iGaming
Today the CGA issued a news release to applaud the Government of Ontario’s decision to move forward with legislation to make internet gambling (iGaming) a reality in this province and to ensure that the people of Ontario have access to safe and legal gambling options online. You can read the full copy here.
Update on Bill C-218 the “Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act”
On Tuesday November 4, 2020, Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, had its first opportunity to be debated in the House of Commons.
Having been first introduced in February 2020, the Bill had not been debated due to the suspension of regular House business during the pandemic, which was then followed by the prorogation of parliament in the late summer.
Bill C-218 was restored to its previous position on the House of Commons Order Paper once the House resumed regular business in October.
On Tuesday, five Members of Parliament (MP) spoke in favour of the Bill. The Bill enjoys wide support from MP’s of all parties: Conservative, Liberal, NDP and the Bloc Québecois.
Kevin Waugh, a Conservative MP from Saskatchewan and the sponsor of Bill C-218, led off the debate. He was followed by:
Brian Masse, an NDP MP from Windsor who sponsored previous Bills on single-event wagering.
Rhéal Fortin, a Bloc Québecois MP, led his party’s support for the Bill.
Bob Bratina, a Liberal MP from Hamilton, was the lone speaker from the government side.
Tony Baldinelli, a Conservative MP from Niagara Falls and Special Advisory to Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole for Tourism Recovery, rounded out the hour of debate by speaking to the need for the Bill to pass to assist the gaming and hospitality industries to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Link to the speeches: https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/house/sitting-25/hansard
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has mandated all Ontario-registered sportsbook operators to halt offering and accepting wagers on World Boxing Association (WBA) events immediately. This measure is being taken to protect the Ontario betting public following concerns that WBA-sanctioned boxing matches are not adequately being safeguarded against match-fixing and insider betting.
Since December 2023, the AGCO has been conducting a comprehensive review of suspicious wagering activity on a WBA-sanctioned title fight between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro that was held in Orlando, Florida. Suspicious betting patterns on the bout lasting over 5.5 rounds were reported to the AGCO by two registered independent integrity monitors and detected in Ontario by a registered igaming operator. Media reports also alleged that Tellez’s Manager placed $110,000 on the match lasting longer than 5.5 rounds at a Florida casino. The bout ended with Tellez knocking out Navarro in the 10th round.
Following an intensive review that included outreach to the WBA, Ontario-registered gaming operators, independent integrity monitors, and regulators in other jurisdictions, the AGCO has concluded that bets related to WBA events do not currently meet the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
The AGCO requires all Ontario-registered gaming operators to ensure the sport betting products they offer are on events that are effectively supervised by a sport governing body. At a minimum, the sport governing body must have and enforce codes of conduct that prohibit betting by insiders.
Registered gaming operators were unable to demonstrate to the AGCO that the WBA prohibits betting from insiders, which could include an athlete’s coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, medical professionals, or others with access to non-public information. Further, registered gaming operators were unable to demonstrate that the WBA took any action to investigate or enforce the allegations of potential match-fixing and insider wagering.
The AGCO has indicated to registered operators that in order for WBA betting products to be reinstated in Ontario, operators must demonstrate that the WBA effectively supervises its events, thus bringing them into compliance with the Registrar’s Standards. In December 2022, the AGCO required gaming operators to stop offering bets on UFC events for similar issues related to insider betting safeguards. Within a month, UFC amended its policies and implemented new protocols that allowed the AGCO to reinstate betting on UFC events in the province.
“Ontarians who wish to bet on sporting events need to be confident that those events are fairly run, and that clear integrity safeguards are in place and enforced by an effective sport governing body. Knowing the popularity of boxing in Ontario, we look forward to reinstating betting on WBA events once appropriate safeguards against possible match-fixing and insider betting have been confirmed,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of AGCO, said.
mkodo Limited (mkodo) is proud to announce that it has partnered with United Kingdom-based casino operator Ellipse Entertainment. Ellipse Entertainment has chosen mkodo’s advanced geolocation verification service, GeoLocs, to enhance its iGaming operations in Ontario, Canada.
Ellipse Entertainment has seamlessly integrated GeoLocs’ specialised iGaming geolocation platform into its High Flyer Casino brand. This integration will provide a safe, secure and fraud-free environment for its players across Ontario that meets and exceeds the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (AGCO) regulations and requirements.
GeoLocs is a leading geolocation verification service, one of the largest in the Ontario region, specialising in North America’s regulated sports betting and iGaming markets. The platform was built specifically to support iGaming operators, ensuring they are operating in licenced jurisdictions and guaranteeing that they are providing responsible gaming to their customers.
Through this partnership, GeoLocs will bring its cutting-edge solution to Ellipse Entertainment’s High Flyer Casino brand, addressing unique challenges faced by iGaming operators through a swift and smooth integration process. Ellipse Entertainment will benefit from GeoLocs’ support in enhancing compliance strategies, optimising revenue opportunities and meeting regulatory standards. Additionally, users will experience a seamless journey, eliminating the need for additional downloads or companion apps.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Ellipse Entertainment in Ontario introducing GeoLocs to enhance its iGaming operations,” the Managing Director for mkodo, Stuart Godfree, said. “Our partnership supports Ellipse Entertainment’s High Flyer Casino brand, ensuring a secure and seamless geolocation verification experience for players across Ontario.”
“GeoLocs has been the ideal solution for our geolocation verification needs in Ontario,” the Director for Ellipse Entertainment, Andy McDowall, said. “The platform’s advanced technology and expertise, tailored for iGaming operators, align perfectly with our commitment to responsible gaming. Teaming up with mkodo and its GeoLocs service allows Ellipse Entertainment to provide High Flyer Casino players with a compliant and enjoyable online gaming experience.”
Red Rake Gaming is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a gaming license for Ontario, marking a significant milestone for the company. The approval from the Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) allows Red Rake Gaming to provide its highly successful and player-centric content to the Ontario market. This achievement solidifies Red Rake Gaming’s commitment to expanding across the regulated landscape and North America following its recent approval from Pennsylvania.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Red Rake Gaming, which has been active in various states with its social casino offering for several years across the largest social casinos in the United States.
Red Rake Gaming will bring the top-performing game genres and mechanics from its extensive portfolio, including the globally successful Super 30 Stars, Secrets of the Temple, the Million Ways to Win genre, and many other engaging and interactive titles.
Nick Barr, Managing Director (Malta) for Red Rake Gaming, states: “We could not be more thrilled to have been approved for operating in Ontario and have already witnessed a significant demand from operators to integrate our content across the province. We are equally delighted to offer players who have enjoyed our social games over the years the ability to play with real money in Ontario. We are extremely confident about the U.S. market and the integral role it will play in Red Rake Gaming’s continued growth.”
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