AGCO
AGCO issues $70,000 in monetary penalties to three internet gaming operators for offering uncertified slot games
In order to protect the public interest and ensure Ontario’s internet gaming (igaming) market operates responsibly and with integrity, the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has served three AGCO-registered internet gaming operators with Notices of Monetary Penalty for alleged infractions of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming (the Standards), pertaining to game integrity.
Contrary to Standards 4.08 and 4.09, Bunchberry Limited, Mobile Incorporated Limited and LeoVegas Gaming PLC are alleged to have provided games on their Ontario gaming sites that were not approved by the AGCO Registrar nor certified by an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) registered by the Registrar. In addition, contrary to Standard 1.22, the uncertified games that Mobile Incorporated Limited allegedly provided were from suppliers who are not registered with the AGCO.
The Standards were put in place to protect Ontarians from potential harms while ensuring game integrity and fairness. They include clear requirements for operators and gaming-related suppliers to cease all unregulated activities and to only provide games that have been certified by an AGCO-registered ITL against the Standards, in order to participate in Ontario’s regulated, open igaming market.
A registered operator served by the AGCO with Notice of Monetary Penalty has the right to appeal the Registrar’s action to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTES
“The AGCO holds all registered operators to high standards of responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity, and monitors their activities in the interest of Ontarians. A critical feature of our regulatory framework requires operators to only offer games that are from registered gaming suppliers and have been certified by an AGCO-registered independent testing laboratory to meet the highest standards of game integrity. Ontarians who choose to play on registered sites need the assurance that the games being provided meet these requirements.”
Tom Mungham, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Contrary to Standards 1.22, 4.08 and 4.09, Mobile Incorporated Limited is alleged to have committed the following infractions:
- the Registrant provided uncertified games from two unregistered suppliers on their Ontario gaming site and, based on the Registrar’s assessment of the particular circumstances, in accordance with AGCO Board Guidelines, has been served an Order of Monetary Penalty totaling $30,000 for these alleged infractions.
Contrary to Standards 4.08 and 4.09, LeoVegas Gaming PLC is alleged to have committed the following infractions:
- The Registrant provided an uncertified game on their Ontario gaming site and, based on the Registrar’s assessment of the particular circumstances, in accordance with AGCO Board Guidelines, has been served an Order of Monetary Penalty totaling $25,000 for this alleged infraction.
Contrary to Standards 4.08 and 4.09, Bunchberry Limited is alleged to have committed the following infractions:
- The Registrant provided uncertified games on their Ontario gaming site and, based on the Registrar’s assessment of the particular circumstances, in accordance with AGCO Board Guidelines, has been served an Order of Monetary Penalty totaling $15,000 for these alleged infractions.
AGCO
Ellipse Entertainment Enters Geolocation Partnership with GeoLocs
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.”
AGCO
Red Rake Gaming Secures Ontario Gaming License
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.”
AGCO
AGCO Issues Penalties to Fallsview Casino Operator for Anti-Money Laundering Violations
The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty totaling $70,000 to MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc., the registered operator of Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls Ontario, for failing to meet requirements in place to minimize the risk of unlawful activity, including money laundering, at the gaming site.
In April 2023, a patron attended the Salon Privé at the Fallsview Casino Resort and presented $80,000 in strapped $100 bills from a reusable grocery bag. Surveillance showed that once the money was counted and confirmed, the patron left the table with casino chips without playing at that time. Despite having previously identified the player as “high risk,” the casino failed to notify the AGCO and on-site police of this transaction as required. The casino operator also failed to take any meaningful steps to ascertain and corroborate the patron’s source of funds, as is required by anti-money laundering rules set out in the Registrar’s Standards for Gaming.
The prevention of unlawful activities at Ontario’s gaming sites is a key priority for the AGCO. Casino operators have an important role to play and must take steps to effectively identify and prevent criminal activity from occurring on their gaming sites. Among the regulatory requirements casino operators must meet, the Registrar’s Standards for Gaming (the Standards) require operators to report suspicious behaviours and to validate a patron’s source of funds when presented with significant amounts of bulk cash.
The AGCO, along with the Ontario Provincial Police bureau attached to it, continue to focus on the safety and security of gaming in Ontario and actively monitor all Ontario gaming sites for compliance with the Standards.
A registered gaming operator served with an Order of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s action to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
“The AGCO is committed to protecting the public interest and public safety and remains vigilant in its efforts to guard against potential money laundering at Ontario’s gaming sites. Casino operators are important front-line partners in this effort and the AGCO holds all operators to rigorous standards when it comes to the prevention of unlawful activity,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of AGCO, said.
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