The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced Wednesday that it has contacted several media platforms in an effort to cease the promotion of unregulated iGaming sites.
According to the release, the AGCO contacted more than a dozen platforms, both traditional and digital, in an effort to prevent the promotion of sites such as Bodog -- which represents one of the more popular unregulated offshore operators -- to Ontario residents.
"The AGCO is committed to protecting Ontario players and ensuring they have the safest experience by playing on regulated iGaming sites,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at the AGCO. “By refusing to carry advertising from unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organizations can exemplify social responsibility and play an important role in protecting Ontarians and supporting Ontario’s regulated market."
More: Best Regulated Ontario Online Casino Sites
The ACGO noted that the platform, alongside other unregulated online gambling and sports betting sites, was actively targeting Ontarians through advertising across traditional platforms. Notably, while Bodog has made efforts to block players in other regions across the country, Ontario’s residents are still able to access the operator, in conjunction with the site consistently targeting prospective users with advertising.
With regards to the role played by large media platforms and operators, the ACGO explained that by airing ads, sites like Bodog are being provided a sense of legitimacy, even when they are not.
“The AGCO is therefore calling on these platforms to take a stand against the promotion of unregulated online gambling sites and remove the ads,” the release notes. “By doing so, broadcasters and digital media companies will help reduce the risks these sites pose to Ontarians and support the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market – all key objectives of the AGCO.”
More: Best Regulated Ontario Sports Betting Sites
AGCO Remains Active in Fighting Offenders
The AGCO has continued to remain active in its work against offers across the province, both on the iGaming front and among other operators.
Just last week, the AGCO issued penalties of over $150,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for failing to prevent minors from accessing multiple casinos in the Greater Toronto Area.
According to the AGCO, minors allegedly gained access to casino floors and were even allowed to participate in gambling activities.
“Ontario casino operators have an obligation to ensure minors are not able to access casino floors or activities such as slot machines or table games,” Dr. Schnarr said in the accompanying release. “The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role."
igaming stock photos by Vecteezy
From OntarioBets.com
