The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that Unibet, owned by Kindred Group, has been fined CAD$48,000 (€36,789) for violating the rules on inducement and advertising.
Prior to the launch of Ontario’s regulated iGaming industry in April of this year, the AGCO set out clear guidelines relating to advertising for all gambling operators. These guidelines prohibit any marketing or advertising that promotes gambling inducements such as free bet or bonus bet offers. According to the AGCO, these offers can only be viewed on a specific ‘promotions’ page on the gambling website or if a customer opts in to receive direct marketing.
Speaking of the fine, Tom Mungham, Chief Eexcutive Officer and Registrar of the AGCO said:
“We expect all registered operators to achieve and maintain the high standards of responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity.”
Earlier in May, BetMGM, PointsBet, and DraftKings all received similar financial penalties for the breaching the same rules. Then in June, DraftKings was fined CAD$100,000 (€76,645) for ‘deceptive advertising’.
At the time of DraftKings fine, Mungham said:
“The AGCO will continue to monitor the activities of all registered operators and hold them to high standards of responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity. It is in the public interest that we ensure they are meeting their obligations under Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the Standards.”
The Ontario Licence Appeal Tribunal (which is a separate entity from the AGCO), will hear Unibet’s appeal.
Global gambling industry fines issued in 2022 have reached over $50,000,000 (£44,708,179 / $52,362,442).
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.