On Wednesday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) publicly announced its outreach to various media outlets aimed at halting the advertising of unregulated iGaming platforms.
As stated in their announcement, the AGCO has reached out to over a dozen media outlets, spanning both traditional and online channels, to curb the promotion of websites like Bodog, a leading unregulated offshore gaming operator, catering to Ontario residents.
"Our priority at the AGCO is to ensure the safety of Ontario players by promoting regulated iGaming options,\" explained Dr. Karin Schnarr, the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the AGCO. \"Media platforms have a vital role to play in upholding social responsibility by rejecting advertisement from unregulated and potentially hazardous operators like Bodog, thus safeguarding Ontarians and reinforcing the regulated gaming market in Ontario.\"
More :Top-Rated Regulated Online Casino Platforms in Ontario
The ACGO has highlighted that platforms promoting unregulated online gambling and sports betting sites are increasingly targeting Ontario players with their advertisements across conventional channels. Interestingly, although Bodog has attempted to restrict access for players from various regions within the country, residents of Ontario can still engage with the operator alongside a continuous stream of targeted advertisements.
Regarding the influence of major media platforms and operators, the ACGO pointed out that by airing advertisements for sites such as Bodog, these platforms inadvertently grant them a facade of legitimacy, despite their lack of regulation.
"The AGCO is urging these platforms to take decisive action against the promotion of non-regulated online gambling sites and to remove their advertisements,\" the announcement emphasized. \"This action will mitigate the dangers posed by these sites to Ontarians and bolster the sustainability of Ontario's regulated iGaming sector, aligning with the AGCO's primary goals.\"
More :Top-Rated Regulated Sports Betting Sites in Ontario
AGCO Actively Engaged in Addressing Violations
The AGCO remains vigilant in its efforts to combat violations throughout the province, tackling issues related to both iGaming and various operators.
Just last week, the AGCO imposed penalties on over $150,000 Great Canadian Entertainment for their inability to prevent underage individuals from accessing multiple casinos across the Greater Toronto Area.
The AGCO reported that minors reportedly accessed casino floors and were allowed to partake in gambling activities.
"Operators of casinos in Ontario have a duty to ensure that minors cannot enter casino floors or engage in activities like using slot machines or playing table games,\" stated Dr. Schnarr in the related announcement. \"The AGCO will persist in its oversight to ensure that all casino operators uphold this critical responsibility.\"
igaming stock photos by Vecteezy
Fromdeereplanet.com
