Key points:
- The penalty was issued for failing to ensure NorthStarBets.ca is accessible only to players in Ontario as well as other violations
- As part of its ongoing compliance monitoring, AGCO identified the issue with NorthStarBets.ca during a third-party assessment
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issued an Order of Monetary Penalty in the amount of $30,000 to NorthStar Gaming (Ontario). NorthStar was penalized for failing to ensure that its site, NorthStarBets.ca, is accessible only to players in Ontario and other violations.
“Ontario’s gaming sector is carefully regulated to ensure it’s conducted legally and with the public interest in mind,” AGCO CEO and Registar Dr. Karin Schnarr said.
“The AGCO will continue to take all appropriate steps to ensure that regulated gaming sites are operated with integrity and within the province’s legal framework.”
The announcement stated that “to protect the integrity and legality of Ontario’s gaming sector,” games on sites registered in Ontario may only be provided within the province unless conducted in conjunction with the government of another province.
As part of its ongoing compliance monitoring of the gaming sector, AGCO identified the issue with NorthStarBets.ca during a third-party assessment it undertook of registered internet gaming operators.
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The AGCO is also citing the operator for its “repeated failure to provide the Registrar with data, information and documents requested in a timely manner as required.”
In addition to the penalty, the AGCO is continuing to engage with NorthStar to ensure the issues are appropriately addressed, with failure to do so possibly resulting in further enforcement action.
Operators served with an Order of Monetary Penalty have the right to appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
