AGCO Issues $30,000 Penalty to NorthStar Gaming

NorthStar Gaming has been fined $30,000 by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for failing to ensure that its NorthStarBets.ca platform was only accessible to players within Ontario. This breach highlights the critical importance of compliance within Ontario’s tightly regulated iGaming market.

AGCO Fines NorthStar Gaming $30,000 for Failing to Restrict Access to Ontario Players Only

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a $30,000 penalty to NorthStar Gaming, citing failures in geolocation compliance on its NorthStarBets.ca platform. The fine comes after AGCO found that the site allowed access from outside Ontario, violating provincial regulations.

During tests conducted in Quebec and New York state, NorthStarBets.ca failed to accurately restrict access to its services, which are legally limited to players located within Ontario. This compliance lapse prompted the AGCO to issue a significant penalty to the online casino and sportsbook operator.

Key Points:

1. $30,000 Penalty Imposed: The AGCO fined NorthStar Gaming for failing to ensure that NorthStarBets.ca was restricted to Ontario-based players.
2. Geolocation Failure Identified: AGCO’s tests found that the platform did not accurately identify the location of a device attempting access from outside Ontario, specifically in Quebec and New York state.
3. Additional Compliance Breaches: In addition to the geolocation failure, NorthStar Gaming faced criticism for repeatedly failing to provide requested data and documents to the AGCO in a timely manner.

Compliance Failures and AGCO’s Actions

The AGCO‘s investigation found that NorthStar Gaming did not meet the geolocation requirements essential to Ontario’s iGaming regulations, allowing individuals from outside Ontario to access the platform. The regulatory framework governing online gaming in Ontario mandates strict compliance to ensure only provincially based players can participate in online casino and sports betting activities.

The regulator further cited NorthStar Gaming for failing to respond promptly to the Registrar’s requests for data, information, and documents necessary for compliance verification.

Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and registrar, commented on the fine, stating: “Ontario’s gaming sector is carefully regulated to ensure it’s conducted legally and with the public interest in mind. 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.”

Appeal Process

NorthStar Gaming has the right to appeal AGCO’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which operates independently of the AGCO. This tribunal provides an avenue for operators who wish to challenge the penalty or its conditions.

Maintaining Integrity in Ontario’s iGaming Market

The AGCO has consistently enforced strict rules to ensure that Ontario’s regulated iGaming market operates smoothly and within the law. With operators like NorthStar Gaming required to maintain rigorous standards for player location verification, compliance failures are met with strong penalties.

Ontario’s geolocation regulations are designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that gaming operations are conducted exclusively within provincial boundaries, protecting consumers and upholding the integrity of the market.

The AGCO’s $30,000 penalty against NorthStar Gaming underscores the importance of compliance with Ontario’s stringent iGaming regulations. As the province’s online gaming sector continues to grow, operators are reminded of their responsibility to ensure that their platforms meet all legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in relation to geolocation and timely cooperation with regulators.