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Posted on October 16, 2024 • 3 minutes read
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TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthStar Gaming (Ontario) Inc., a registered online gaming operator, has ordered a fine totaling $30,000 for failing to ensure that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a fine. Their site, NorthStarBets.ca, is only available to players in Ontario and other jurisdictions.
To protect the integrity and legitimacy of the Ontario gaming industry, games on Ontario-registered gaming sites may only be made available within Ontario unless conducted in conjunction with another provincial government. As part of its ongoing compliance monitoring of the gaming industry, AGCO identified the issue with NorthStarBets.ca during a proactive third-party assessment of registered online gaming operators.
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As part of the evaluation, tests were conducted from physical locations in Quebec and New York to determine whether gaming locations in Ontario could be accessed outside of Ontario. During the evaluation, NorthStarBets.ca failed to accurately locate a device. AGCO also cites the operator for its repeated failure to provide the registrar with requested data, information and documents in a timely manner as requested.
In addition to the penalty, AGCO continues to work with the operator to ensure issues are addressed appropriately. Failure to do so may result in further enforcement action.
Operators against whom a financial penalty order has been issued have the right to appeal the action to the Registrar Licensing Appeal Tribunal (LAT)which is a judicial tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of the Ontario Courts.
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“Ontario’s gaming sector is carefully regulated to ensure it is conducted lawfully and with the public interest in mind. AGCO will continue to take all appropriate steps to ensure regulated gaming sites operate fairly and within the province’s legal framework.”
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Dr. Karen Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of AGCO.
Additional information
Contrary to Article 3.8 of Gaming Control Act (GCA) It is alleged that NorthStar Gaming (Ontario) Inc. You have failed to comply with the following provisions of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming:
| 3.02 Games on Gaming Sites must only be made available within Ontario, unless conducted in conjunction with another provincial government. (Also applies to gaming-related suppliers). | ||
| requirements: | ||
| 1. | Operators must put in place mechanisms to dynamically detect and monitor the location of a player trying to play a game and block unverified attempts to play a game. Player location checks after the initial location verification must occur at reasonable intervals determined by the operator to minimize the risk of playing outside of Ontario. Depending on the location of the operator/device, longer or shorter durations may be warranted. | |
| 2. | Operators must put in place mechanisms to detect software, software, virtualization and other software capable of circumventing detection of a player’s location. | |
| 1.01 There must be a commitment to character, integrity and high moral values demonstrated through attitudes and actions. | ||
| Requirements including: | ||
| 2. | Matters identified in management communications from internal and external auditors and matters identified by the Registrar must be responded to in a timely manner. | |
| 1.13 Registrars must deal with the Registrar in a transparent manner | ||
| Requirements including: | ||
| 3. | Providing any data, information and documents requested by the registrar. | |
Media communication
AGCO Communications
media@agco.ca
About AGCO
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a regulatory agency in the Province of Ontario that reports to Ministry of the Attorney General. It is a company under Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act 2019.
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