Authorities confiscate unauthorized gambling devices from convenience stores in Ontario
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has stepped up its efforts to combat unregulated gambling in the province, with a focus on convenience stores. In a move aimed at ensuring the regulation and oversight of gambling activities, the AGCO has served a Notice of Proposed Order to revoke the registration of retailers offering unapproved electronic gambling machines.
These unapproved machines, often branded under Prime Slot, have been installed in locations like convenience stores, often circumventing local gaming laws. The AGCO's stance is that such machines have no business being in locations accessible to children and youth.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the AGCO, has reiterated the commission's commitment to player safety, game integrity, and the protection of minor and vulnerable individuals. She stated, "Unapproved gambling machines are games of chance, despite manufacturers claiming they are games of skill. We believe it's crucial to maintain strict regulations to ensure a fair and safe gaming environment."
The AGCO's actions are part of a broader effort to combat unregulated gambling not only in Ontario but also across North America. The commission has been instrumental in regulating the private iGaming market since April 4, 2022, following the federal legalization of single-game sports betting with Bill C-218.
The AGCO has also been targeting offshore, unregulated online sports betting and casino operators, aiming to encourage more gambling activity through authorized channels. The commission has been working to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with legal standards, although specific actions like revoking lottery seller registrations or removing unauthorized machines from convenience stores are not yet detailed in the available information.
The retailer in question has 15 days to appeal the AGCO's action to the Licence Appeal Tribunal. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is the entity from which businesses must have a lottery seller registration to sell lottery products.
The AGCO's actions come as part of a broader push to enforce responsible gaming practices in the province. This includes warnings about "free play" promotions and changes in responsible gambling training standards for operators.
As the AGCO continues to push on with its efforts, it is hoped that these measures will help to reduce the approximately 20% of online gambling that currently occurs outside regulated channels, making Ontario's gaming environment safer and fairer for all.
- The AGCO's focus extends beyond convenience stores, also aiming to regulate Canadian gaming, including casino-and-gambling and casino-games, as well as lotteries, to ensure a fair and safe gaming environment.
- The AGCO's actions are not limited to unapproved electronic gambling machines, as they are also targeting offshore, unregulated online sports betting and casino operators to encourage gambling activity through authorized channels.
- Despite manufacturers claiming unapproved gambling machines are games of skill, the AGCO, in its stance, believes these machines, often found in locations like convenience stores, should not be accessible to children and youth, due to their nature as games of chance.
