Ontario Prepares for Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Operators
Ontario is intensifying efforts to shut down illegal gambling operators, signalling a firm move toward stricter regulation and consumer protection in the province’s online gaming market.
The question of illegal gambling is an issue across the world, and in Ontario, the subject has come into sharp focus in recent weeks. Players within the province continue to exploit loopholes whereby they can access offshore and underground operators, and the practice continues to offer headaches to the industry.
The Provincial Government has also received criticism over a perceived lack of legislation to stop these platforms. While it may be seen as overdue, it appears that a crackdown is now imminent.
Unauthorised Access
Accusations over inactivity remain, but they may be unfair. While online gambling was only legalised in Ontario in 2022, the province moved quickly to introduce a multi-license system, where operators had to apply for separate licensing for sportsbook and casino platforms.
It was a method adopted by other Canadian provinces, and it’s been effective in the battle against rogue companies, but there is more work to be done.
At the Canadian Gaming Summit, held in Toronto in June, it was revealed that around 17% of Ontario residents still play at gambling platforms not licensed by the province’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission.
While there are concerns, the picture in Ontario is more positive than elsewhere. Within the province, 84% of bets are made with licensed platforms, as opposed to 27% in Quebec and 24% in British Columbia.
Despite the imbalance, Ontario recognises that there is work to be done, and the Attorney General has got involved.
Grey Markets
Speaking at the Canadian Gaming Conference, Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey said:
Dave Forestell, the Board Chair of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, clarified the situation further: “When we launched the market in April of 2022, about 70% of players were in the grey, or unregulated market,” Forestell claimed. “I don’t use that term anymore. I say now it’s the illegal market.”
Effective Action
There are a number of different ways in which Ontario can address the issue of underground gambling. Advertising is one area that needs to be shut off, and any platform that can gain access to Ontario’s gaming community can currently build up a customer base on an unregulated platform.
Back in May, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario sent out a request to all media platforms, asking them to stop showing advertisements from offshore gambling operators. The commission also intends to put pressure on payment operators to stop working with those offshore platforms.
It’s an issue that clearly needs to be addressed, but detractors have pointed to past failings within AGCO. Back in 2022, existing offshore operators were given six months to obtain a gaming license. They were told that if the deadline wasn’t adhered to, access would be shut down.
The deadline passed for many, but they continued to operate within the state. Three years on, Ontario still has concerns over illegal gaming platforms, and while positive statements have been made, it’s now time for action.
Our Stand on the Matter
At Casino of the Kings, we stand against illegal and unlicensed gambling. We believe that gambling should always take place in a safe, transparent, and regulated environment. That’s why we never recommend or promote any online casino or betting platform that lacks proper licensing from a recognised authority.