AGCO issues penalty against theScore
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario says the operator has failed to meet responsible gambling and player protection standards.
Canada.- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a $105,000 penalty against Score Media and Gaming (theScore) for alleged failure to meet responsible gambling and player protection standards. The standards state that all operators must monitor player behaviour, intervene when risks of gambling-related harm are identified and ensure employees are trained to support player protection.
The AGCO determined that, during an eight-month period, a patron of theScore wagered $2.5m and lost $230,000, including approximately $100,000 in the first month of play. It stated that the player showed frequent, high-stakes play and escalating losses that indicated potential gambling-related harm.
“Despite clear red flags and inaccurate income documentation, the operator relied on the patron’s self-assessments and failed to conduct meaningful responsible gambling due diligence or interventions,” it said.
Karin Schnarr, chief executive officer and registrar at AGCO, said: “Player protections are a fundamental requirement for any gambling operator looking to conduct business in Ontario. When operators fail to uphold these critical safer gambling standards, they not only betray the trust of their players but also undermine the integrity of Ontario’s regulated igaming market.”
The operator has the right to appeal the decision.
In July, the AGCO issued monetary penalties totaling CA$350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The fines relate to electronic music party held in the pre-dawn hours on September 27, 2024.
