AGCO Penalizes Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions for Providing Content to Unregulated Ontario Platforms
AGCO Imposes Fines on Suppliers Violating Ontario Gaming Laws
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has recently taken action against two licensed content suppliers, Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions, penalizing them for supplying games to unauthorized websites. Both companies have been fined CAD 40,000 for failing to comply with the province’s regulations.
Violation of Ontario’s Strict Gaming Regulations
AGCO’s investigation revealed that games from Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions were accessible on websites that do not hold a valid Ontario license but were still available to players within the province. Ontario enforces rigorous rules allowing only licensed operators to offer gambling services. Any operation outside this license framework is considered illegal.
The suppliers, though licensed by AGCO to provide casino games and slots to authorized operators, breached their terms by enabling access to these games on unregulated sites targeting Ontario players. This practice supports an illegal black market, which lacks the protections and safeguards ensured in the regulated industry.
AGCO’s Commitment to Combatting Illegal Gambling
Disrupting the supply chains of unregulated gambling platforms remains a key goal for AGCO. Consequently, the regulator has imposed equal financial penalties of CAD 40,000 on both Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions. Both companies have cooperated fully with the inquiry and moved quickly to block Ontario players from accessing their content on non-authorized sites.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and registrar, highlighted the essential role of strict regulation in maintaining a safe online gaming environment. She stressed that unlicensed gambling websites put players at risk by lacking guarantees of fairness, prompt payouts, and proper dispute resolution channels.
“Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO & Registrar, AGCO
Looking Ahead: Expansion of Regulated iGaming Markets in Canada
Meanwhile, the province of Alberta is preparing to launch its own regulated online gambling market, aiming to follow Ontario’s example of a well-managed and legally compliant iGaming environment.
