Ontario’s Gambling Regulator Imposes Fine on theScore Over High-Risk Player Incident

Ontario Gambling Authority Levies Fine on theScore

theScore, a leading licensed operator in the Ontario sports betting market, has been fined by the province’s gambling regulator due to a failure in player protection protocols.

Background of the Fine: High-Risk Player Case

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issued a penalty of CAD 105,000 (approximately $75,300 USD) to theScore following an investigation involving a high-stakes bettor. This player was allowed to gamble up to CAD 2.5 million, resulting in a loss close to CAD 230,000 over an eight-month period with the operator.

Details of the Incident and Regulator’s Statement

The individual began playing with theScore and, during the initial month, experienced losses of about CAD 100,000. Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO Registrar, emphasized the importance of protecting players in her public remarks, noting that upholding safer gambling practices is essential for maintaining trust and preserving the integrity of Ontario’s regulated gaming environment.

While theScore cooperated fully throughout the inquiry to help prevent similar issues in the future, AGCO stressed that the severity of the lapse warranted the financial sanction.

Operator Responsibilities and Enforcement Actions

The regulatory body reminded all gambling operators in Ontario of their critical duty to protect consumers. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to strict enforcement measures against the responsible parties.

In this situation, AGCO pointed out that theScore failed to properly verify the documentation submitted by the player, which should have prompted concern, and did not take adequate steps to address potential gambling harm.