Unibet, owned by Kindred Group, has been fined CA$48,000 (US$37,128) by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for violating Ontario’s advertising and inducement regulations. The AGCO issued an Order of Monetary Penalty against Unibet, citing breaches of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. In a separate development, Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has obtained a supplier license from the AGCO, allowing it to enter the regulated online gaming market in Ontario. This article examines the penalties faced by Unibet and the expansion of Greentube into the Ontario market.
Unibet’s Breach of Advertising and Inducement Rules:
Unibet, a prominent brand under the Kindred Group, has incurred a fine of CA$48,000 from the AGCO for contravening Ontario’s advertising and inducement regulations. The penalty stems from alleged violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, particularly Standard 2.05, which prohibits marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses, and credits, except on an operator’s website or with the explicit consent of the player through direct advertising. Unibet allegedly breached this rule by promoting “generous welcome offers” in their advertisements between May 19 and May 22. The AGCO’s Chief Executive and Registrar, Tom Mungham, emphasized the importance of registered operators adhering to responsible gambling standards, player protection, and game integrity. The AGCO will continue monitoring gaming sites to ensure compliance with Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the Standards.
Greentube Expands into the Ontario Market:
In a significant development for Greentube, the company has obtained a supplier license from the AGCO, enabling it to enter the regulated online gaming market in Ontario. This marks another milestone in Greentube’s expansion across North America. Ontario implemented regulated online gaming in April, making it an attractive market for industry players. Greentube’s new license adds to its existing presence in Canada, having already launched in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec. Additionally, Greentube has successfully entered the regulated U.S. market in New Jersey and Michigan. By expanding into Ontario, Greentube aims to capitalize on the growing opportunities and reach a wider player base in North America.
Penalty Appeal and Compliance Efforts:
Unibet has the option to appeal the penalty imposed by the AGCO to the License Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent adjudicative body separate from the AGCO. The LAT provides operators with an avenue to challenge penalties and seek resolution. As for compliance efforts, the AGCO remains committed to monitoring the activities of gaming sites and ensuring they fulfill their obligations under Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the Standards. By maintaining high standards of responsible gambling, player protection, and game integrity, the AGCO aims to safeguard the interests of players and maintain the integrity of the Ontario gaming market.
Unibet’s fine for breaching advertising and inducement rules in Ontario serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible gambling practices and compliance with regulatory standards. As a subsidiary of Kindred Group, Unibet faces financial consequences for its alleged violations. Conversely, Greentube’s entry into the Ontario market signifies the company’s ongoing expansion efforts in North America. Obtaining a supplier license from the AGCO allows Greentube to tap into Ontario’s regulated online gaming market, complementing its presence in other Canadian provinces and U.S. states. The regulated expansion of these industry players highlights the evolving landscape of online gaming and the need for continuous adherence to regulatory guidelines.