PointsBet Faces $108,600 Penalty for Alleged Responsible Gambling Breaches in Ontario

Ontario's gambling regulator, AGCO, has levied a hefty $108,600 penalty against online gambling operator PointsBet. The penalty follows allegations of PointsBet allowing a customer to exceed spending limits, totaling over $361,900 in three months.

PointsBet has the option to appeal the decision with the License Appeal Tribunal, an independent adjudicative body. Ontario's iGaming operators are obligated to actively monitor patrons for signs of high-risk gambling, taking necessary actions to reduce potential harms, as outlined by Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and Registrar.

Dr. Schnarr emphasized that AGCO remains committed to player protection, holding registered operators to high standards. The penalty stems from PointsBet's failure to proactively assist and intervene with a high-risk player, allowing significant losses exceeding $361,900 over three months.

AGCO claimed PointsBet neglected to provide assistance to the high-risk player, who had exceeded spending limits. The player's losses surpassed $361,900, leading to their classification as "high-risk." Additionally, the operator allegedly failed to enforce a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period after the player canceled their deposit limit. AGCO also accused PointsBet of unauthorized direct advertising, offering credits, bonuses, and inducements without player consent.

AGCO further alleged that PointsBet lacked proper employee training on handling customers with gambling issues. The operator purportedly failed to adequately inform employees about responsible gambling practices. This penalty follows AGCO's recent $59,000 fine against Woodbine Casino for insufficient controls against cheating and collusion.