The Ontario gaming regulator, AGCO, levied a substantial financial penalty against Apollo Entertainment, a gaming provider in the region. The company is being sanctioned for inadequate measures to curb problem gambling, essentially failing to prioritize responsible gaming practices.
Apparently, Apollo lacked sufficient mechanisms to monitor high-risk wagering patterns, provide resources for setting boundaries, or facilitate self-exclusion for individuals seeking a pause. Furthermore, they were deficient in equipping their personnel to identify and address indicators of gambling-related harm.
A particularly troubling instance revealed a patron who lost a significant sum of two million dollars over a mere four months, and Apollo, despite possessing this knowledge, neglected to intervene.
It is worth noting that Apollo has demonstrated cooperation with the AGCO’s inquiry and is purportedly implementing corrective actions. Nevertheless, they retain the option to contest the decision if they so choose.
Licensed gaming providers in Ontario are allowed to challenge any sanctions imposed on them by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario through an autonomous group known as the Licence Appeal Tribunal. The AGCO is dedicated to guaranteeing that internet-based gaming within Ontario is carried out ethically and responsibly, and that participants are furnished with the necessary tools for safe gambling practices. The CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, Tom Mungham, emphasized that all registered providers are obligated to observe player activity, recognize indicators of problematic gambling, and implement suitable measures to mitigate potential risks.
