Advertising violations
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a fine of CA$100,000 (US$77,441) to DraftKings Canada. The Canadian gaming regulator announced the action on Thursday as a result of inducements and advertising standards violations.
aired numerous gambling inducements
The AGCO cited a specific infraction from the Register’s Standards for Internet Gaming, occurring from May 19-31 this year. DraftKings aired numerous gambling inducements through social media and television offering enhanced odds during the NHL playoffs.
The province’s regulations ban operators from advertising any forms of bonuses or inducements except for when a user is on the operator’s website or if an individual has consented to receive marketing material directly.
Holding operators to a high standard
Speaking to Sports Handle, DraftKings senior director of corporate affairs James Chisholm said that the operator is committed to staying in line with all regulations. He asserted that the firm took immediate action after being alerted of the infractions. DraftKings has the ability to appeal the penalty to the License Appeal Tribunal.
In the press release announcing the penalty action, AGCO registrar and CEO Tom Mungham said that the regulator will continue to hold all licensed operators to a high standard. He said: “It is in the public interest that we ensure they are meeting their obligations under Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the Standards.”
Other operators hit with fines
DraftKings is not the only operator to get an AGCO fine since the Ontario market’s launch. Both BetMGM and PointsBet received penalties for also violating inducement and advertising regulations. BetMGM received a CA$48,000 (US$37,464) fine, while PointsBet Canada had to pay CA$30,000 (US$23,232).
numerous instances of marketing materials that violated regulations
BetMGM’s penalty resulted from numerous instances of marketing materials that violated regulations. In handing down its ruling, the AGCO stated that all materials “must be truthful, not mislead players, or misrepresent products, including materials that imply that chances of winning increase the more one spends.”
After his company received its fine, PointsBet Canada’s CEO Scott Vanderwel apologized for the issues and put the errors down to misinterpreting the regulations. Ontario operators had previously raised concerns regarding the industry standards, with some seeking clarification on certain aspects prior to launch.
