The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued fines to two sports betting operators for allowing customers to wager on junior hockey games. Fitzdares Canada Limited and BV Gaming Limited have to pay a CA$15,000 (US$11,335) penalty for these infractions.
They allegedly offered betting markets during the 2022-2023 season for games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Ontario Hockey League.
rules that prohibit operators from offering wagers on minor league sports
This violates the rules that prohibit operators from offering wagers on minor league sports, which includes the three major junior hockey leagues in the country. The operators can appeal the decisions if they wish.
Talking about the penalties, AGCO Chief Operating Officer Dave Phillips spoke about the importance of protecting the integrity of sports in the country. He said that the AGCO will continue to “carefully monitor Ontario’s sports betting markets to ensure the public interest is protected.”