Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/03/28
Ontario Gaming Regulator Fines BetMGM CA$110,000
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that it had fined online gaming operator BetMGM Canada CA$110,000 for offering CA$100 cash to convince new players to sign up for its platform.
The investigation probed by AGCO found that representatives of BetMGM attended a popular national trade conference, the National Franchise Show, in January 2024 and would hand out CA$100 to potential bettors who promised to sign up and deposit CA$15 on its site.
AGCO also revealed that in March 2024, the marketing affiliate for BetMGM Canada, Above the Street, broke Ontario laws by participating in what the AGCO dubbed as ‘prohibited inducement marketing.’ This entailed the affiliate making back CA$127,180 in commissions by enticing players with additional awards bonuses or credits if they signed up to BetMGM.
Another marketing affiliate for BetMGM, Maple Leaf Marketing, was accused of doing the same in April 2024.
Talking to CBC Toronto, BetMGM Canada said, “BetMGM has worked closely through these issues with the AGCO including on remediation measures that were implemented as a result. BetMGM is committed to the protection of our patrons in Ontario, and regrets and apologizes that these issues have occurred.”
Alberta Files Legislation to Introduce iGaming Market
The Alberta government has filed new legislation, the iGaming Alberta Act, to create a newly regulated market in Alberta, joining the likes of Ontario which generated $2.2 billion in iGaming revenue in its second year.
The legislation would regulate Alberta’s ‘grey market,’ which currently offers online betting platforms like Bet365 and Bodog to Alberta residents. It would also create a brand new Crown corporation named the Alberta iGaming Corporation to oversee the iGaming market, allowing the current regulator, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), to continue licensing operators.
Alberta lawmakers aim to provide players a safer environment through a regulated market, including consumer protections such as self-exclusion tools. The installation of an iGaming market would also allow Alberta to regain lost revenue, which is currently going to unregulated and offshore operators, citing Ontario as the inspiration behind the legislation.
“Albertans have said to us, why don’t you do the same here? Why don’t you put in place safety measures? Why don’t you stop the money from leaving the province, and keep some of it in Alberta?” said Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally.
Alberta Regulator Revamps Play Alberta Platform
The Canadian regulator Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced that its online gaming site Play Alberta will be updated a day after Alberta officials announced the creation of Bill 48, which would legalize online gaming in the province.
As part of its revamp, Play Alberta casino will feature a new logo and color scheme that will better represent Alberta’s national identity. In addition to a fresh look, the app will also be updated to include new casino and live dealer games, more instant lottery games, and a brand-new sportsbook.
“Play Alberta is an entertainment destination for Albertans. Expanding the features available to them through the app continues to optimize their playing experience. I’m excited to see the brand evolve from where we started five years ago to what it has become today, celebrating a unique Alberta platform, with an identity that celebrates our province,” said Dan Keene, Vice President of Gaming at the AGLC.
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
