Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/04/19
Ontario Regulator Issues $120K Penalty to Great Canadian Casino Resort
The Ontario gambling regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has announced that it has issued a penalty of $120,000 to Ontario Gaming GTA Limited Partnership, otherwise known as Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, for failing to disclose a dealer collusion scheme operating at its casino.
After an initial investigation probed by the Ontario Provincial Police and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) in March 2024, five individuals were charged after it was brought to light that two table games dealers at the casino had engaged in a scheme that led to up to $20,000 in illegal winnings in one week.
Per the investigation, AGCO cited that the scheme involved various ‘cheat moves’ including intentionally exposing cards that were supposed to remain laid down, overdrawing the dealer’s cards, and issuing overpayments on winning hands.
“Ontario’s registered casino operators have an obligation to ensure the integrity of gameplay in their casinos. This includes a responsibility to detect and prevent collusion and cheating. The AGCO will continue to monitor and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity of gaming in Ontario’s gaming sites”. Said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO.
Strive Gaming Partners with Delta to Power North American Operations
Vancouver-based online platform provider Strive Gaming has announced a partnership with gaming operator Delta Bingo & Gaming Online (Delta). As per the collaboration, Strive Gaming will provide its player account management software to Delta.
“We have more B2B customers on PAM than any other PAM provider in North America,” a Strive spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business. “Delta will be our third customer in Ontario and we know that partnered with us, they will see exceptional growth as they have the right team, know-how how and database. We are really looking forward to this launch and how it helps our journey at Strive on achieving our long-term goal of continuing to be the No. 1 B2B PAM provider in the U.S. and Canada.”
Delta is a land-based operator that provides gambling machines in 20 locations across Ontario and Maryland. The group launched its digital business in 2023, and through its collaboration with Strive, it will ensure that its development complies with regulators throughout North America.
“Strive Gaming is an experienced provider in the markets we operate in and has made a great effort to understand our needs,” said Delta Bingo & Gaming CEO Leo Perri. “Their specialized focus and dedication aligns with our customer experience goals, and we believe that they can help us bring our customers a world-class digital casino experience.”
PowerPlay Revamps Ontario Sportsbook
Ontario’s online sportsbook PowerPlay has announced that it will be releasing a revamped version of its existing sportsbook for players in the province.
The sportsbook, initially launched in June 2023 in Ontario, provides users with sports betting and casino content, including global sports such as football, tennis, hockey, and soccer. The platform also provides casino-style games, such as slots and table games.
PowerPlay’s enhanced platform will include updated betting options, such as same-game parlays and player props across 30 different sporting categories. An expanded casino selection will also be added to the sportsbook, as well as multigame functionality for a more seamless experience, and more convenient payment options.
“Ontario has been a core market since the province first regulated online gaming just over three years ago,” explains Bill O’Brien, Sportsbook Manager at PowerPlay. “Our team has worked around the clock to deliver the best possible experience for Ontario sports bettors as we continue to grow as a trusted local sportsbook and online casino in Ontario.”
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/
