AGCO Hits Apollo Entertainment with $100000 Fine in Ontario

Ontario’s iGaming Regulatory Body Issues Hefty Fine – The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a Notice of Monetary Penalty to Apollo Entertainment Ltd. This penalty, amounting to CAD 100,000 (USD 74,337), is the largest fine AGCO has imposed this year. The fine was levied due to Apollo’s alleged failure to adhere to responsible gambling rules associated with online casino operations.

Understanding the iGaming Landscape in Ontario

Ontario’s iGaming industry, which officially launched on April 4, 2022, has seen rapid growth and adoption. This burgeoning market offers players a regulated environment to engage in online gambling activities in Ontario. With the rise of this industry, regulatory bodies like AGCO play a pivotal role in ensuring that operators adhere to established standards, prioritizing player safety and responsible gaming.

A Brief Overview of Apollo Entertainment

Apollo Entertainment Ltd., headquartered in Malta, operates several gaming websites in Ontario. Some of its well-known platforms include Golden Tiger, Captain Cooks, Yukon Gold, and Grand Mondial. It’s important to note that Apollo Entertainment is not affiliated with Apollo Global Management Group, a New York-based private equity firm.

Details of the Allegations

According to the AGCO, Apollo Entertainment did not comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. The company reportedly:

Did not intervene with players potentially facing gambling-related issues. A significant case highlighted a player who lost over $2 million CAD in less than four months without any intervention from Apollo.

Lacked an effective voluntary self-exclusion program and did not offer adequate tools for players to set gambling limits, such as deposit and loss limits.

Failed to ensure its staff comprehended the significance of responsible gambling and did not assist players possibly facing gambling-related challenges.

This fine is notably higher than a previous penalty given to Mobile Incorporated earlier in the year.

AGCO’s Stance on the Issue

Tom Mungham, AGCO Registrar and CEO, emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring that online gambling platforms in Ontario operate fairly and responsibly.

He stated, “The AGCO’s goal is to ensure Ontarians can enjoy online gambling sites that operate fairly, responsibly, and provide important player protections. All registered operators have an obligation to proactively monitor patron play for signs of high-risk gambling and must take appropriate actions to intervene and reduce the potential for gambling-related harm.”

While Games Global, which holds a significant interest in Apollo, has not yet commented on the fine, it’s clear that Ontario maintains strict standards for responsible gambling.

Potential for an Appeal

Apollo Entertainment has the option to appeal AGCO’s penalty. They can present their case to the License Appeal Tribunal, an independent body associated with both AGCO and Tribunals Ontario.

However, reports suggest that Apollo has been cooperative since the fine’s announcement, with indications that they’ve started implementing corrective measures, including the addition of a “responsible gaming policy” on their websites.