BetMGM faced a fine from AGCO for engaging in unlawful marketing practices within the Ontario region.
BetMGM in Hot Water for 2024 Marketing Snafu
Buckle up, folks! It looks like BetMGM found itself in a bit of a pickle with Ontario's gambling watchdog, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Seems like they went against the province's gambling regulations in quite the scandal during two separate incidents back in 2024.
The incidents in question involved third-party companies offering cash inducements to the public for creating new accounts. The AGCO has taken this as a breach of Ontario's legal standards, which is no laughing matter.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO of the AGCO, had some tough words to say about the situation:
"Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities.
The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest"
According to the AGCO, the violation occurred at a major national trade conference. This is considered a pretty significant breach of the province's legal standards.
An Order of Monetary Penalty, dished out by the AGCO, outlines three specific violations. The first happened on January 13 and 14, 2024. During this time, BetMGM representatives at the National Franchise Show offered C$100 in cold, hard cash to individuals who opened an account and made a C$15 deposit.
In March 2024, BetMGM fessed up that their affiliate "Above the Street" had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing, leading to 377 new player sign-ups and a decent chunk of change, a cool C$127,180 in commissions.
Things didn't end there, folks. In April, another affiliate, "Maple Leaf Marketing," got in on the action, using similar methods and raking in approximately C$34,000 in commissions from 94 new player sign-ups.
While there's no specific mention of BetMGM being fined in 2024, it's important to note that in March 2025, BetMGM Canada was slapped with a hefty $110,000 fine by the AGCO for marketing violations. The exact timing of the infraction isn't detailed, but the penalty was made public in early 2025.
So, while it seems like BetMGM is trying to clean up their act, it looks like they've got a bit of a learning curve ahead of them when it comes to playing by the rules in Ontario. Stick with us for more updates on this developing story!
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is keeping a close eye on BetMGM, as they are under investigation for flouting Ontario's gambling regulations in 2024.
- According to Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO of the AGCO, responsible gambling and the protection of Ontarians are of utmost importance, and they take strong action to ensure all registered operators adhere to these standards.
- The AGCO has found BetMGM in violation of Ontario's legal standards, with the incidents occurring at a major national trade conference and through third-party affiliates offering cash inducements.
- In one instance, BetMGM representatives offered C$100 to individuals who opened an account and made a C$15 deposit at the National Franchise Show in January 2024.
- Another affiliate, "Maple Leaf Marketing," used similar methods in April 2024, resulting in approximately C$34,000 in commissions from 94 new player sign-ups.
- BetMGM Canada was fined $110,000 by the AGCO in March 2025 for marketing violations, although the exact timing of the infraction isn't detailed. These incidents highlight the need for BetMGM to become more familiar with and abide by Ontario's casino-gambling regulations and responsible-gambling practices. Keep an eye out for updates on the casino-and-gambling scene and crime-and-justice developments in general-news related to this issue.
