FanDuel Fined $100,000 in Ontario for Unlawful Gambling Incentives
FanDuel, a well-known internet wagering platform, faced scrutiny from Ontario authorities regarding its promotional strategies. The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) imposed a substantial $100,000 penalty (approximately $77,400 USD) on the company for violating promotional regulations.
Apparently, FanDuel became overly enthusiastic about enticing new users. They were promoting “incentives” such as bonus wagers and enhanced odds without obtaining proper user consent. This type of marketing, while prevalent elsewhere, is strictly prohibited in Ontario. They even went so far as to advertise these offers on television and social media platforms, ensuring widespread awareness.
The AGCO firmly stated that such conduct would not be condoned. They stressed that these regulations are designed to safeguard Ontarians and encourage responsible gaming. Tom Mungham, the AGCO’s Chief Executive Officer, issued a strong caution to all gaming operators, reminding them of their obligation to maintain the highest levels of player protection and responsible gambling practices.
Similar to other authorized gaming providers in Ontario, DraftKings can challenge the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (AGCO) ruling. They have the option to submit an appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an impartial adjudicative entity.
This recent action isn’t the first instance of the AGCO taking measures against operators for not adhering to the rules within Ontario’s fairly new internet gaming sector. Previously, in May, both BetMGM Canada and PointsBet received financial penalties – $48,000 and $30,000 accordingly.
It’s worth noting that all three situations – DraftKings, BetMGM, and PointsBet – involved infractions of Standard 2.05, though the precise particulars of each infringement remain undisclosed.