Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

St. Louis Bar & Grill Announces Exclusive Partnership with Sports Interaction to Launch 'Wings and Wagers' to Reimagine How Fans Experience Sports in its Restaurants

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 26, 2023

St. Louis guests across Ontario can now access customized betting options through the Sports Interaction app.

Key Points: 
  • St. Louis guests across Ontario can now access customized betting options through the Sports Interaction app.
  • The partnership also enables St. Louis to delight sports fans with exclusives on game nights and other sporting events.
  • "Fans watching the game and wagering on sports inside St. Louis restaurants can now enjoy an enhanced experience with our new partnership with Sports Interaction," said Royal Nasager, VP, Marketing, St. Louis Bar & Grill.
  • St. Louis Bar & Grill employees have undergone rigorous training to understand the importance of responsible gambling.

An Investigation by LegalBet Canada Shows How Ads Influence Bettors

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 4, 2023

LegalBet Canada announces its most recent investigation into the effects gambling advertisements may have on bettors from various demographics.

Key Points: 
  • LegalBet Canada announces its most recent investigation into the effects gambling advertisements may have on bettors from various demographics.
  • A detailed, objective approach to the impact of gambling ads forms the basis of the author’s view.
  • According to research by Bestman, Thomas, Randle, & Thomas, 2015 , some aspects of gambling ads significantly influence viewers with an already higher craving for gambling or inherently more susceptible to excessive gambling.
  • Further reports and papers indicate that gambling ads influence problem gamblers the most, especially during live events.

AGCO to ban athletes in Ontario’s igaming advertising to protect minors

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 29, 2023

The standards have also been strengthened to restrict the use of celebrities who would likely be expected to appeal to minors.

Key Points: 
  • The standards have also been strengthened to restrict the use of celebrities who would likely be expected to appeal to minors.
  • Following these consultations, the AGCO has determined that prohibiting the use of athletes and restricting celebrity endorsements would help safeguard children and youth who can be particularly susceptible to such advertising content.
  • The amended standards will prohibit registered Ontario igaming operators from using athletes, whether active or retired, in igaming marketing and advertising, except for the exclusive purpose of advocating for responsible gambling practices.
  • "Children and youth are heavily influenced by the athletes and celebrities they look up to," said Tom Mungham, Registrar and CEO, AGCO.

New Keynote Speakers and Agenda Announced for 2023 BSA/AML Gaming Conference

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 17, 2023

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The BSA-AML Compliance Group is thrilled to announce new keynote presenters and government experts for the Annual BSA/AML Gaming Conference at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on September 12—14, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • LAS VEGAS, Aug. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The BSA-AML Compliance Group is thrilled to announce new keynote presenters and government experts for the Annual BSA/AML Gaming Conference at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on September 12—14, 2023.
  • Aaron Tapp, the Deputy Assistant Director for the Criminal Investigative Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation will deliver a keynote presentation at the conference.
  • Tapp oversees the FBI's investigations and prosecutions of a broad range of crimes, including public corruption, financial crimes, money laundering, and kleptocracy.
  • To register for the conference and view the agenda, please visit https://bsaamlgamingconference.com/register-today/
    Sponsorship opportunities for the conference are available; please message [email protected] .

AGCO suspends trainer and issues monetary penalties relating to the suspicious death of a racehorse

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 13, 2023

Following an AGCO inspection into the suspicious death of racehorse Cams Lucky Sam, trained by Carol Voyer of Puslinch Ontario, there are reasonable grounds to believe Voyer has violated multiple Rules of Standardbred Racing .

Key Points: 
  • Following an AGCO inspection into the suspicious death of racehorse Cams Lucky Sam, trained by Carol Voyer of Puslinch Ontario, there are reasonable grounds to believe Voyer has violated multiple Rules of Standardbred Racing .
  • The violations include committing an act of neglect, providing misleading information regarding the whereabouts of the horse, engaging in conduct not in the best interest of racing, and failing to report the death of the racehorse to the AGCO.
  • In addition to the monetary penalties, Voyer has been fully suspended for three years, from July 19, 2023 to July 18, 2026.
  • “The AGCO will continue to hold those who fail to follow regulations accountable for their actions, especially when it involves the well-being of racehorses.

AGCO wins NAGRA’s Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023

TORONTO, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been awarded the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award for its work developing and implementing the regulatory framework for Ontario’s new open and competitive internet gaming (igaming) market that launched in April 2022.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been awarded the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Excellence in Gaming Regulation Award for its work developing and implementing the regulatory framework for Ontario’s new open and competitive internet gaming (igaming) market that launched in April 2022.
  • With this award, NAGRA is recognizing the AGCO for its extraordinary contributions and exceptional performance in the field of gaming regulation.
  • “The Ministry of the Attorney General is proud to work with the AGCO to build a safe, legal and competitive new marketplace that will continue to drive innovation across the sector, create good jobs, and provide protection and choice for players.”
    “On behalf of the Excellence in Gaming Award voting Committee and the NAGRA Board, congratulations to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for this year’s Excellence in Gaming Award, team recipient,” said Jennifer LaMont, NAGRA President and voting committee member.
  • In October 2022, the AGCO was awarded the International Association of Gaming Regulators’ Regulatory Excellence Award .

Opening Act: Construction Starts on Future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction has officially started on Ottawa's newest tourism and entertainment destination, the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. A groundbreaking ceremony, with guests using Hard Rock's legendary guitar-handled shovels, was held on June 6 at the Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock where it will host the new state-of-the-art facility. 

Key Points: 
  • New, Exciting Tourism Destination Will Open in 2025 and Feature 150-Room Hotel, Expanded Casino and 1,800 Seat Theater
    HOLLYWOOD, Fla., June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction has officially started on Ottawa's newest tourism and entertainment destination, the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
  • Hard Rock International representatives, elected officials, and business and community leaders shared the exciting details of Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which will include:
    A 150-room Hard Rock Hotel, including 22 suites
    An expanded Hard Rock Casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, a Hard Rock Sportsbook, high-limit gaming, and a Baccarat room
    "We are excited to be one step closer to bringing our iconic brand and rich music history to the people of Ottawa and the surrounding region," said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International.
  • The completion of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is planned for Spring 2025.
  • Rideau Carleton Casino will continue to operate until the renovation and rebranding of the property to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is complete.

STEER Obtains Licence to Operate a Liquor Delivery Service in Ontario

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023

STEER Technologies Inc. (“STEER” or the “Company”) (TSXV: STER), (OTCQX: STEEF), an integrated ESG technology platform, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Food HWY Canada Inc. has been issued a licence to operate liquor delivery services by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”).

Key Points: 
  • STEER Technologies Inc. (“STEER” or the “Company”) (TSXV: STER), (OTCQX: STEEF), an integrated ESG technology platform, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Food HWY Canada Inc. has been issued a licence to operate liquor delivery services by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”).
  • STEER’s customers are now able to place liquor orders with their favorite restaurants and vendors via the STEER mobile app.
  • One of the AGCO's primary goals is to promote responsible alcohol consumption while ensuring that businesses operate in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • A Liquor Delivery Service Licence allows the licensee to deliver liquor purchased or obtained from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (“LCBO”) or Brewers Retail Inc. (“The Beer Store”), any manufacturer’s on-site or off-site retail store or an eligible liquor licensed establishment to individuals for a fee.

AGCO moves to revoke the liquor sales licence of Afro-East Restaurant in Kitchener

Retrieved on: 
Friday, May 5, 2023

TORONTO, May 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Deputy Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a Notice of Proposal (NOP) to revoke the liquor sales licence of Afro-East Restaurant, located at 91 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, May 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Deputy Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a Notice of Proposal (NOP) to revoke the liquor sales licence of Afro-East Restaurant, located at 91 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON.
  • During subsequent inspections conducted by the AGCO, the same back exterior gate was observed closed and chain locked once again.
  • Further, the licence holder failed to notify the AGCO of these charges as required by a condition on its liquor sales licence.
  • AGCO inspectors observed the licence holder permitting patrons to remove liquor from the licensed premises.

At One-Year Anniversary of Ontario Internet Gaming Market, New Study Shows over 85 per cent of Players are Playing on Regulated Sites

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 4, 2023

According to an Ipsos survey conducted in March 2023, 85.3 per cent of respondents who gambled online in Ontario over the past three months gambled on regulated sites.

Key Points: 
  • According to an Ipsos survey conducted in March 2023, 85.3 per cent of respondents who gambled online in Ontario over the past three months gambled on regulated sites.
  • This is a significant shift from the estimated 70 per cent of online gambling that occurred on unregulated sites before the launch of the market.
  • The Government of Ontario worked with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO), its internet gaming subsidiary, to establish an open igaming market that allows eligible private gaming operators, registered with the AGCO and under contract with iGO, to participate in Ontario’s legal gaming market.
  • Today, 45 operators are live in Ontario and the AGCO has approved over 5,000 certified games for use in the province.