PointsBet Canada Issued CA$150,000 Fine for Responsible Gambling Violations
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s Registrar (AGCO) has handed a CA$150,000 fine to PointsBet Canada for violations of responsible gambling regulations in the province.
PointsBet Canada’s infractions include neglecting to aid a customer who may have been experiencing gambling-related harm. The individual lost over $500,000 within a span of less than three months. Despite being identified by PointsBet Canada’s systems as a potentially high-risk player, and the systems noting significant losses and frequent withdrawal cancellations, no proactive measures were taken.
Additionally, PointsBet Canada did not adhere to the mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period for players who cancel their daily deposit limit, a requirement under their Ontario license.
PointsBet Reprimanded for Infractions of Marketing Rules
PonitsBet was also found to have sent promotions, bonuses, or credits through direct marketing without the explicit consent of the player. For instance, one player, who opted out of direct marketing, received credits amounting to $35,500 and multiple offers for complimentary sporting event tickets.
The AGCO found that PointsBet failed to adequately educate its staff on responsible gambling practices, and employees were not properly trained to assist customers who might be adversely affected by gambling.
The regulator emphasized the seriousness of violating the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, which are established to safeguard players from potential gambling-related harm. PointsBet Canada has the right to the penalty but has not yet said whether it will do so.
In Ontario, iGaming operators have an obligation to proactively monitor their patrons’ play for signs of high-risk gambling, and to take appropriate actions to intervene and reduce the potential for gambling related harms. AGCO will continue to focus on player protection by holding all registered operators to these high standards.
A Better Situation in the US
In contrast, PointsBet’s situation in the United States is evolving differently. Earlier this year, Fanatics Betting and Gaming (FBG) agreed to acquire PointsBet’s US operations. Following shareholder approval, the transition process has been progressing swiftly.
Last month, FBG finalized the purchase of PointsBet operations in New York and Wyoming. This followed FBG’s September approval for acquiring PointsBet US in eight additional states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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