Swintt, the EGR award-winning software provider renowned for its classically-themed Premium releases and cutting-edge Select slots, has proudly announced its approval to operate in Ontario. This approval means Swintt’s complete portfolio of games will be accessible on AGCO-licensed platforms, bringing their innovative content to Canadian players for the very first time.

Swintt’s Expansion into Regulated Markets

Kicking off 2024 with ambitious plans to enter more regulated markets, Swintt’s portfolio is now certified in eleven countries, including Malta, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, this latest approval marks the company’s debut in North America, a significant milestone for the brand.

Ontarian players can now look forward to enjoying popular SwinttGames titles like the fan-favorite slot Aloha Spirit XtraLockTM, as well as exciting new games from Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt. This collaboration, resulting from Swintt’s acquisition of Elysium Studios earlier this year, has expanded Swintt’s lineup with immersive themes and state-of-the-art slot designs.

Upcoming Releases and High Hopes

The first game in the Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt lineup, Tipsy Charms, has already been well-received. With the Mesopotamian-themed adventure, Law of Gilgamesh, set to release on May 30th, Ontarian players have much to anticipate in the coming weeks.

As Swintt prepares for a promising second half of 2024 in Ontario, the team is enthusiastic about their first venture into the regulated Canadian market. The company is optimistic that this approval will further enhance its reputation as a leading global provider.

David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, expressed his excitement: “Swintt is delighted to have received AGCO approval for its games in Ontario, and we’re very excited to now have the chance to take this new and dynamic market by storm. Being certified to launch in Ontario is definitely a huge step for the company that will enable us to showcase our brand to new audiences on the global stage.”

Swintt’s Journey and Vision

Established in 2019, Swintt has quickly gained a reputation for delivering localized in-house content and innovative third-party titles, currently certified for distribution in over nine major regulated markets worldwide. Swintt prides itself on offering a diverse portfolio that caters to a wide range of customers, balancing classically-themed Premium releases with modern Select slots.

In 2024, Swintt strengthened its proposition by acquiring Elysium Studios, adding a new and exclusive range of games to its expanding casino lineup. This move underscores Swintt’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the gaming industry.

As Swintt continues to grow and expand its market presence, the company remains dedicated to providing top-quality gaming experiences to players around the world. The future looks bright for Swintt as it embarks on this new chapter in Ontario, bringing its award-winning content to North American players for the first time.

Source:

“Swintt Games Approved for Release in Ontario”. Swintt. May 2024.

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Ontario residents are being urged to exercise caution as fraudulent online casino schemes continue to proliferate. Recent reports have surfaced regarding deceptive advertisements on social media platforms, falsely linking reputable establishments like Casino Rama to unregistered online casinos.

Vigilance Urged as Ontario Cracks Down on Online Casino Scams

Ontario’s law enforcement agencies, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), have sounded the alarm after uncovering a series of scams targeting unsuspecting gamblers, reported local media CTV News Barrie. The fraudulent ads, which tout enticing gaming opportunities purportedly associated with Casino Rama, lead users to unregistered platforms such as WinSpirit Casino.

A spokesperson from the OPP cautioned that while the allure of online gaming may be tempting, it was imperative for individuals to remain vigilant. They emphasized that those fraudulent advertisements posed a significant risk, potentially compromising users’ personal information and financial security.

Authorities emphasized the importance of using regulated gaming sites that adhere to stringent standards of game integrity, data security, and player protection measures. 

In Ontario, licensed gambling establishments are subject to rigorous oversight by the AGCO, ensuring a safe and fair gaming environment for all participants.

At the same time, AGCO and iGaming Ontario recently released an IPSOS study indicating that 86.4% of Ontarian players utilized regulated sites for online gaming in the past three months, showing an increase from the previous year. 

Despite this, over 13% of Ontarians still use unregulated sites, prompting concerns about the risks involved, as highlighted by AGCO’s CEO Dr. Karin Schnarr. 

AGCO Urges Caution in Online Gambling with Tips to Avoid Fraudulent Schemes

A representative from AGCO emphasized the significance of exercising due diligence when participating in online gambling activities. They highlighted the importance of verifying the registration status of gaming sites and using common sense when encountering online advertisements, suggesting that residents could reduce the risk of being ensnared by fraudulent schemes.

This cautionary advisory comes in the wake of similar warnings issued across Canada in response to a nationwide surge in online casino scams. In January, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) warned Manitobans about fraudulent social media posts promoting an online gaming app for Club Regent Casino, urging caution and reporting the ads to Meta. 

While PlayNow.com was highlighted as the province’s sole legal online gaming site, the MBLL emphasized that neither Club Regent Casino nor McPhillips Station Casino offer mobile apps or online gaming options, advising against engaging with fake ads to protect personal information. 

As the prevalence of online gaming continues to rise, authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to combat fraudulent activity and safeguard the interests of consumers. 

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Currently, there are strict rules when it comes to regulating gambling in Ontario, Canada. The province’s gambling regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), constantly monitors the sector to ensure that licensed operators adhere to the established rules. Ultimately, established regulations in the province seek to safeguard the consumers from excessive gambling, prevent and support users that might be affected by the activity.

On Thursday, the AGCO revealed that its Registrar issued a notice of monetary penalty against the online gambling operator PointsBet. The CA$150,000 ($108,600) penalty comes after the Commission alleged that the operator breached several responsible gambling provisions by letting one customer spend more than CA$500,000 ($361,900) over a period of three months.

In light of the notice of monetary penalty, PointsBet can appeal the decision with the License Appeal Tribunal, which is an adjudicative tribunal separate from the gambling watchdog.

“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.“

Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar at AGCO

Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and Registrar, revealed that licensed gambling operators in the province are required to monitor the activities of their customers and prevent excessive gambling. She added that licensees are obligated to take action and reduce gambling harm or at-risk behaviors. “The AGCO will continue to focus on player protection by holding all registered operators to these high standards,” said Schnarr in conclusion.

Recently, the AGCO announced a CA$80,000 ($59,000) monetary penalty against Toronto’s Woodbine Casino. Back in September, the regulator cited an investigation that uncovered insufficient controls at the venue against cheating and collusion between employees and visitors.

The Gambling Regulator Explains the Alleged Breaches

Describing the alleged breaches, the AGCO claimed that PointsBet failed to provide assistance and properly intervene with a player who potentially was experiencing gambling harm. The Commission said that the user was able to lose more than CA$500,000 ($361,900) over three months which is why they were flagged as “high-risk,” by the gambling operator. Additionally, the same customer that kept incurring significant losses also made multiple withdrawal cancellations.

In addition to those warning signs, the AGCO alleged that PointsBet failed to enforce a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period once the player canceled their deposit limit. Moreover, the regulator alleged the operator engaged in direct advertising without the player’s consent, offering credits, bonuses and inducements.

In light of the alleged deficiencies, the AGCO also claimed that PointsBet failed to ensure proper training for its employees on how to deal with customers who may be experiencing problem gambling. The regulator claimed that the operator failed to properly inform its employees of the importance of responsible gambling.

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that its registrar has handed a Notice of Monetary Penalty of CAD 100,000 (around $74,300 in USD) to Apollo Entertainment. According to the commission, the operator has breached its responsible gambling responsibilities.

The AGCO listed a number of reasons for the measure. The regulator explained that Apollo Entertainment violated a number of rules outlined in the registrar’s Standards for Internet gaming.

As reported by the commission, Apollo Entertainment allegedly failed to conduct the required intervention with high-risk players. The authority noted that one of its clients had lost more than $2 million Canadian dollars without prompting intervention from the operator.

In addition to that, Apollo Entertainment did not implement an adequate voluntary self-exclusion scheme for its customers. Furthermore, the operator lacked sufficient tools to allow players to set financial and time-based gambling limits and moderate their gambling behavior.

To make matters worse, Apollo Entertainment also failed to communicate the importance of safer gambling to its employees.

The AGCO noted that the alleged breaches include but “are not limited to” the aforementioned violations.

The AGCO also added that Apollo Entertainment can appeal the measure to the License Appeal Tribunal, a body independent from the AGCO.

In June, the regulator also issued fines to Fitzdares and BV Gaming, two companies that violated its responsible gambling standards. The AGCO’s regulatory framework is designed with the modern iGaming sector in mind and inspired by the latest regulatory measures in notable global markets.

Apollo Will Do Better

While the AGCO identified multiple failings, it acknowledged Apollo Entertainment’s desire to do better. According to the regulator, the operator has been collaborative with the process and is already taking significant steps to bolster its safer gambling capabilities.

AGCO’s registrar and chief executive officer, Tom Mungham, released a statement on the matter, highlighting the commission’s commitment to providing Ontarian players with safe and healthy gambling products.

Because of that, Mungham said, all licensed companies must work hard to protect their players from harm.

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.
Tom Mungham, CEO & registrar, AGCO

Last month, the AGCO strengthened its team with the appointment of a new chairman. The one up to the task was the experienced Dave Forestell.

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced that Dave Forestell will become the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Forestell’s appointment comes as no surprise, given his past contributions to the organization and deep understanding of the online gambling sector. His diverse professional background will give AGCO a fresh perspective, helping the regulator remain in touch with the latest industry developments.

The New Chair Has a History of Success

Forestell’s two decades of professional experience encompassing leadership positions in the government and private sectors were instrumental for his unique outlook on the gambling industry’s prospects and regulatory challenges. The new Chair served as VP of Scotiabank and worked as acting executive director at the Conservative Party of Canada. Forestell most recently was VP of Canada External Relations at TC Energy.

He has been an active member of the AGCO board for several years, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to upholding regulatory standards. Forestell also held the position of Chair for iGaming Toronto, a subsidiary of AGCO responsible for overseeing the province’s growing online gaming sector. His input was instrumental in shaping the province’s digital gaming landscape while ensuring player protection and responsible gambling practices.

With his new appointment as Chair of AGCO’s Board of Directors, Forestell has decided to commit his full efforts to this critical role. As a result, he will step down from his position as Chair at iGaming Toronto to focus on the broader responsibilities and challenges associated with overseeing the entire alcohol and gaming industry in Ontario.

The AGCO Retains Its Vital Functions

Forestell’s appointment happens during a critical time for the regulator as current registrar and chief executive Tom Mungham announced he would retire this fall. One of the new Chair’s first responsibilities will be to help steer the regulator during the transitional period, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to the organization’s underlying principles.

The AGCO plays a crucial role in overseeing the province’s alcohol and gaming sectors, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a safe and secure environment for consumers and operators. The continuous evolution of the gambling industry poses constant new challenges requiring proactive and forward-thinking leadership. Forestell’s diverse experience could prove invaluable in accommodating technological advancements and developing industry trends.

As the gaming landscape in Ontario continues to evolve, the AGCO’s role becomes increasingly critical in ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment for all. Dave Forestell’s addition to the leadership team aids the commission’s mission to navigate the industry’s complexities, protect consumers and promote responsible gambling practices.

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has fined three operators over the provision of uncertified slots.

According to the regulator, Bunchberry, Mobile Incorporated and LeoVegas offered games that had not been approved by the AGCO registrar or certified by an Independent Testing Laboratory registered by the registrar. In addition to that, Mobile Incorporated took it a step further by offering titles from unregistered companies.

The AGCO pointed out that its standards were put in place to protect citizens of the province from gambling harm and to ensure game integrity and fairness. These rules include clear requirements that the licensed operators and suppliers in Ontario’s regulated iGaming market are expected to follow. One of them is to offer only games that have been certified by the AGCO or and AGCO-registered ITL.

As a result of the aforementioned violations, the AGCO issued $51,760 (converted to USD) in monetary penalties to the three gaming operators that violated the rules. Breaking down the fines, Mobile Incorporated has received a $22,200 fine for its violations. LeoVegas, meanwhile, will have to pay $18,500 for providing unlicensed games. Lastly, Bunchberry will have to pay a fine of $11,000.

The three operators have the right to appeal the registrar’s action to the Licence Appeal Tribunal – an adjudicative tribunal that is independent of the AGCO and is a part of Tribunals Ontario.

Mungham Said that Players Expect the Rules to Be Followed

Tom Mungham, the chief executive officer and registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, commented on the matter. He reaffirmed that the AGCO will continue to hold all registered operators to high standards when it comes to safer gaming, player protection and integrity.

As a result, the AGCO will continue to monitor its licensees’ activities and take action when the rules are breached. Mungham said that one of the most important features of the local regulatory regime is the requirement that gaming companies should only offer games registered by independent testing laboratories.

Ontarians who choose to play on registered sites need the assurance that the games being provided meet these requirements.

Tom Mungham, CEO & registrar, AGCO

The AGCO Says 85% of Players Prefer the Legal Market

Earlier this month, the AGCO published statistics about the state of the regulated iGaming market. Celebrating a year of legal online gambling, the regulator pointed out that a whopping 85% of the local players are now playing with legal operators.

These results were lauded by Mungham, who said that channeling players toward the legal market had been a key objective in the first year of Ontario iGaming. He noted that by playing with licensed companies, players can benefit from high standards, game integrity, fairness, player protection and responsible gaming tools.

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